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12
Tariff Chapter 12
Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered
What does heading 1211 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 1211 covers plants used in perfumery, pharmacy or for insecticidal purposes. These products are important in international agricultural trade, used in the food, feed, oil and pharmaceutical industries. Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0-5%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. Products must meet EU food safety standards for mycotoxins, pesticides and GMOs. Genetically modified oilseeds (e.g. Heading 1211 is part of Chapter 12 (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 1211 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 1211 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 1211
These products are important in international agricultural trade, used in the food, feed, oil and pharmaceutical industries. Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0-5%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. soy) require EU approval. A phytosanitary certificate confirming freedom from quarantine organisms is required. GMO seeds and products require EU approval of the transformation event. Products must meet EU standards for mycotoxins, pesticides and contaminants. Check whether the exporting country benefits from tariff preferences. When importing goods under heading 1211 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 1211 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). Goods under heading 1211 are subject to phytosanitary or food safety controls. Required documentation includes: phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, pesticide residue test results. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 1211 - key considerations
Heading 1211 covers medicinal/aromatic plants. Classification under this heading requires precise determination of product type, processing level and intended use. CN subheadings divide products in detail by physical and chemical characteristics. Common classification errors involve confusion with headings 0910 or 3003. Key factors: composition, raw material origin and processing method determine correct subheading assignment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the duty rates for perfumery and pharmaceutical plants (heading 1211)?
EU import duties on plants under heading 1211 range from 0% to 3% depending on plant type. Many medicinal and aromatic plants benefit from 0% duty, including liquorice, ginseng and peppermint. Certain plants used for pharmaceutical or insecticidal purposes face rates up to 3%. This heading covers plants fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether whole, cut, crushed or powdered, used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy and for insecticidal or fungicidal purposes. 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 are required for importing pharmaceutical and perfumery plants?
Imports require a phytosanitary certificate and customs declaration. Plants of protected species require CITES permits. Plants intended for pharmaceutical use may need GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification and European Pharmacopoeia compliance. Plants used in dietary supplements must comply with Regulation (EC) 178/2002 on food safety. Testing for pesticide residues and heavy metals is required. This applies to goods classified under heading 1211 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What should importers consider when bringing plants under heading 1211 into the EU?
Classification depends on the plant's intended use - the same plant may be classified differently depending on application (food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic). CITES-protected plants require additional permits. Phytosanitary controls may include testing for harmful organisms. Raw material quality is critical - demand quality certificates (e.g., GAP, GMP). Some plants face restrictions as narcotic precursors. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered" and see the full import cost.Excise Duty CalculatorCheck if your goods are subject to excise duty and calculate the tax amount.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered" with all costs included.
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