9801.00.90.00 - Animals, domesticated, straying across the boundary line into any foreign country, or driven across such boundary line by the owner for temporary pasturage purpose only, together with their offspring; all the foregoing if brought back to the United States within 8 months 🖩

This HTS classification, 9801.00.90.00, specifically addresses a unique provision for domesticated animals that temporarily cross international borders. It covers animals, such as cattle, sheep, or horses, owned by a U.S. resident that stray into a foreign country or are intentionally driven across the boundary for the sole purpose of temporary pasturage. The critical condition for this classification is that these animals, along with any offspring born abroad, must be returned to the United States within an eight-month period from their departure.

This provision distinguishes itself from the primary HTS chapters (Chapters 01-97) that classify live animals based on their species and biological characteristics. While siblings such as 0101 (Live horses, asses, mules and hinnies) or 0102 (Live bovine animals) focus on the perpetual classification of these animals, 9801.00.90.00 is a special provision that applies to their *temporary* movement across borders for a specific agricultural purpose and their subsequent return. It is not about the inherent nature of the animal, but rather about its temporary sojourn abroad and its documented return.

As this node is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the focus remains on the specific conditions for invoking this provision. Importers utilizing this classification must be prepared to demonstrate ownership, the temporary nature of the pasturage, and adherence to the eight-month return period to qualify for the benefits or requirements associated with this special provision. Documentation proving these elements is crucial for successful customs clearance under this HTS code.