English cucumbers
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 070700 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 070700 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΏ Cucumbers and Gherkins, Fresh or Chilled
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Cucumbers"?
Cucumbers and gherkins are widely consumed fresh vegetables in global trade, valued for their crisp texture, high water content, and versatility in salads, pickling, and culinary applications. In international customs classification, they are grouped under fresh or chilled conditions, regardless of whether they are intended for fresh consumption or processing into pickles.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Fresh cucumbers (e.g., slicing cucumbers, greenhouse-grown) β 0707.00
- Gherkins (small, pickling cucumbers) β Still fall under 0707.00
- Pickled cucumbers (fermented or preserved) β Not covered here, must be classified under 1901.90 or 2001.90
- Cucumber seeds β Classified under 1209.99
- Cucumber juice β Classified under 2009.50β Important Note:
The HS Code 0707.00 applies only to fresh or chilled cucumbers and gherkins, whether whole, sliced, or in any form β as long as they are not processed, pickled, or preserved.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Use Case | Fresh/Chilled? | Processing Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0707.00 |
Cucumbers and gherkins, fresh or chilled | Fresh market sales, export to supermarkets, food service, restaurant supply | β Yes | β Unprocessed, unfermented, not pickled |
1901.90 |
Other prepared or preserved foods (e.g., pickled cucumbers) | Ready-to-eat pickles, canned cucumbers, brined products | β No | β Processed/preserved |
2001.90 |
Other vegetables preserved (e.g., pickled, fermented) | Commercial pickle products, brine-packed cucumbers | β No | β Preserved |
1209.99 |
Seeds of cucumbers (non-food use, e.g., planting) | Agricultural seed exports, breeding programs | β Yes | β Not for human consumption |
2009.50 |
Vegetable juices (cucumber juice) | Beverage industry, health drinks, extracts | β No | β Processed liquid |
π Critical Reminder:
- If the cucumbers are not pickled, fermented, canned, or cooked, they must be declared under 0707.00.
- Even if sliced or packaged, as long as no preservatives, vinegar, salt brine, or fermentation agents are added, the product remains fresh or chilled and qualifies for 0707.00.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Withιε Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN), Mexico (MX), India (IN), Egypt (EG), Spain (ES)
β Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (updated tariff schedule)
π― 1. 0707.00 β Cucumbers and Gherkins, Fresh or Chilled
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | +7.5% (applies to China-origin goods) |
| IEEPA Emergency Economic Powers Act Duty | +10% (applies to goods from China, Hong Kong, and certain other countries) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (denied) β no exemption for China-origin goods |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:0707.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 7.5% USITC tariff stems from the U.S. Trade Representativeβs Section 301 actions against Chinaβs unfair trade practices.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is part of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, targeting goods from China and other designated countries.
- Total = 17.5% β a moderate but significant tariff, especially for bulk imports.β Good News:
- If the cucumbers originate from Mexico, Canada, or EU countries, the USITC and IEEPA tariffs are waived β 0% total duty.
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefits apply under USMCA (Mexico & Canada) and EU-US trade agreements.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Tips (Real-World Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state βFresh Cucumbers, Whole, Chilledβ |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include weight, quantity, packaging type (e.g., cardboard box, plastic tray) |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | Required for all fresh produce from non-NAFTA countries |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | For FTA claims (e.g., USMCA, EU) β essential to get 0% duty |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show fresh, uncut cucumbers; no signs of fermentation or brine |
| β Temperature Log (if chilled) | βοΈ | Prove cold chain integrity during transit |
| β FDA Registration (if applicable) | βοΈ | For U.S. importers of fresh produce |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Proclamation Rules)
π₯ "Fresh not Fermented, Chilled not Canned, Origin Matters, Duty Drops to Zero!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cucumbers from Mexico | 0707.00 + 0% duty (USMCA) |
Misclassified as processed β 17.5% |
| Sliced cucumbers (no preservatives) | 0707.00 |
Declared as "vegetable mix" β risk of denial |
| Cucumbers with brine or vinegar | Not 0707.00 β 2001.90 |
Misdeclaration β penalties |
| Cucumber seeds | 1209.99 |
Declared as "cucumber" β incorrect |
| Cucumber juice | 2009.50 |
Not eligible for 0707.00 |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers from India or Egypt | Apply for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) β may qualify for 0% duty |
| Cucumbers with mild fermentation (e.g., lightly brined) | Do not use 0707.00 β must declare under 2001.90 |
| Organic cucumbers | Still fall under 0707.00 β but require organic certification (USDA Organic, EU Organic) |
| Cucumbers for export to EU | Use EU Organic or GlobalG.A.P. certification β no tariff under EU rules |
| Cucumbers shipped in ice or refrigerated containers | β
Still qualifies for 0707.00 β as long as not processed |
π Five, Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 0707.00 |
0% (if MX/CA/EEA) or 17.5% (if CN) | Phytosanitary + CO | China-origin: 17.5% |
| π¨π³ China | 0707.00 |
0% | None (domestic) | No import duty on fresh produce |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 0707.00 |
0% (if from FTA countries) | EU Phytosanitary + Organic | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 0707.00 |
0% | Australian Plant Health Certificate | No extra duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 0707.00 |
0% | JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) | No additional tax |
π Conclusion:
- The U.S. is the only major market imposing a significant tariff on Chinese-origin cucumbers (17.5%).
- Mexico, Canada, and EU countries offer 0% duty under trade agreements.
- Switching origin to USMCA or EU countries can save up to 17.5% in tariffs.
π Six, Common Mistakes & Risk Avoidance (Real-World Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring lightly brined cucumbers as 0707.00
π Result: Customs rejection, seizure, or back duties + penalties.
β Mistake 2: Not providing phytosanitary certificate for non-NAFTA imports
π Result: Delayed clearance, potential rejection at port.
β Mistake 3: Using "vegetable mix" as product name instead of "fresh cucumbers"
π Result: Misclassification risk β higher duty or audit.
β Mistake 4: Failing to declare origin clearly on invoice
π Result: Loss of FTA benefits β pay full 17.5% duty.
β Correct Way to Declare:
"Fresh Cucumbers, Whole, Chilled, Origin: Mexico, USMCA Certified, Phytosanitary Certificate Attached, No Preservatives"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Accurate Classification = Cost Savings & Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Fresh not Fermented, Chilled not Canned, Origin Matters, Duty Drops to Zero!"
πΉ "One wrong code = 17.5% extra cost, one missing certificate = 10-day delay!"
π Pro Tip:
If your cucumbers are originating from Mexico, Canada, or EU, apply for USMCA or FTA certification β you can avoid all additional tariffs and enjoy 0% duty.
β Request an Advance Ruling (Pre-Clearance) from U.S. Customs (CBP) to lock in classification and duty rate.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + provide product photos + request HS Code pre-ruling
π Ensure your cucumbers clear customs fast, stay compliant, and save thousands in tariffs!
β¨ Smart Importing Starts with Accurate HS Code!
πΌ Your profit margin depends on the right classification β donβt gamble with 0707.00!
Customer Reviews
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.