Dried lavender bunches
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1211908990 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1211908980 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1211908980 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1211908990 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1211908980 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΏ Dried Lavender Bunches: Complete HS Code Classification & US Customs Guide (2026 Tax Edition)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Compliance
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Dried Lavender"?
Lavender is a globally traded aromatic herb used in perfumery, potpourri, aromatherapy, and herbal teas. In international trade, dried lavender bunches fall under Chapter 12 (Edible Fruits, Nuts, and Spices), specifically under heading 1211 ("Plants and parts of plants of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes").
However, precise classification depends on three critical factors:
β
Material: Plant part (flowers/stems)
β
Form: Dried (not fresh, frozen, or processed into oil)
β
Primary Use: Aromatherapy, spice, herbal tea, or ornamental
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If used exclusively as medicinal/herbal tea β May fall under 1211.90.89.80
- If used as fragrance/spice/ornamental β Falls under 1211.90.89.90
- Bunches (tied stems + flowers) = Always classified under 1211.90.89.90 unless explicitly for tea
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 US Tariff Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Primary Use Case | Dried Form? | Medicinal/Tea? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1211.90.89.80 |
Dried lavender bunches (single species, no blending) | Herbal tea, wellness products | β Yes | β Yes (explicitly for tea/medicinal) |
1211.90.89.90 |
Dried lavender bunches (other, non-tea/medicinal) | Fragrance, potpourri, craft, decorative | β Yes | β No (not for tea/medicinal) |
π Key Note:
- Both codes apply to dried, single-species lavender bunches.
- Use-case documentation is mandatory: Customs requires proof of intended use (e.g., "for tea" vs. "for potpourri").
- Bundled lavender (tied in bunches) is always classified under 1211.90.89.90 unless explicitly labeled for medicinal/tea use.
π° III. 2026 US Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (for all new imports)
π― 1. 1211.90.89.90 β Dried Lavender Bunches (Non-Tea/Medicinal)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (China/HK products, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1211.90.89.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% Section 301 duty applies to all "other" plant products not classified as tea/medicinal.
- The 10% IEEPA duty is a China-specific surcharge.
- Total 35% tariff is non-negotiable and applies to all dried lavender bunches unless explicitly for tea/medicinal use.
π― 2. 1211.90.89.80 β Dried Lavender Bunches (For Tea/Medicinal Use)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Path | Same as above (IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:1211.90.89.80) |
π Note:
- Even if intended for tea, the 35% total duty applies.
- No lower tax rate exists for lavender bunches under current US trade policies.
- Documentation is critical: If you claim "for tea," you must provide proof (e.g., "Herbal Tea Product" on packaging).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Tips (Avoid Costly Mistakes)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Confirm dried form, plant part, and use case |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Explicitly state "Dried Lavender Bunches" + intended use |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Detail bundle size, weight, and packaging |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Prove origin (China) to trigger IEEPA 10% surcharge |
| Intended Use Declaration | βοΈ | "For Aromatherapy" vs. "For Herbal Tea" |
| Third-Party Lab Report | βοΈ | Pesticide residues, purity, and safety certification |
| Photographs of Product | βοΈ | Show tied bunches, label, and packaging |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Be Specific on Use, Avoid Ambiguity, and Declare Correctly!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| For Potpourri/Craft | 1211.90.89.90 |
"Lavender Tea" β 35% + Penalty |
| For Herbal Tea | 1211.90.89.80 |
"Lavender Bunches" (vague) β 35% + Penalty |
| Mixed Use (e.g., Tea + Craft) | Declare as 1211.90.89.90 (default) |
Claim "Tea" without proof β Audit Risk |
| Fresh vs. Dried | Explicitly state "Dried" | Omit "Dried" β Misclassification |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Bundles | Provide client order + design drawings to avoid "non-standard" classification |
| Lavender + Other Herbs | Must declare as "blended" β May fall under 1211.90.99.00 (higher scrutiny) |
| Lavender for Medical Use | Requires FDA registration + medical claim proof (not just "tea") |
| Lavender for Ornamental Use | Same as 1211.90.89.90 β 35% duty applies |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Tariff Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Taxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1211.90.89.90 or 80 |
0% | +35% (Section 301 + IEEPA) | Highest tax burden |
| π¨π³ China | 1211.90.89.90 |
10% | 0% | No Section 301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1211.90.89.90 |
0% | 0% | CE + pesticide compliance |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 1211.90.89.90 |
5% | 0% | Biosecurity strict |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1211.90.89.90 |
5% | 0% | Pesticide testing required |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with 35% total duty on dried lavender bunches.
- China/EU/Australia/Japan have lower or zero additional taxes but stricter biosecurity checks.
- US importers must budget for 35% duty β no exemptions exist for lavender bunches.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Lavender" without specifying "Dried Bunches"
π Result: Customs may classify as "Fresh Herbs" β Higher duty + penalties
β Mistake 2: Claiming "For Tea" without proof
π Result: 35% duty applies anyway, but risk of audit if no documentation
β Mistake 3: Mixing lavender with other herbs
π Result: Classified as "Blended Herbs" β Higher scrutiny + potential rejection
β Correct Practice:
"Dried Lavender Bunches (Lavandula angustifolia), 100g per bundle, for Aromatherapy/Decorative Use, Pesticide-Free, Origin: China"
π― VII. Final Takeaway: Precision is Profit
π― Remember:
πΉ "Dried Lavender Bunches = 35% Duty in US β No Exceptions"
πΉ "Be Specific on Use: Tea? Craft? Medical? Documentation is Key"
πΉ "Avoid Ambiguity: 'Lavender' β 'Dried Lavender Bunches'"
π Pro Tip:
If your lavender is from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption (0% surcharge), but Section 301 25% duty still applies.
Always request an Advance Ruling from US Customs to avoid surprises.
π£ Action Step:
π Contact a licensed US customs broker + Submit product specs + photos + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Clear your lavender shipment fast, save 35% on duties, and scale your business!
β¨ Precision Classification = Profit Preservation!
πΌ Your every cent counts β calculate it right!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.