HS Code for Filberts

Introduction to HS Codes and Filberts

As international trade continues to grow in complexity, understanding HS codes becomes increasingly important for businesses involved in importing and exporting goods. This is especially true for specialty food products like filberts, also known as hazelnuts. Whether you're dealing with raw hazelnuts or processed products like roasted hazelnuts used as baking ingredients, knowing the correct HS code is crucial for smooth customs clearance and accurate tariff calculations.

At FreightAmigo, we understand the challenges that come with navigating international trade regulations. As a full-service digital supply chain finance platform, we aim to simplify the logistics process for organizations, enterprises, and individuals. In this article, we'll dive into the world of HS codes for filberts and related products, providing you with the knowledge you need to streamline your hazelnut-related imports or exports.

What are HS Codes?

Before we delve into the specific HS codes for filberts, let's briefly review what HS codes are and why they matter:

The Harmonized System (HS) is an international nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for the classification of goods. It consists of six-digit codes that are used by customs authorities around the world to identify products and determine applicable duties and taxes. The first two digits represent the chapter, the next two digits identify the heading, and the last two digits specify the subheading.

For businesses involved in international trade, using the correct HS code is essential for several reasons:

• Ensuring compliance with customs regulations
• Determining accurate duty rates and taxes
• Facilitating smooth customs clearance
• Enabling proper statistical tracking of trade data

HS Codes for Filberts (Hazelnuts)

When it comes to filberts or hazelnuts, there are several HS codes that may apply, depending on the product's state and intended use. Here are the main categories:

1. Fresh or Dried Hazelnuts

For fresh or dried hazelnuts, whether or not shelled, the HS code is:

0802.21 - Hazelnuts or filberts (Corylus spp.), in shell

0802.22 - Hazelnuts or filberts (Corylus spp.), shelled

2. Processed Hazelnuts

For hazelnuts that have undergone processing, such as roasting, the HS code changes. This is particularly relevant for products like "Hazelnuts, Roasted, Baking ingredients". The appropriate HS code would be:

2008.19 - Other nuts and seeds, including mixtures, otherwise prepared or preserved

This category includes nuts and seeds that have been roasted, salted, or otherwise prepared or preserved.

3. Hazelnut Products

For products made primarily from hazelnuts, different HS codes may apply:

2007.99 - For hazelnut spreads or jams

1515.90 - For hazelnut oil

1106.30 - For hazelnut flour or meal

The Importance of Accurate HS Code Classification for Filberts

Using the correct HS code for your filbert products is crucial for several reasons:

1. Customs Compliance

Accurate classification ensures that you're complying with customs regulations in both the exporting and importing countries. This helps avoid delays, fines, or other penalties that could arise from misclassification.

2. Duty and Tax Calculations

Different HS codes may be subject to different duty rates and taxes. Using the correct code ensures that you're paying the appropriate amount, avoiding both overpayment and potential underpayment issues.

3. Trade Agreements

Some products may be eligible for preferential treatment under certain trade agreements, but only if they're classified correctly. Proper HS code usage ensures you can take advantage of any applicable trade benefits.

4. Import/Export Documentation

HS codes are a key component of import and export documentation. Accurate classification helps ensure that all your paperwork is in order, facilitating smoother customs clearance.

Challenges in Classifying Filberts and Hazelnut Products

While the basic classification of fresh or dried hazelnuts is relatively straightforward, challenges can arise when dealing with processed products or ingredients. For example:

1. Roasted Hazelnuts as Baking Ingredients

When classifying "Hazelnuts, Roasted, Baking ingredients", it's important to consider the level of processing and the product's intended use. While roasted hazelnuts fall under HS code 2008.19, if they've been further processed (e.g., ground into a paste), a different classification might be more appropriate.

2. Mixed Products

Products that contain hazelnuts as one of several ingredients can be particularly challenging to classify. The classification may depend on the proportion of hazelnuts in the product and its essential character.

3. Novel Products

As food innovation continues, new hazelnut-based products may emerge that don't clearly fit into existing categories. In these cases, careful analysis and potentially consultation with customs authorities may be necessary to determine the correct classification.

How FreightAmigo Can Help with HS Code Classification

At FreightAmigo, we understand that navigating HS codes and other aspects of international trade can be complex and time-consuming. That's why our Digital Logistics Platform offers comprehensive support for businesses dealing with products like filberts and other goods:

1. Expert Guidance

Our team of logistics experts is available 24/7 to provide support and guidance on HS code classification and other customs-related matters. We can help ensure that your filbert products are classified correctly, minimizing the risk of customs issues.

2. Automated Documentation

Our Digital Logistics Solution includes tools for automating shipment documents, including those that require HS codes. This helps reduce errors and saves time in preparing your export or import paperwork.

3. Customs Clearance Services

We offer customs clearance services as part of our one-stop Digital Platform, helping to streamline the process and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

4. Comprehensive Shipping Solutions

Whether you're shipping fresh hazelnuts, roasted hazelnuts for baking ingredients, or any other filbert products, we offer door-to-door freight quotes for various shipping methods, including international courier, airfreight, sea freight, rail freight, and trucking solutions.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using HS codes for filberts and hazelnut products is crucial for smooth international trade operations. Whether you're dealing with fresh hazelnuts, roasted hazelnuts as baking ingredients, or other processed hazelnut products, accurate classification ensures compliance, appropriate duty payments, and efficient customs clearance.

At FreightAmigo, we're committed to making your logistics experience hassle-free and enjoyable. Our Digital Logistics Platform combines artificial intelligence, big data, FreighTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and GreenTech to accelerate logistics, information, and cash flow. Whether you're a business or an individual, we're here to support your shipping needs, from documents and parcels to bulk goods and international relocation.

Don't let HS code complexities slow down your hazelnut trade. Contact FreightAmigo today to discover how our Digital Logistics Solution can transform your supply chain experience and keep your filbert shipments moving smoothly across borders.

References

1. World Customs Organization, "HS Nomenclature 2022 Edition", https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/instrument-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2022-edition.aspx

2. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Harmonized Tariff Schedule", https://hts.usitc.gov/

3. European Commission, "TARIC Consultation", https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en