Dried Fruit

Here is the comprehensive customs clearance guide for Dried Fruit, structured in a professional Wiki Style based strictly on the provided data.

🍎🍇 Dried Fruit: Comprehensive Customs & HS Code Guide (2026 Edition)

🌐 Global Trade Compliance | HS Code Classification & Tax Strategy | Professional Clearance Protocol
📌 I. Product Definition & Scope: What Exactly is "Dried Fruit"?

In international trade, "Dried Fruit" is not a single product but a category encompassing various stages of processing. The HS Code classification depends entirely on origin, processing method (fresh/dried vs. preserved/sugared), and specific fruit type.

The product scope includes: 1. Simply Dried Fruits: Fruits dried without added sugar or alcohol (e.g., raisins, dried apricots, dried figs). 2. Preserved/Prepared Fruits: Fruits treated with sugar, syrup, alcohol, or other preservatives. 3. Nuts & Mixtures: Edible parts of plants mixed together.

⚠️ Critical Distinction for Classifiers:
- Simple Drying (Headings 08.01–08.06 or 08.13) vs. Further Preparation (Heading 20.08).
- Specific Fruits (Dates, Figs, Pineapples, etc.) have their own dedicated codes.
- Mixtures and Berries often carry different tax liabilities due to specific trade measures.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)

🔍 Classification Logic:
- If your product is Dates, Figs, or Mangoes (Fresh or Dried) → 0804. - If your product is Mixed Nuts/Dried Fruits not in 0804 → 0813. - If your product is Berries that are sugared or preserved → 2008.99.21.40. - If your product is Other Fruits (non-berry, non-mixed) that are sugared or preserved → 2008.99.91.90.

💰 III. Tax & Duty Rate Analysis (Detailed Breakdown)

Based on the provided dataset, the tax status varies significantly by HS Code.

1. Code 0813 (Dried Fruits & Nut Mixtures)

• Description: "Fruit, dried, other than that of headings 08.01 to 08.06..."
• Tax Status: ⚠️ Error / Failed to Retrieve
  • Base Tax: Error
  • Additional Tax: Error
  • Total Tax: Error
• ⚠️ Operational Warning: The system could not retrieve specific tax rates for this code. Action Required: You must manually verify the current "Dried Fruit" tariff with the local customs authority (e.g., CBP, EU TARIC) before shipment, as rates often fluctuate based on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

2. Code 0804 (Dates, Figs, Avocados, etc.)

• Description: "Dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes and mangosteens, fresh or dried."
• Tax Status: ⚠️ Error / Failed to Retrieve
  • Base Tax: Error
  • Additional Tax: Error
  • Total Tax: Error
• ⚠️ Operational Warning: Similar to 0813, specific tax data is unavailable in the current dataset. Many countries have specific seasonal quotas or high tariffs on fresh/dried tropical fruits. Do not assume a rate of 0%.

3. Code 2008.99.21.40 (Prepared/Preserved Berries)

• Description: "Other: Berries: Other Other" (Prepared/Preserved with sugar/spirit).
• Tax Status: ✅ Successfully Retrieved
  • Base Tax (Basic Tariff): 4.5%
  • Additional Tax (Retaliatory/Add-on): 25.0%
  • Total Tax Rate: 29.5%
• 📌 Detailed Explanation:
  • This product faces a two-tier tariff structure.
  • Layer 1: Standard Base Duty of 4.5%.
  • Layer 2: A massive 25.0% surcharge (likely a trade remedy or Section 301-type tariff).
  • Total Impact: For every $100 USD value, you will pay $29.50 in duties.
  • Target: This code is specifically sensitive to Berries that have been preserved or sweetened.

4. Code 2008.99.91.90 (Other Prepared/Preserved Fruits)

• Description: "Other: Other: Other" (Prepared/Preserved).
• Tax Status: ⚠️ Error / Failed to Retrieve
  • Base Tax: Error
  • Additional Tax: Error
  • Total Tax: Error
• ⚠️ Operational Warning: Despite being a "Prepared" fruit (likely sugared), the specific rate is missing. This is a common "catch-all" category; ensure you check for country-specific restrictions.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Suggestions (Action Plan)

✅ 1. Product Declaration Strategy

• Be Specific with "Fresh vs. Dried":
  • If shipping Dates, Figs, or Mangoes, declare them as 0804 immediately. Do not mix them with "General Dried Fruits" (0813).
  • If shipping Mixed Nuts + Dried Fruit, declare under 0813.
• The "Sugar" Trap (2008 Codes):
  • If your dried fruit has added sugar, syrup, honey, or alcohol, it moves from Heading 08 to 2008.
  • Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, etc.) that are sugared MUST go to 2008.99.21.40, triggering the 29.5% tax.
  • Non-Berries (e.g., sugared apricots) go to 2008.99.91.90.

✅ 2. Handling "Error" Tax Data

• Immediate Verification: Since 0813, 0804, and 2008.99.91.90 show "Failed to retrieve," do not estimate costs.
  • Use a licensed customs broker to query the Official Tariff Database (e.g., USITC Tariff, ICS Customs) for the specific country of import.
  • Check for FTA Eligibility: Many dried fruits (0804) may qualify for 0% duty under trade agreements (e.g., CAFTA-DR, AGOA) if the country of origin certificate is provided.

✅ 3. Labeling & Documentation

• Prepared vs. Unprepared: Clearly state on the Commercial Invoice:
  • "Dried Mangoes, No Added Sugar" → Likely 0804.
  • "Dried Mangoes, Coated in Sugar Syrup" → Likely 2008.99.91.90.
• Mixtures: If the product is a "Trail Mix," ensure the description clearly lists all components. If it contains berries + nuts, the classification might shift to 0813 or 2008 depending on the dominant ingredient and preparation method.

✅ 4. Cost Calculation for "High Tax" Items

• For Code 2008.99.21.40 (Berries):
  • Assume the 29.5% total tax in your landed cost calculation.
  • Example: $10,000 CIF Value → $2,950 Duty.
  • This significantly impacts the profitability of sugared berry products. Consider sourcing from countries with lower trade barriers or reformulating to avoid "Prepared" status if legally possible.

🌍 V. Market-Specific Notes (General Guidance)

📌 VI. Summary Checklist for Shippers

• [ ] Identify Fruit Type: Is it a Date, Fig, or Mango? (If Yes → 0804).
• [ ] Check Processing: Is it just dried, or is sugar/syrup added? (If Sugared → Heading 2008).
• [ ] Check Category: Is it a Berry? (If Sugared Berry → 2008.99.21.40 with 29.5% Tax).
• [ ] Check Mixture: Is it a nut/fruit mix? (If Yes → 0813).
• [ ] Verify Tax: Do not rely on "Error" data. Consult a broker for 0813, 0804, and 2008.99.91.90 rates.
• [ ] Prepare Docs: Origin Certificate, Commercial Invoice (specifying "No Added Sugar" vs. "Sugared"), and Packing List.

🔥 Final Warning: "Prepared with Sugar = High Tax." If your dried fruit is a Berry and has any added sweetener, expect a 29.5% duty burden. If your fruit is Fresh/Dried (No Sugar), the tax data is missing from the system—verify manually to avoid customs delays or penalties.

✨ Customs Compliance: Accuracy is Profit.
💼 Don't let an 'Error' in the system cost you your margin!