1902 - Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed (with meat or other substances) or otherwise prepared, such as spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagna, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared:
Sub-classifications
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1902 11
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1902 19
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1902 3000
Overview
HTS Code 1902 encompasses a broad range of pasta products, including uncooked, cooked, stuffed, and otherwise prepared varieties. This category explicitly includes staple items like spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagna, gnocchi, and ravioli. It also covers couscous, regardless of whether it has undergone further preparation. The defining characteristic is the preparation of dough from cereals, flour, starch, or milk, formed into various shapes and intended for consumption.
Distinguishing HTS 1902 from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. Unlike other Chapter 19 headings which focus on cereal preparations like breakfast cereals (1904) or flour and starch-based products (1905), HTS 1902 is specifically dedicated to pasta and couscous. The preceding chapters (01xx, for instance) deal with live animals, which are entirely distinct from prepared food items. Therefore, the core distinction lies in the transformation of cereal products into recognizable pasta forms or couscous.
Within HTS 1902, further subdivisions allow for more granular classification. The distinction between uncooked and prepared pasta, as well as stuffed varieties, is a key differentiator. For example, raw, dried spaghetti will fall under a different subheading than pre-made ravioli filled with meat. Couscous also forms its own distinct subcategory. These subcategories are designed to capture the specific characteristics and preparation methods of the pasta products, which can influence import duties and regulations.