0602.10.00.00 - Unrooted cuttings and slips

HTS code 0602.10.00.00 specifically covers unrooted cuttings and slips. These are plant materials intended for propagation that have been severed from the parent plant and do not yet possess developed roots. This category encompasses vegetative propagation material such as stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or divisions of plants that are meant to be rooted by the importer or end-user.

This classification is distinct from its sibling categories in Chapter 06, which are defined by either their rooted nature, specific plant types, or broader categories of live plants. For instance, 0602.20.00.00 pertains to trees, shrubs, and bushes that bear edible fruit or nuts, which are often traded as rooted specimens or larger, established plants. Similarly, 0602.30.00.00 and 0602.40.00.00 are reserved for specific ornamental species like rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses, typically traded as rooted plants. The "Other" category (0602.90) serves as a residual for live plants not otherwise specified, implying a more complete or developed plant form than simple cuttings.

As a leaf node, HTS code 0602.10.00.00 does not have further subdivisions. The classification criteria primarily rely on the physical form of the plant material – specifically, that it is unrooted and in a state ready for propagation. Therefore, the key differentiating factor is the absence of roots at the time of import and its intended use as a starting material for growing new plants.