0812 - Fruit and nuts provisionally preserved, but unsuitable in that state for immediate consumption:

HTS Code 0812 encompasses fruits and nuts that have undergone a provisional preservation process but are not yet ready for direct consumption in their current state. This typically includes products treated with substances like sulfur dioxide, brines, or other preservative solutions to maintain their quality during transit or storage. The key distinguishing factor is their *unsuitability for immediate consumption*, setting them apart from fresh fruits and nuts (which would fall under other HTS headings in Chapter 8) or those fully processed and ready for eating.

This category is distinct from other HTS headings within Chapter 8 that classify raw agricultural products. For instance, fresh fruits and nuts are classified elsewhere, and fully preserved or prepared items intended for immediate consumption would also be found in different sections. The defining characteristic here is the *intermediate* state of preservation, implying a subsequent processing step is required before they can be consumed.

Within HTS 0812, further subdivisions are made to account for the specific types of provisionally preserved fruits and nuts. The subcategory 0812.10.00.00 specifically addresses cherries that have been provisionally preserved. The broader category 0812.90.xx.xx covers all other types of fruits and nuts that fit the criteria of provisional preservation but are not cherries, allowing for detailed classification based on the commodity.