0709 - Other vegetables, fresh or chilled:
Sub-classifications
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0709 20
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0709 30
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0709 40
Overview
HTS code 0709 encompasses a broad range of "other vegetables, fresh or chilled," which are not specifically enumerated in preceding headings within Chapter 7. This category serves as a residual classification for edible vegetables that do not fit into more specific headings such as 0701 (potatoes), 0702 (tomatoes), 0703 (onions, shallots, garlic, leeks), 0704 (cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli), 0705 (lettuce and chicory), or 0706 (carrots, turnips, radishes, etc.). The primary criterion for inclusion here is that the vegetable is presented fresh or has been chilled for preservation, and it is intended for human consumption.
Distinguishing 0709 from its sibling categories at the Chapter 7 level is crucial. While all headings in Chapter 7 deal with edible vegetables, 0709 is specifically for those vegetables that fall outside the more narrowly defined categories. For instance, while 0704 covers all forms of cabbage and cauliflower, 0709 would not include these. Similarly, though 0706 covers various root vegetables, 0709 is for other types not listed. The key is to exhaust the possibilities of more specific classifications before resorting to 0709.
Within 0709, further subdivisions exist to classify specific types of "other vegetables." These subcategories, such as asparagus (0709.20), eggplants (0709.30), celery (0709.40), and fruits of the Capsicum and Pimenta genera (peppers and allspice, 0709.60), allow for more granular classification. The inclusion of headings for mushrooms and truffles, as well as spinach varieties (0709.70), further refines the classification of commonly traded "other vegetables." The residual "Other" subcategory is reserved for any edible fresh or chilled vegetables not specifically identified in these more detailed subdivisions.