Dried cassava chips

🌿 Cassava Chips (Dried) | Manihot esculenta Processed Goods

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy 📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Dried Cassava Chips"?

Cassava (also known as yuca or manioc) is a starchy root vegetable originating from South America but widely cultivated in tropical regions. Dried cassava chips are the dehydrated slices or pieces of this root, typically used as animal feed, raw material for starch production, or indirect human food sources (e.g., tapioca pearls).

In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the processing level: 1. Primary Processed (Chips/Flakes): Simply sliced and dried without further milling into flour. These fall under Heading 0714 (roots and tubers) or are considered "prepared" depending on preservation methods. However, for import into the US specifically, we look at the processed form. 2. Secondary Processed (Flour/Powder): If the chips are ground into a fine powder, they move to Heading 1106.

⚠️ Critical Distinction for HS Code Selection: - If the product is whole chips, slices, or flakes (not powder): It technically belongs under HS 0714.90 (Other prepared/preserved roots). However, if the prompt data restricts us to Chapter 11 (Flour/Powder), we must assume the product is being declared as a processed powder or the data provided is specific to a subset. - BUT, looking at the provided <DATA>, all HS codes are under Heading 1106 (Flour, meal, and powder). This implies the customs declaration assumes the cassava has been milled into meal or powder. - If you are shipping actual chips/slices (not powder), declaring them under 1106 is incorrect and risks seizure. - Assumption for this guide: We are classifying based on the provided data, which treats the product as powder/meal derived from cassava (root of heading 0714).

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

According to the provided <DATA>, the goods fall under Chapter 11: Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastry products. Specifically, Heading 1106: Flour, meal and powder of the dried leguminous vegetables of heading 0713, of sago or of roots or tubers of heading 0714...

Here are the two possible HS codes based on the specific type of root and its form:

🔍 Crucial Clarification: - Cassava (Yuca) is a root tuber of heading 0714. - When milled into flour/powder, it falls under 1106.20.90.00. - Do NOT use 1106.20.10.00. This code is strictly for Chinese Water Chestnut flour. Using this for cassava is a classification error. - If you are shipping CHIPS (slices), not powder: Neither code is correct. You should likely be using HS 0714.90. However, since the instruction is to only use <DATA>, we proceed with 1106.20.90.00 as the only valid option for "Cassava Products" in this dataset.

💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Based on current trade war provisions)

🎯 1. 1106.20.90.00 —— Flour, Meal, and Powder of Roots/Tubers (Other)

This is the correct classification for Cassava Flour/Powder under the provided data.

📌 Explanation: - The base tariff for many agricultural flour products is often 0% under normal trade relations. - However, Section 301 tariffs apply a flat 25% surcharge on most Chinese-origin processed agricultural goods, including flour and meal from roots/tubers. - Total Cost Impact: For every $10,000 USD CIF value, you pay $2,500 in duties.

🎯 2. 1106.20.10.00 —— Of Chinese Water Chestnuts

⚠️ WARNING: This code is NOT for Cassava. - If you mistakenly use this code for Cassava: - Base Tariff: 8.3% - Surtax: 25.0% - Total: 33.3% - Risk: Customs will reclassify to 1106.20.90.00 and charge the correct rate (25%), but you may face penalties for misdeclaration.

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

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Correct Root, Correct Powder, Avoid Water Chestnut!"

✅ 3. Special Considerations for Cassava

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion: - Importing Cassava Powder into the US from China costs 25% more than from Thailand/Vietnam. - Strategic Recommendation: If possible, source cassava from ASEAN countries to eliminate the 25% Section 301 tariff entirely.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring Cassava Chips (slices) as Cassava Flour (1106.20.90.00). 👉 Consequence: Customs will detain the shipment. Chips are Chapter 07; Flour is Chapter 11. Mismatch = Delay + Storage Fees.

❌ Error 2: Using 1106.20.10.00 for Cassava. 👉 Consequence: This code is for Chinese Water Chestnuts. Immediate misclassification flag.

❌ Error 3: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice. 👉 Consequence: Refusal of Entry. No food enters the US without Prior Notice.

❌ Error 4: Confusing Starch with Flour. 👉 Consequence: Pure tapioca starch should be 1108.14.00.00. Misdeclaring it as flour may lead to audit or penalty if quality differs significantly.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Cassava Flour, 1106.20.90.00, Moisture <12%, Protein <2%, Product of China, FDA Prior Notice #XXX"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency!

🎯 Remember the Rules:

🔹 "Cassava Powder is 1106.20.90.00 (25% Tax if from China)." 🔹 "Cassava Chips are NOT 1106.20.90.00. They are 0714.90. Do not mix them!" 🔹 "Source from ASEAN to Avoid the 25% Surtax."

📌 Pro Tip:

If your product is pure Tapioca Starch (not flour/meal), use HS 1108.14.00.00. The tariff structure may differ (usually 0% base + no 301 for pure starch? Check latest updates). But for Flour/Meal, stick to 1106.20.90.00.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Verify Product Form: Powder/Meal vs. Chips/Slices. 📄 Check Origin: China (25% Tax) vs. Thailand/Vietnam (0% Tax). 🚀 Clear Customs Smoothly, Save 25% by Sourcing Smart!

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! 💼 Every Percent Matters in Your Supply Chain Cost!