2001 - Vegetables, fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid:

Chapter 20 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) encompasses a broad range of prepared or preserved vegetables, fruit, nuts, and other edible plant parts. Heading 2001 specifically details those preparations preserved by vinegar or acetic acid. This category includes a diverse array of items, such as pickled cucumbers (gherkins), olives, onions, and various other vegetables that have undergone a preservation process involving acidification with vinegar or acetic acid. The key defining characteristic for goods within this heading is their method of preservation.

Distinguishing heading 2001 from its siblings at the Chapter 20 level is crucial for accurate classification. While other headings within Chapter 20 might cover vegetables and fruits preserved by sugar (e.g., jams, jellies) or processed in other ways (e.g., canned, frozen, dried), heading 2001 is exclusively for those treated with vinegar or acetic acid. This method of preservation imparts a distinct sour flavor and characteristic texture, differentiating these products from those preserved through other means.

Within heading 2001, further subheadings exist to provide more granular classification based on the specific type of edible plant part. For instance, the subcategory 2001.10.00.00 specifically addresses cucumbers, including gherkins. Other items preserved by vinegar or acetic acid fall under the more general subheading 2001.90. These subdivisions facilitate precise tariff application by accounting for the specific commodities and their unique characteristics within the broader scope of vinegar-preserved edible plant parts.