0709.40.40 - If imported and entered during the period from April 15 to July 31, inclusive, in any year

This HTS category, 0709.40.40, specifically covers celery (other than celeriac) when imported and entered during the period from April 15 to July 31, inclusive, in any given year. This seasonal restriction is a key differentiator for this classification. Within the broader context of "Other vegetables, fresh or chilled" (Chapter 07), and more specifically "Celery other than celeriac," this subheading isolates celery based on its import timing.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its sibling, 0709.40.60 ("Other"). While both fall under the "Other" subheading for celery, 0709.40.40 is strictly for celery entered within the specified spring and summer months. Any celery imported outside of this April 15 to July 31 window would likely be classified under the more general sibling category 0709.40.60, assuming no other specific subheadings apply.

This particular classification can be further refined into subcategories. Under 0709.40.40, you will find distinctions for "Certified organic" celery (0709.40.40.20) and "Other" celery (0709.40.40.40). The existence of these subcategories allows for more granular tracking and reporting based on the cultivation method, providing importers with the ability to precisely classify their organic produce separately from conventional celery within this seasonal window.