0604.20.00 - Fresh

This HTS category, 0604.20.00, specifically covers fresh foliage, branches, and other parts of plants, as well as grasses, mosses, and lichens, that are deemed suitable for use in bouquets or for ornamental purposes. The key characteristic for inclusion here is the "fresh" condition of these plant materials, implying they have not undergone significant preservation or processing beyond basic harvesting and handling. These items are intended for decorative use, either individually or as components of arrangements.

This category is distinguished from its sibling, 0604.90 ("Other"), by the explicit requirement for the goods to be in a fresh state. While 0604.90 encompasses similar plant parts and materials that have been dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated, or otherwise prepared, 0604.20.00 is strictly limited to those that retain their natural, fresh appearance and moisture content. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff classification, as it focuses on the immediate post-harvest condition of the botanical items.

Within this "fresh" classification, a variety of specific subcategories exist to further refine the classification based on the type of plant material. These include distinct headings for popular ornamental foliage such as Aralia, Aspidistra, Eucalyptus, and Pittosporum, as well as categories for Evergreen Christmas trees, ferns, and palms. Additionally, specific provisions are made for mosses and lichens, ensuring that these diverse ornamental botanical products are precisely classified according to their botanical identity. The existence of these subcategories reflects the need for detailed identification of common decorative plant components.