Sun dried tomatoes

🍅 Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Tomatos Séchés au Soleil)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy 📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Sun-Dried Tomatoes"?

Sun-dried tomatoes are a versatile ingredient used in gourmet cooking, salads, and snacks. In international trade, they are primarily classified under Chapter 20 (Preparations of Vegetables). The key factor determining the correct HS Code is how they are preserved and their physical state (whole/sliced vs. puree/paste).

Two Main Categories:

1. Preserved Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in brine/vinegar/oil) or Not Otherwise Prepared:

   • These are typically whole or sliced tomatoes that have been sun-dried and often packed in oil, vinegar, or brine.
   • They are considered "preserved" but not necessarily "prepared" in the sense of being cooked into a sauce or puree.
   • HS Code: 2005.90 (Other vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid).

2. Tomato Puree or Paste (if processed further):

   • If the sun-dried tomatoes are further processed into a puree, paste, or concentrate, they fall under a different heading.
   • HS Code: 2002.90 (Tomatoes prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid).

⚠️ Critical Distinction: * If the product is whole/sliced and packed in liquid (oil/vinegar/brine) without further cooking/pureeing → 2005.90 * If the product is pureed/paste → 2002.90.80.50 (Other) or 2002.90.80.40 (Puree)

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Key Reminder: * 2005.90 is the most common code for sun-dried tomatoes in jars/bags with oil or vinegar. * 2002.90 series applies if the tomatoes are processed into a puree or paste. * 2005.10 is generally for fresh tomatoes and is rarely used for dried products unless specific exemptions apply.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policies)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US) ✅ Origin: China (CN) ✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 2005.90 —— Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Preserved in Brine/Vinegar/Oil)

📌 Explanation: * The base tariff for 2005.90 is typically low (often 0-7.5% for non-China origins), but for China-origin products, additional Section 301 tariffs may apply. * However, the provided data indicates "Failed to retrieve tax information" and "Error" for total tax. This suggests that either: * The tax data is not yet updated in the system for this specific HS code. * The product may be subject to special restrictions or anti-dumping duties not reflected in the base rate. * Recommendation: Verify the exact duty rate with a customs broker or check the latest USITC database, as Section 301 tariffs (25%) often apply to tomato products from China.

🎯 2. 2002.90.80.50 —— Other Tomato Preparations (Not Puree)

📌 Explanation: * Base Tariff: 11.6% (standard MFN rate for many tomato preparations). * Additional Tariff: +25.0% (Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods). * Total Tax: 36.6% * Legal Basis: USITC Section 301 list.

🎯 3. 2002.90.80.40 —— Tomato Puree

📌 Explanation: * Same as above. Tomato puree from China is subject to a 36.6% total tariff. * Key Difference: This applies only if the sun-dried tomatoes are processed into puree/paste.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (缺一不可)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)

🔥 "Whole or Sliced? 2005.90! Puree? 2002.90! Don't Mix Them!"

✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling

🌍 V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion: * USA imposes high tariffs (up to 36.6%) on processed tomato products from China due to Section 301. * EU/UK/JP generally have lower tariffs and no Section 301 penalties. * Sun-dried tomatoes in 2005.90 may have unclear tax rates in the current data; verify with customs.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Sun-Dried Tomatoes" as "Fresh Tomatoes" (2005.10) 👉 Consequence: Classification error → Delay or Rejection

❌ Error 2: Mixing "Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil" with "Tomato Puree" in one shipment 👉 Consequence: Different HS Codes → Complex Clearance + Higher Duty

❌ Error 3: Not specifying the preservation medium (oil/vinegar/brine) in the invoice 👉 Consequence: Customs may classify under 2002.90 (36.6%) instead of 2005.90

❌ Error 4: Ignoring FDA/FSMA Compliance for US Imports 👉 Consequence: Product Seizure or Refusal of Entry

✅ Correct Practice:

"Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Preserved in Olive Oil, Packaged in Glass Jars, Net Weight 500g, Origin: China, FDA Registered Facility No. XXXXX"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Cost!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Whole/Sliced? 2005.90! Puree? 2002.90! Don't Mix!" 🔹 "HS Code Determines Duty! 36.6% vs. Unknown! Check First!" 🔹 "FDA & FSMA Mandatory for US! No License, No Entry!"

📌 Tips:

If your sun-dried tomatoes are originally from Italy, Spain, or Greece, you may qualify for lower tariffs or no Section 301 duties. Suggest Applying for Advance Ruling to avoid clearance risks.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Images + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling 🚀 Let your sun-dried tomatoes Clear Smoothly, Export Efficiently, Profit Doubled!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! 💼 Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!