1008.40.00.00 - Fonio (Digitaria spp.)

This HTS category, 1008.40.00.00, specifically covers fonio, a grain belonging to the *Digitaria* genus of grasses. Fonio is a staple food crop in parts of West Africa, known for its small, fine grain size. Classification within this code is determined by the botanical identification of the cereal as *Digitaria* species, regardless of whether it is whole, pearled, or processed in a manner that does not alter its fundamental character as a cereal grain.

Distinguishing fonio from its sibling categories is crucial for accurate classification. While Chapter 10 broadly encompasses cereals, 1008.40.00.00 is distinct from buckwheat (1008.10.00.00), millet (indicated by a separate unlisted sibling), canary seeds (1008.30.00.00), quinoa (1008.50.00), and triticale (1008.60.00.00) due to its specific botanical origin. These other cereals have different genetic makeup, cultivation practices, and physical grain characteristics, which are the primary determinants for their respective HTS classifications.

As a leaf node in the HTS structure, the 1008.40.00.00 category does not have further subcategories. This means that all forms of fonio, conforming to the general description, will be classified directly under this code. The classification relies on the identification of the grain as belonging to the *Digitaria* genus. Any significant processing that transforms fonio into a product classifiable elsewhere, such as flour or pasta, would necessitate review of other HTS chapters and headings.