1210 - Hop cones, fresh or dried, whether or not ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin:

Category 1210 encompasses hop cones, whether in their fresh or dried state. This classification also includes hop cones that have been processed into ground, powdered, or pelletized forms. Additionally, lupulin, the powdery yellow resinous substance extracted from hop cones, is covered under this heading. These products are primarily utilized in the brewing industry for their flavoring and preservative qualities.

This category is distinct from other sibling categories within Section II, which cover a broad range of vegetable products. Unlike categories focusing on oil seeds (Chapter 1201-1207) or medicinal plants (Chapter 13), 1210 specifically addresses the components derived from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) and their direct processing stages.

Within HTS code 1210, further subdivisions exist to differentiate the physical form of the hop cones. Subcategory 1210.10.00.00 applies to hop cones that have not undergone grinding, powdering, or pelletization, meaning they are in their whole or roughly fragmented state. Subcategory 1210.20.00 covers hop cones that have been processed into finer forms, as well as lupulin itself, recognizing the distinct characteristics and uses of these more processed materials.