USglish Cucumber
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7020004000 | 41.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7020006000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π₯ Uglies Cucumber (Misshapen/Ugly Produce)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Uglies Cucumber"?
"Uglies Cucumber" refers to cucumbers that do not meet standard commercial grade specifications for shape, color, or size, but remain safe for consumption. In international trade, these are often marketed as "imperfect," "ugly," or "rescue" produce to reduce food waste.
Despite being cosmetically flawed, they are biologically classified as fresh cucumbers. Therefore, they fall under the general category of fresh vegetables.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the cucumbers are fresh, whole, and unprocessed (not pickled, dried, or canned) β They are classified as Fresh Vegetables.
- If they are pickled, fermented, or preserved β They fall under Chapter 20 (Prepared Vegetables).
- Important: The term "Uglies" is a marketing term, not a customs classification term. Customs officials will classify based on the physical state of the product, not its aesthetic appeal.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Since the provided <DATA> only contains Chapter 70 (Glass Articles) and no HS codes for cucumbers (Chapter 07), we must identify the correct global HS code for fresh cucumbers for clearance purposes. Note: The <DATA> provided (7020.00.40.00 and 7020.00.60.00) is for glass articles and is incorrect for cucumbers. Using these codes for cucumbers will result in severe customs penalties or rejection.
| HS Code (Harmonized System) | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (China to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0702.00.00.00 | Cucumbers and gherkins, fresh or chilled | Correct Classification for Fresh "Uglies" Cucumbers | Free (0%) + Section 301 Duty (25%) = 25% Total |
| 7020.00.40.00 | Glass inners for vacuum flasks... | INCORRECT for cucumbers. Used for glass labware. | 0% |
| 7020.00.60.00 | Other articles of glass | INCORRECT for cucumbers. Used for glass statues/decor. | 0% |
| 2001.90.60.00 | Vegetables prepared/preserved (vinegar) | Used for Pickled Cucumbers, not fresh. | 10% + 25% = 35% |
π Key Reminder:
- "Uglies" = Fresh. If itβs fresh, itβs 0702.
- Never use Chapter 70 (Glass) for food products. This is a major red flag for customs brokers.
- The<DATA>you provided refers to Glass Articles, not cucumbers. If you are importing cucumbers, you must use 0702.00.00.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (China to US)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Product: Fresh Cucumbers (including "Uglies")
β HS Code: 0702.00.00.00
π― 1. 0702.00.00.00 ββ Cucumbers, Fresh or Chilled
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | Free (0%) |
| USITC Section 301 Duty | +25% (Footnote 9903.01.24) |
| IEEPA Supplementary Duty | +10% (Effective Nov 10, 2025, for certain Chinese goods) |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Denied for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:0702.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate: Fresh vegetables from most countries enter the US duty-free.
- Section 301 Tariff: Since cucumbers are agricultural products from China, they are subject to the 25% additional tariff imposed under the 301 investigation.
- IEEPA 10%: Depending on the specific import date and product exclusions, an additional 10% may apply. Check for product-specific exclusions.
- Total: Expect a 35% tariff on the CIF value. This is high for agricultural products and significantly impacts profit margins.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Fresh Cucumbers," not "Uglies" or "Misshapen Produce." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, quantity, and packaging type (e.g., cardboard boxes with ventilation). |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | Mandatory from the country of origin. Must state free from pests and diseases. |
| β Cooling Certificate | βοΈ | If shipped chilled, prove temperature control was maintained. |
| β Labeling | βοΈ | "Product of China," net weight, and handling instructions. |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Submit to FDA before arrival. Food products require strict FDA compliance. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Fresh is 0702, Pickled is 2001, Glass is 7020 β Donβt Mix Them Up!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh "Uglies" Cucumbers | 0702.00.00.00 "Fresh Cucumbers" |
Declaring as 7020 (Glass) β Seizure & Fine |
| Pickled "Uglies" Cucumbers | 2001.90.60.00 "Pickled Cucumbers" |
Declaring as Fresh β FDA Rejection |
| Dried Cucumbers | 0712.90.00.00 "Dried Vegetables" |
Declaring as Fresh β Incorrect HS Code |
| Cucumber Seeds | 1209.91.00.00 "Seeds for Planting" |
Declaring as Produce β Different Duty |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic Flaws | Do not declare as "defective goods." Declare as standard fresh cucumbers. USDA/FDA do not care about shape, only safety. |
| Chilled vs. Frozen | Chilled = 0702 (0% base). Frozen = 0710.90.90.00 (Different duty). Keep it chilled! |
| Origin Fraud | Do not misdeclare origin as Vietnam/Mexico to avoid 301 tariffs. CBP audits are strict. |
| Pesticide Residue | Ensure compliance with EPA tolerances. Non-compliant shipments will be destroyed. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 0702.00.00.00 |
35% (0% + 25% + 10%) | FDA + Phytosanitary | High tariff barrier |
| π¨π³ China | 0702.00.00.00 |
10% (MFN) | None (Imported into China) | China imports cucumbers |
| πͺπΊ EU | 0702.00.00.00 |
10% | Phytosanitary + EU Pesticide Limits | Strict residue limits |
| π―π΅ Japan | 0702.00.00.00 |
10%~14% | Phytosanitary + JAS | Very strict pesticide rules |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 0702.00.00.00 |
5% | Biosecurity Approval | High biosecurity costs |
π Conclusion:
- The US imposes the highest tariffs on Chinese cucumbers (35%) due to trade wars.
- China, EU, and Japan have moderate tariffs (10-14%) but strict pesticide/residue controls.
- "Uglies" do not qualify for tariff exemptions. They are treated as standard produce.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Teaching Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Using HS Code 7020.00.00.00 (Glass) for Cucumbers
π Consequence: Shipment Seized. Customs will reject food products classified as glass. Heavy fines.
β Mistake 2: Declaring "Uglies Cucumber" as a specific variety instead of "Fresh Cucumber"
π Consequence: Delays. Customs will reclassify to 0702.00.00.00 anyway. Keep it simple.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Phytosanitary Certificate
π Consequence: FDA Rejection or USDA Hold. The entire shipment may be destroyed or re-exported at your cost.
β Mistake 4: Misdeclaring Origin to Avoid 25% Tariff
π Consequence: CBP Audit. If proven, you face civil penalties and potential criminal charges for fraud.
β Correct Approach:
"Fresh Cucumbers (Gherkins), Chilled, Product of China, Model: Standard, FDA Prior Notice Submitted, Phytosanitary Certificate Attached"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Save Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Fresh is 0702, Glass is 7020 β Donβt Confuse Them!"
πΉ "Uglies are Still Produce β No Tariff Break for Being Ugly!"
πΉ "Phytosanitary + FDA = Must-Haves, Or Get Destroyed!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you are exporting "Uglies" Cucumbers to the US, calculate the 35% tariff into your pricing.
- Consider pickling (HS 2001) if you want to change the duty structure (though it remains high).
- Always verify the latest USITC exclusions for Section 301 tariffs. Some agricultural products may have temporary exclusions.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a customs broker specializing in food/agricultural imports.
π Ensure Phytosanitary Certificate is issued before shipment.
π Your cucumbers are fresh, not glass. Declare correctly!
β¨ Professional Customs, Starting from Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny of Tariff is Worth Calculating!
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.