0802.31.00.00 - In shell

This classification covers walnuts that are presented in their natural shell. This means the outer hard shell, which protects the edible kernel, remains intact. The walnuts can be fresh or dried, but the crucial defining characteristic for this specific code is the presence of the shell. This category encompasses all walnuts in shell, regardless of their origin or intended use, as long as they meet the criteria of being unshelled.

The primary distinction for 0802.31.00.00 lies in its direct contrast with the sibling category, 0802.32.00.00, which covers "Shelled" walnuts. While both refer to walnuts, the presence or absence of the protective outer shell is the sole differentiating factor for classification at this level. Therefore, any product classified under 0802.31.00.00 will still have its shell, whereas 0802.32.00.00 applies exclusively to walnuts where the shell has been removed.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. The classification is complete at this point, with the defining characteristic being the "in shell" state of the walnuts. Practical classification relies on the physical presence of the shell, ensuring that all walnuts sold or imported with their shells intact are accurately categorized under this specific HTS code.