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What does heading 0810 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 0810 covers other fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwis and pomegranates, fresh or dried. These products are imported into the EU from many third countries and constitute a significant part of international fruit trade. Import of these products into the EU is subject to the phytosanitary controls and duty rates from 0% to 12.8%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. Products must meet EU standards for maximum pesticide residue levels, food safety and marketing standards. Phytosanitary controls at the EU border are mandatory. Heading 0810 is part of Chapter 8 (vegetable products and foodstuffs) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 0810 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 0810 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 0810

These products are imported into the EU from many third countries and constitute a significant part of international fruit trade. Import of these products into the EU is subject to the phytosanitary controls and duty rates from 0% to 12.8%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. Phytosanitary controls at the EU border are mandatory. A phytosanitary certificate confirming freedom from quarantine organisms is required. Products must meet EU standards for maximum pesticide residue levels (MRLs). Check whether tariff preferences or tariff rate quotas apply for the exporting country. Labelling must comply with EU marketing standards, including country of origin and quality class. When importing goods under heading 0810 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 0810 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).

Classification of goods under heading 0810 - key considerations

Heading 0810 is the residual heading for fresh fruit not covered by 0801-0809. Includes strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants, gooseberries, cranberries, kiwifruit, durians, pomegranates, persimmons. Subheadings divide by species. Common mistake: frozen strawberries go to 0811. Dried raspberries go to 0813. Blueberry jam goes to 2007. Pomegranate juice goes to 2009. Processed fruit goes to 2008.

Frequently asked questions

What are the EU duty rates for importing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and kiwis?
Imports of fruits under heading 0810, which covers strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwis and pomegranates, are subject to duty rates ranging from 0% to 11.2%. Rates vary depending on the specific fruit species, import season and country of origin. Strawberries and raspberries face higher duties during the European growing season. Kiwis from New Zealand may benefit from preferential rates. Accurate CN subheading classification is essential, as different fruit species carry different duty rates. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required when importing berry fruits into the EU?
A phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is required. An electronic customs declaration and commercial invoice with the CN code are mandatory. Fruits must undergo phytosanitary inspection at a Border Control Post (BCP) and require prior notification through the TRACES system. A certificate of origin is needed when preferential duty rates are claimed. Products must comply with EU maximum residue levels for pesticides and food safety regulations. This applies to goods classified under heading 0810 of the Combined Nomenclature.
What are the practical challenges of importing fresh berry fruits into the EU?
Berry fruits under heading 0810 are extremely perishable and require rapid transport under controlled temperature conditions. The time from harvest to retail shelf is critical - any delay at the border can result in significant losses. Phytosanitary and customs inspections should be pre-arranged. Fruits must meet stringent EU quality standards. Imports from countries with elevated phytosanitary risks may face increased inspection frequencies. Air freight should be considered for the most delicate species. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.