0409.00.00 - Natural honey

HTS 0409.00.00 classifies "Natural honey." This category encompasses honey produced by bees from nectar or honeydew. It is distinct from artificial sweeteners or honey that has undergone significant processing beyond simple straining, filtering, or extraction. The crucial characteristic for classification under this heading is its origin as a natural product derived from floral sources.

Unlike other categories within Chapter 4, such as dairy products or eggs, natural honey is a distinct foodstuff derived from hymenopterous insects. At the HTS Database Root level, this category is positioned among live animals, highlighting the separation between live organisms and their agricultural or naturally derived products.

Within the 0409.00.00 classification, two subcategories exist: "Certified Organic" and "Other." The "Certified Organic" subheading is intended for natural honey that meets specific criteria and has been certified according to the organic standards of the importing country. The "Other" subheading serves as a residual category for all natural honey that does not qualify for the certified organic designation, encompassing the vast majority of commercially traded natural honey.