Tulip bulbs
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 060120 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 060110 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 060120 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 060110 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 060110 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 060120 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π· Tulip Bulbs (Tulip Bulbs, Dormant or in Growth/Leaf)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Pro-Level Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are Tulip Bulbs?
Tulip bulbs are the underground storage organs of Tulipa speciesβbulbous plants prized for their vibrant spring blooms. In international trade, they are classified based on whether they are dormant or actively growing, and whether they are in leaf or not.
β οΈ Critical Distinction: - Dormant bulbs (not in growth, no green parts) β HS Code: 0601.20 - Bulbs in growth or in leaf (showing green shoots or leaves) β HS Code: 0601.10
This distinction is not optionalβit directly determines your tariff rate, compliance status, and whether your shipment clears customs smoothly.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | In Growth / In Leaf? | Dormant? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0601.10 |
Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in leaf; chicory plants and roots (excluding heading 1212) β Bulbs | Fresh tulip bulbs with visible green shoots, leaves, or root development | β Yes | β No |
0601.20 |
Bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, dormant, in growth or in leaf; chicory plants and roots (excluding heading 1212) β Dormant bulbs, tubers, etc. | Dry, inactive bulbs with no visible growth, stored for planting | β No | β Yes |
π Key Insight:
- "In growth or in leaf" means any visible sign of life: green stem, leaf, or root sprout. - "Dormant" means fully inactiveβno green tissue, no sprouting, stored in dry conditions. - Even a tiny green tip = must be declared as 0601.10, not 0601.20.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff & Tax Breakdown (Detailed & Compliant)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN), Netherlands (NL), Belgium (BE), Mexico (MX)
β Effective Date: January 1, 2025 (updated tariff schedule)
π― 1. 0601.10 β Bulbs in Growth or in Leaf (Live, Growing Tulip Bulbs)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% (under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Emergency Tariff (China/Asia) | +10% (applies to products from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (denied under US law) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:0601.10 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- USITC 25% comes from Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act β targeting Chinese-origin agricultural goods. - IEEPA 10% is under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act β applies to all goods from China. - Total 45% is extremely high β equivalent to a luxury import tax. - Even if the bulbs are non-commercial (e.g., for home gardening), this tariff still applies.
π― 2. 0601.20 β Dormant Bulbs, Tubers, Tuberous Roots, Corms, Rhizomes (Dry, Stored Tulip Bulbs)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | +25% |
| IEEPA Emergency Tariff (China/Asia) | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 45% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:0601.20 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Same 45% rate as0601.10β no difference in tariff between dormant and growing bulbs! - This is because both are classified under the same tariff line and subject to the same trade actions. - Do not assume dormancy = lower tax β itβs a common misconception.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Real-World Pro Tips)
β 1. Required Documentation (Mandatory for Clearance)
| Document | Must Provide? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: species (Tulipa gesneriana), size (e.g., 12/14 cm), dormancy status, origin |
| β Photos of Bulbs (With/Without Growth) | βοΈ | Critical for customs to verify if in growth or dormant |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: βTulip Bulbs β In Growth / Dormantβ and HS Code |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate (PSC) | βοΈ | Mandatory for all live plant material β issued by exporting countryβs agriculture authority |
| β Fumigation Certificate (if applicable) | βοΈ | Required if shipped from high-risk countries (e.g., China) |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Needed to claim preferential rates (if available) |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must indicate total weight, number of bulbs, packaging type |
π Warning:
- No phytosanitary certificate? β Shipment will be detained or rejected. - Incorrect HS code? β Delayed clearance, penalties, or seizure.
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌKey Rules to RememberοΌ
π₯ βLive = 0601.10, Dormant = 0601.20, But Both Pay 45%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Tulip bulbs with 1 cm green shoot | 0601.10 |
β Incorrectly declared as 0601.20 β penalty |
| Dry, sealed, no growth | 0601.20 |
β Called βtulip bulbsβ without specifying dormancy β audit risk |
| Mixed shipment: some growing, some dormant | Split by HS Code | β One invoice for both β customs may reject entire shipment |
| Bulbs in soil or growing medium | 0601.10 |
β Do not declare as βdormantβ β soil = growth indicator |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Bulbs from EU (Netherlands, Belgium) | Apply for IEEPA exemption β if origin is EU, no 10% IEEPA tariff β total = 25% |
| Bulbs from Mexico or Vietnam | Check for USMCA or Free Trade Agreement β may qualify for 0% tariff |
| Small consignment (< $200) | β No de minimis relief β 45% still applies |
| Gifts for personal use | Still subject to full tariff β no exemption |
| Bulbs with roots and soil | Must be declared as in growth β 0601.10 + full tax |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 0601.10 or 0601.20 |
45% (if from China) | Phytosanitary + Fumigation | High risk |
| π¨π³ China | 0601.10 / 0601.20 |
5% | Plant Quarantine Certificate | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 0601.10 / 0601.20 |
0% (if EU origin) | Plant Passport | No extra tariffs |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 0601.10 / 0601.20 |
0% (under USMCA) | Phytosanitary | Low risk |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 0601.10 / 0601.20 |
0% | APHIS (Plant Health) | No additional duties |
π Takeaway:
- The U.S. is the only major market imposing 45% tariffs on tulip bulbs from China. - EU, Canada, and Australia are much more favorable β especially if you source from Europe.
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real Cases)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "dormant tulip bulbs" as 0601.20 but sending bulbs with green tips
π Result: Customs reclassifies as 0601.10 β additional 45% tax + penalties
β Mistake 2: Sending 500 bulbs in soil without phytosanitary certificate
π Result: Shipment held at port, may be destroyed
β Mistake 3: Combining dormant and growing bulbs in one shipment under one HS code
π Result: Customs rejects entire shipment β no partial clearance
β Mistake 4: Using generic name like βflower bulbsβ without specifying Tulipa
π Result: Customs delays β asks for clarification β costs time and money
β Correct Way to Declare:
βTulip Bulbs (Tulipa gesneriana), Dormant, 12/14 cm, 500 units, packed in ventilated trays, origin: Netherlands, Phytosanitary Certificate Attached, HS Code: 0601.20β
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Smart Import Strategy
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ βIf itβs growing β 0601.10. If itβs dry β 0601.20. But if itβs from China β 45% tax either way.β
πΉ βNo de minimis. No exemptions. No mercy.β
π Pro Tips: - β Source from EU or Mexico to avoid 45% tariff. - β Apply for pre-ruling (Advance Ruling) with U.S. CBP if you ship frequently. - β Use a licensed customs broker with plant material experience. - β Always include photos and PSC β no exceptions.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a specialized agricultural customs broker
π Get your HS Code pre-confirmed before shipping
πΌ Avoid costly delays, fines, or destruction of your tulip bulbs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your bulb shipmentβs success depends on one number: the HS Code.
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.