3101.00.00.00 - Animal or vegetable fertilizers, whether or not mixed together or chemically treated; fertilizers produced by the mixing or chemical treatment of animal or vegetable products

This HTS category, 3101.00.00.00, encompasses a broad range of fertilizers derived from animal or vegetable sources. It includes natural products such as guano, bone meal, blood meal, and various processed plant materials intended to enrich soil. The classification also extends to mixtures of these animal and vegetable products, whether or not they have undergone chemical treatment to enhance their nutrient content or stability. This designation applies to fertilizers where the primary components are of biological origin, providing essential nutrients for plant growth.

When classifying fertilizers, it is crucial to distinguish this category from other fertilizer classifications within Chapter 31, such as those for mineral fertilizers (Chapter 31, Heading 3102-3105). Heading 3101 specifically targets fertilizers derived from organic materials, unlike mineral fertilizers which are typically produced from inorganic substances. Furthermore, it is distinct from categories covering crude animal or vegetable products that have not been processed or intended for use as fertilizers, such as raw animal by-products or unprocessed agricultural waste.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within 3101.00.00.00 relies on accurately identifying the origin and intended use of the product as an organic fertilizer. Key classification criteria include verifying the material composition (animal or vegetable origin) and confirming its presentation and labeling indicate its function as a fertilizer.