0. Bottom line first: What is in / not in this Chapter (ultra-summary)
- Practical assumption used in this guide: Japan / Both (Import & Export). (If you operate in another country, tell me which one and I’ll tailor Sections 10 & 12 accordingly.)
- Typical examples INCLUDED in this Chapter (3–6):
- Fresh/chilled potatoes (Heading 0701; incl. seed potatoes at HS6 0701.10). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Fresh/chilled tomatoes (HS6 0702.00). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Fresh/chilled onions & garlic (HS6 0703.10 / 0703.20). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Fresh/chilled mushrooms & truffles (HS6 0709.51–0709.56 in HS2022). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Frozen vegetables (Heading 0710; incl. mixtures at HS6 0710.90). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Dried vegetables not further prepared (Heading 0712; incl. dried shiitake at HS6 0712.34 in HS2022). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Typical examples commonly EXCLUDED (3–6; include likely alternative Chapter/Heading):
- Forage/fodder products → Heading 1214 (explicitly excluded by Chapter Note). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Dried / crushed / ground Capsicum or Pimenta (chilli/paprika powder) → Heading 0904 (spices), not Chapter 07. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prepared/preserved vegetables suitable for immediate consumption (e.g., “ready-to-eat” pickles, canned vegetables, vegetables in sauce) → typically Chapter 20 (not Chapter 07).
- Potato flour/meal/powder/flakes/granules/pellets → Heading 1105 (explicitly excluded from 0712). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Flour/meal/powder of dried leguminous vegetables → Heading 1106 (explicitly excluded from 0712). (世界 Customs Organization)
- The top practical decision points (1–3):
- Processing state drives most decisions: fresh/chilled (0701–0709) vs frozen (0710) vs provisionally preserved (0711) vs dried (0712/0713/0714) vs prepared/preserved (often Chapter 20). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Capsicum/Pimenta “whole” vs “crushed/ground”: whole (often Chapter 07) vs crushed/ground → 0904. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Legumes form: fresh (0708) vs dried shelled (0713) vs flour/powder (1106). (世界 Customs Organization)
- (Optional) Situations where misclassification tends to be “high-cost” in practice:
- 0711 (provisional preservation) vs Chapter 20 (prepared/preserved) can change duty treatment, labeling expectations, and inspection posture.
- Mushroom genus/species splits in HS2022 (0709 and 0712) can break ERP master data and any FTA PSR lookups based on HS6. (世界 Customs Organization)
1. How to reach this Chapter (classification logic)
1-1. Core classification rules (where GIR matters)
- GIR 1 (start here): classify by the heading wording + Section/Chapter Notes. In Chapter 07, the Notes actively push certain products out (e.g., forage products to 1214; crushed/ground chillies to 0904; certain flours/powders to Chapter 11). (世界 Customs Organization)
- GIR 6 (finish here): once the right 4-digit heading is chosen, pick the correct HS6 subheading (especially important for mushrooms/truffles in HS2022). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Perspectives to avoid “classifying by product name only”:
- State/condition: fresh/chilled vs frozen vs dried vs preserved.
- Form: whole/cut/sliced vs powder/meal/flour.
- Suitability for immediate consumption: critical for 0711 (provisional preservation). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Botanical identity (esp. mushrooms): genus/species may determine HS6 in HS2022. (世界 Customs Organization)
1-2. Decision flow (pseudo flowchart)
- Step 1: Is it an edible vegetable / root / tuber / legume (in a basic state)?
- If it is forage/fodder → likely 1214, not Chapter 07. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Step 2: Identify the processing state:
- Fresh or chilled → usually 0701–0709. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Frozen (only steamed/boiled or uncooked) → 0710. (世界 Customs Organization)
- “Provisional” preservation (e.g., brine/SO₂), not edible as-is → 0711. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Dried (not further prepared) → 0712 (but check exclusions), or 0713 for dried legumes, or 0714 for certain starchy roots/tubers. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Step 3: Apply the Note-driven “flip checks”:
- Capsicum/Pimenta crushed/ground → 0904, not Chapter 07. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Vegetable flours/powders (potato / legumes) → Chapter 11 (1105/1106). (世界 Customs Organization)
- If it’s ready-to-eat prepared/preserved → usually Chapter 20, not Chapter 07.
- Common boundary disputes (e.g., boundary between Chapter X and Chapter Y):
- 0711 vs Chapter 20 (provisional preservation vs prepared/preserved)
- 0712 vs 0904 (dried whole chillies vs chilli powder)
- 0713 vs 1106 (dried beans vs bean flour/powder) (世界 Customs Organization)
2. Main Headings (4-digit) and what they cover
2-1. Table of key 4-digit Headings (REQUIRED)
| Heading (4-digit) | Plain-English summary | Typical examples (products) | Key decision criteria / exclusions / cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0701 | Potatoes, fresh or chilled | table potatoes; seed potatoes | Not frozen/dried; seed potatoes are specifically provided at HS6 0701.10 |
| 0702 | Tomatoes, fresh or chilled | fresh tomatoes | Not frozen, canned, paste (often Chapter 20) |
| 0703 | Onions/shallots/garlic/leeks etc, fresh or chilled | onions, garlic cloves, leeks | Dried forms usually move to 0712; prepared/preserved to Chapter 20 |
| 0704 | Brassicas, fresh or chilled | cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale | HS2022 scope clarifies broccoli coverage under 0704.10 (see Section 7) (世界 Customs Organization) |
| 0705 | Lettuce and chicory, fresh or chilled | head lettuce; chicory | Fresh/chilled only |
| 0706 | Carrots/turnips/radishes etc, fresh or chilled | carrots; radish; beetroot | Fresh/chilled only |
| 0707 | Cucumbers and gherkins, fresh or chilled | cucumbers | Pickled cucumbers typically Chapter 20 |
| 0708 | Leguminous vegetables, fresh or chilled | fresh peas; fresh beans | Dried shelled legumes go to 0713 |
| 0709 | Other vegetables, fresh or chilled | asparagus; eggplant; celery; mushrooms/truffles; peppers | Includes mushrooms/truffles etc for 0709 (per Note definition) (世界 Customs Organization) |
| 0710 | Vegetables (uncooked or steamed/boiled), frozen | frozen spinach; frozen sweet corn; mixed frozen veg | If “prepared” (sauces/seasonings beyond simple) may move to other chapters |
| 0711 | Vegetables provisionally preserved but not edible as-is | vegetables in strong brine; sulphur-treated | Must be solely for provisional preservation and unsuitable for immediate consumption (世界 Customs Organization) |
| 0712 | Dried vegetables, not further prepared | dried onions; dried mixed vegetables; dried mushrooms | Excludes dried shelled legumes (0713) and certain flours/powders (Chapter 11) (世界 Customs Organization) |
| 0713 | Dried leguminous vegetables, shelled | dried peas; chickpeas; lentils; adzuki | Flour/meal/powder of these legumes goes to 1106 (世界 Customs Organization) |
| 0714 | Certain starchy roots/tubers (fresh/chilled/frozen/dried) + sago pith | cassava; sweet potatoes; yams; taro | Watch fodder/forage boundary (1214) when product is for animal feed (世界 Customs Organization) |
Source basis for heading coverage and examples: WCO HS2022 Chapter 7 legal text. (世界 Customs Organization)
2-2. Operationally important splits at the 6-digit Subheading level (REQUIRED)
- Split group 1: 0704.10 vs 0704.90 (brassicas)
- Where the split happens: HS6 0704.10 (cauliflowers and broccoli) vs HS6 0704.90 (other brassicas). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Information needed to decide: exact vegetable type (broccoli vs other brassicas), and (for broccoli) confirm it is indeed broccoli (commercial + botanical description).
- Typical mistake pattern: “Broccoli variety” wrongly parked in 0704.90; HS2022 scope change made this risk higher. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Split group 2: Fresh mushrooms/truffles in 0709 (HS2022 created multiple HS6 lines)
- Where the split happens: HS6 0709.51–0709.56 vs 0709.59. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Information needed to decide: genus/species (e.g., Agaricus, Boletus, Cantharellus, Shiitake, Matsutake, Truffles).
- Typical mistake pattern: defaulting everything to 0709.59 due to lack of botanical info. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Split group 3: Dried mushrooms/truffles in 0712 (HS2022 added 0712.34 for shiitake)
- Where the split happens: HS6 0712.34 (shiitake) vs 0712.39 (other) (plus other mushroom categories). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Information needed to decide: species declaration and product form (whole/sliced/powder).
- Typical mistake pattern: calling all dried mushrooms “other” (0712.39) and missing shiitake split. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Split group 4: Capsicum/Pimenta — Chapter 07 vs spices (0904)
- Where the split happens: fresh peppers at HS6 0709.60; dried (not crushed/ground) can remain in 0712; but dried/crushed/ground fruits of Capsicum/Pimenta are excluded to 0904. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Information needed to decide: physical form (whole/cut vs crushed/ground), particle size, and product description on spec sheets.
- Typical mistake pattern: “chilli powder” incorrectly treated as dried vegetable in 0712. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Split group 5: Legumes — 0708 vs 0713 vs 1106
- Where the split happens: fresh/chilled legumes (0708), dried shelled (0713), flour/meal/powder (1106). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Information needed to decide: moisture state (fresh vs dried), shelled/unshelled, and whether it is milled into flour/powder.
- Typical mistake pattern: dried beans mistakenly declared under 0708 (“beans”) because the invoice just says “beans”. (世界 Customs Organization)
3. Interpreting Section Notes and Chapter Notes (legal text → practical meaning)
3-1. Relevant Section Notes
- Key points (summary):
- Chapter 07 is designed for vegetable products in relatively simple states (fresh/chilled, frozen, provisionally preserved, dried), and the Notes actively prevent “drift” into Chapter 07 when the product becomes a flour/powder or a spice, or is clearly fodder. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Practical meaning (with concrete examples):
- If your product description contains “powder,” “flour,” or “meal,” pause: potato and legume powders are explicitly pushed to Chapter 11 in the Chapter Notes. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Typical patterns where a Section Note “moves you to another Chapter”:
- Vegetable → spice pathway (Capsicum/Pimenta crushed/ground → 0904). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Vegetable → milling product pathway (potato/legume flours → Chapter 11). (世界 Customs Organization)
3-2. Chapter Notes for this Chapter
- Key points (summary):
- The Notes define important scope limits (fodder excluded) and key reclassifications (spices and certain powders/flours excluded). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Definitions (if any):
- For certain headings (0709–0712), “vegetables” is defined broadly to include items like edible mushrooms/truffles, olives, capers, pumpkins/squash, aubergines, sweet corn, and certain herbs. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Exclusions (state alternative Chapter/Heading explicitly):
- Forage products → 1214. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Dried/crushed/ground Capsicum/Pimenta fruits → 0904. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Certain dried vegetable forms are excluded from 0712 and go to:
- dried shelled legumes → 0713
- potato flour/meal/powder/flakes/granules/pellets → 1105
- legume flour/meal/powder (from 0713 legumes) → 1106
- sweet corn in certain milled forms → 1102–1104 (世界 Customs Organization)
4. How the Chapter Notes change classification outcomes (where the code flips)
Purpose: make “note-driven splits” visible.
- Impact point 1: Capsicum/Pimenta: dried whole vs crushed/ground
- What to check (information needed): Is it whole/cut/sliced (vegetable form) or crushed/ground (spice form)?
- Evidence to collect in practice: photos, spec sheet (particle size), ingredient list, product name used in trade.
- Typical misclassification: chilli powder classified as 0712 instead of 0904. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Impact point 2: 0711 “provisional preservation” vs Chapter 20 “prepared/preserved”
- What to check (information needed): treatment is only for temporary preservation AND the product is not edible as-is.
- Evidence to collect in practice: process description (brine concentration, SO₂ treatment, etc.), intended use (further processing vs retail ready-to-eat), tasting/use instruction, packaging/label claims.
- Typical misclassification: retail pickles wrongly treated as 0711 instead of Chapter 20. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Impact point 3: 0712 dried vegetables vs Chapter 11 powders/flours
- What to check (information needed): is it still “vegetable pieces” (whole/sliced/broken) or has it become flour/meal/powder/flakes/pellets (especially potatoes and legumes)?
- Evidence to collect in practice: mesh size / milling specs, production flow, photos.
- Typical misclassification: potato flakes as 0712 instead of 1105; bean flour as 0713 instead of 1106. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Impact point 4: HS2022 mushroom/truffle splits (0709 / 0712)
- What to check (information needed): genus/species (Agaricus/Boletus/Cantharellus/Shiitake/Matsutake/Truffles).
- Evidence to collect in practice: supplier botanical declaration, product label, scientific name in contract/spec.
- Typical misclassification: “all mushrooms = other” (0709.59 / 0712.39) due to missing botanical detail. (世界 Customs Organization)
5. Common mistakes in practice (cause → correction)
Write 5–10 items using this exact pattern:
- Mistake: Classifying ready-to-eat pickled cucumbers as 0711.40
- Why it happens: “preserved” sounds like 0711; people miss the “provisional” concept.
- Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it): 0711 is only for provisional preservation where the product remains unsuitable for immediate consumption; ready-to-eat pickles are typically Chapter 20. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask): ask “Is it edible as-is?” “Is it retail-ready?” request process sheet and label claims.
- Mistake: Classifying chilli powder as dried vegetable (0712)
- Why it happens: “dried chilli” is used loosely for both whole dried chillies and powder.
- Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it): dried/crushed/ground Capsicum/Pimenta is excluded from Chapter 07 and goes to 0904. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention: confirm physical form (whole vs crushed/ground), particle size spec, photos.
- Mistake: Putting all mushrooms under 0709.59 (“other”)
- Why it happens: invoices don’t show genus/species.
- Correct approach: HS2022 provides specific HS6 lines for several mushrooms/truffles; use the correct one when identity is known. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention: require botanical declaration (genus/species) as part of supplier onboarding.
- Mistake: Dried shiitake coded as 0712.39 (“other”)
- Why it happens: legacy master data from HS2017 didn’t have a shiitake-specific dried line.
- Correct approach: HS2022 introduced 0712.34 for dried shiitake; update item masters. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention: run a one-time remapping of old 0712.39 items that are shiitake.
- Mistake: Dried beans (shelled) coded as 0708 (fresh/chilled legumes)
- Why it happens: commercial term “beans” without form details.
- Correct approach: dried shelled legumes are 0713; 0708 is for fresh/chilled legumes. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention: internal question: “fresh/frozen/dried?” plus moisture specs.
- Mistake: Bean flour/powder coded as 0713
- Why it happens: “still beans” logic.
- Correct approach: flour/meal/powder of dried leguminous vegetables is excluded to 1106. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention: capture milling status and particle size; review product form on COA/spec.
- Mistake: Potato flakes/powder coded as 0712 (dried vegetables)
- Why it happens: “dried potato” description.
- Correct approach: potato flour/meal/powder/flakes/granules/pellets move to 1105 (excluded from 0712). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Prevention: request manufacturing description; verify “flakes/granules/pellets” vs “slices”.
- Mistake: Assuming “frozen vegetables” always = 0710
- Why it happens: teams focus on temperature state only.
- Correct approach: 0710 is for vegetables frozen, uncooked or simply steamed/boiled; if there is material “preparation” (e.g., sauce/recipe-style), classification may move elsewhere (often Chapter 20).
- Prevention: check ingredient list, seasoning/oil/sauce content, and intended retail use.
6. Points to watch for FTA/EPA origin certification
6-1. Relationship between HS classification and PSR (Product-Specific Rules)
- HS assignment drives PSR selection (misclassification breaks the origin analysis).
- Common pitfalls:
- HS for materials vs HS for final goods: PSR often refers to the final good HS (HS6 or HS4) and separately limits non-originating materials.
- HS2022 mushroom splits: if your final good moved from old 0709.59 to new 0709.54 (shiitake fresh), PSR lookup can change if the agreement uses a different HS edition (see 6-2).
- Practical reality for vegetables:
- Many agreements treat Chapter 07 goods as “wholly obtained” (because they are typically grown/harvested). For example, under Japan–EU and Japan–UK PSR annexes, Chapter 07 goods are shown as wholly obtained. (税関総合情報)
6-2. HS version differences referenced by agreements (HS2012 / HS2017 / HS2022)
Why you should care: You can classify operationally in HS2022, but the agreement PSR annex may be written in HS2012 or HS2017. That mismatch can cause PSR selection errors unless you map HS2022→agreement edition using official correlation tables and keep an audit trail. (税関総合情報)
| Agreement (examples relevant to Japan) | HS edition used in ROO/PSR annex | Evidence (where shown) | Practical caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPTPP | HS2012 | Annex 3-D shows “HS Classification (HS2012)”. (税関総合情報) | If you classify in HS2022, map HS2022→HS2012 for PSR application. |
| Japan–EU EPA | HS2017 | Annex 3-B shows “Harmonized System classification (2017)”. (税関総合情報) | Map HS2022→HS2017 when selecting PSR. |
| Japan–UK EPA | HS2017 | Annex 3-B shows “Harmonized System classification (2017)”. (税関総合情報) | Same HS2022→HS2017 mapping discipline. |
| RCEP | HS2022 version implemented from 2023-01-01 (Japan) | Japan Customs provides a transposed PSR in HS2022 and states implementation from 1 Jan 2023. (外務省) | Use the HS2022 PSR version for claims after the effective date; keep evidence of which version you applied. |
Standard mapping discipline (recommended):
- Do not guess mappings when splits/merges exist (e.g., HS2022 mushroom subheading splits). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Record: HS2022 code, mapped code in agreement HS edition, mapping source (WCO correlation tables and/or agreement transposition), and rationale.
6-3. Practical checklist (data needed for origin analysis)
- Product facts:
- exact HS6 in HS2022 + product description
- processing steps (fresh/frozen/dried/preserved; any cooking/seasoning)
- origin facts for “wholly obtained” style rules (grow/harvest location, farm records)
- Supply chain / proof:
- bills of materials (if processed)
- production flow chart and plant location
- certificates/statements required by the agreement’s origin procedure
- Retention (general):
- keep mapping worksheets if agreement uses HS2012/HS2017 and you operate in HS2022
7. Differences between HS2022 and earlier HS editions (what changed and why)
7-1. Change summary (REQUIRED TABLE)
| Comparison (e.g., HS2017→HS2022) | Change type (new / deleted / split / merged / wording / scope) | Codes affected | Practical meaning of the change | Operational impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS2017→HS2022 | Scope clarification/expansion | 0704.10 / 0704.90 | 0704.10 is clarified to cover all broccoli varieties, moving some items previously treated as 0704.90 into 0704.10. (世界 Customs Organization) | Update item masters; check duty/quota/stats impacts; re-check any origin PSR mapping where HS edition differs. |
| HS2017→HS2022 | Split / new HS6 lines | 0709.52–0709.56 (new) + 0709.59 (changed) | “Other mushrooms and truffles” (0709.59) was subdivided into specific mushroom/truffle categories (e.g., Boletus, Cantharellus, shiitake, matsutake, truffles). (世界 Customs Organization) | Requires genus/species data; remap legacy 0709.59 records; update compliance and origin-rule lookups. |
| HS2017→HS2022 | Split / new HS6 line | 0712.34 (new) + 0712.39 (changed) | Dried mushrooms category was subdivided to identify dried shiitake separately. (世界 Customs Organization) | Remap old 0712.39 items; request botanical/species documentation; avoid PSR selection errors. |
7-2. Why it changed (REQUIRED)
- Basis used:
- WCO HS2022 Chapter 7 legal text (structure and HS2022 HS6 lines). (世界 Customs Organization)
- WCO correlation tables HS2017↔HS2022 (Table I remarks + Table II mapping). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Practical explanation:
- The HS2022 updates in Chapter 07 mainly improve clarity and statistical/monitoring granularity (notably for broccoli scope and mushroom/truffle identification). This is visible in the WCO correlation remarks and the new HS2022 legal text structure for 0709 and 0712. (世界 Customs Organization)
8. HS codes added or removed before HS2022 (historical perspective)
- Summary table (focus on what is confirmed vs what still needs checking):
| Comparison | What appears to have happened for Chapter 07 | What to do in practice |
|---|---|---|
| HS2007→HS2012 | Information needed to decide (not analyzed here): consult WCO correlation tables for HS2007↔HS2012 for Chapter 07-specific restructures. (世界 Customs Organization) | If you still trade under HS2007/2012 references (legacy contracts/FTAs), use official correlation tables to map. |
| HS2012→HS2017 | No Chapter 07 changes were identified in the WCO Table I “changes/remarks” summary (confirm with full Table II if you need complete certainty). (世界 Customs Organization) | If an agreement uses HS2012/2017, keep mapping discipline anyway—especially for items that later changed in HS2022. |
| HS2017→HS2022 | Confirmed changes: broccoli scope clarification; mushroom/truffle HS6 splits; dried shiitake HS6 split. (世界 Customs Organization) | Update master data, origin-rule mappings, and internal product-spec requirements. |
9. Clearance trouble scenarios caused by violating Notes (case-style)
Provide 3–5 cases in this exact pattern:
- Case name (short): “Chilli powder declared as dried vegetable”
- What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated): Chapter Note excluding crushed/ground Capsicum/Pimenta from Chapter 07. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Why it happens: supplier calls both whole dried chillies and chilli powder “dried chilli”.
- Typical impacts: HS correction, delays, possible re-documentation (invoice/CO/labels), downstream origin-rule mismatch.
- Prevention: require particle size + photos; classify “whole vs powder” as a mandatory data field.
- Case name (short): “Retail pickles treated as 0711 (provisional)”
- What went wrong: 0711 applies only when provisional preservation makes the product unsuitable for immediate consumption. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Why it happens: “preserved” is read too broadly.
- Typical impacts: reclassification, additional checks, delay.
- Prevention: internal rule: if product is marketed as “ready-to-eat,” re-check for Chapter 20.
- Case name (short): “Dried shiitake left in legacy 0712.39”
- What went wrong: HS2022 introduced a specific line for dried shiitake (0712.34). (世界 Customs Organization)
- Why it happens: master data not updated post-HS2022.
- Typical impacts: incorrect declarations/statistics; origin-rule mismatch under agreements using older HS editions.
- Prevention: run HS2017→HS2022 remap using WCO correlation tables.
- Case name (short): “Mushrooms declared without species info”
- What went wrong: HS2022 mushroom/truffle HS6 splits require genus/species to code accurately. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Why it happens: suppliers don’t provide botanical names; importers don’t request them.
- Typical impacts: classification queries, time-consuming documentation loops.
- Prevention: update product master requirements (genus/species mandatory for mushroom SKUs).
- Case name (short): “Bean flour declared as 0713”
- What went wrong: Note-driven split: legume flour/powder goes to 1106, not 0713. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Why it happens: confusion between “beans” as a commodity and milled products.
- Typical impacts: reclassification, possible duty/tariff-rate change.
- Prevention: require milling/particle size data and production description.
10. Import/export regulatory considerations (compliance)
- For Japan, summarize frequent regulations/permits/quarantine relevant to this Chapter (only if applicable)
Quarantine / sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS)
- Plant quarantine (MAFF Plant Protection Stations):
- Fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, seedlings, bulbs, etc. commonly require plant quarantine inspection and, in many cases, a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country; requirements vary by plant and origin. (農林水産省)
- Some items may be import-prohibited depending on origin/plant; MAFF provides a database to check conditions. (農林水産省)
- Food sanitation (MHLW):
- Importers bringing foods into Japan for sale or business use generally must submit an import notification under the Food Sanitation Act, and foods may be inspected at quarantine stations. (厚生労働省)
CITES / species restrictions
- Not typically applicable for ordinary vegetables in Chapter 07 (verify only if dealing with unusual protected species or special products).
Export controls
- Not typically applicable for Chapter 07 goods.
Other permits / notifications
- Depending on product specifics (e.g., processed foods, additives, residue concerns), additional documentation/tests may be requested under food safety frameworks.
Official places to verify (agencies / official guides / contact points):
- MAFF Plant Protection Station (Plant Quarantine) (農林水産省)
- MHLW Imported Foods / Food Sanitation import procedures (厚生労働省)
- Japan Customs (tariff classification, FTA/ROO portals) (税関総合情報)
Typical preparatory documents (general):
- phytosanitary certificate (when required), commercial invoice, packing list, product specs/photos, processing description, ingredient list (if processed), origin/harvest records (for FTAs), import notification documentation (food sanitation).
Standard wording (safe, general):
“Requirements depend on product specs, composition, end-use, and destination. Verify the latest official notices and consult competent agencies when in doubt.”
11. Practical checklist (classification → clearance → origin → regulations)
- Before classification (collect product information)
- Product name + scientific/botanical name where relevant (mushrooms)
- Form/state: fresh/chilled/frozen/dried/preserved; whole/sliced/powder
- Ingredient list (if any) and processing steps
- After classification (re-check Notes / exclusions / boundaries)
- Check Chapter 07 Notes: fodder exclusion; Capsicum/Pimenta powder; 0712 exclusions to Chapter 11; 0711 conditions. (世界 Customs Organization)
- Before declaration (invoice description, units, supporting documents)
- Align invoice wording with HS logic (“fresh”, “frozen”, “dried whole”, “powder”, etc.)
- Ensure plant quarantine / food sanitation documentation readiness (Japan)
- FTA/EPA checks (PSR, materials, processes, retention)
- Confirm which HS edition the agreement uses (HS2012/2017/2022) and map if needed. (税関総合情報)
- Keep mapping worksheets and evidence
- Regulatory checks (permits/notifications/inspection)
- MAFF plant quarantine conditions
- MHLW import notification and inspection posture (農林水産省)
12. References (sources)
- WCO (HS2022 legal text, correlation tables, amendment package, etc.)
- [WCO-HS-LEGAL] HS Nomenclature / Legal Text (HS2022) — World Customs Organization.
https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/nomenclature/instruments-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2022/2022/0207_2022e.pdf?la=enAccessed: 2026-02-14. (世界 Customs Organization) - [WCO-CORR-2017-2022] Correlation Tables HS2017↔HS2022 (Table I / Table II) — WCO.
https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/nomenclature/instrument-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2022-edition/correlation-tables-hs-2017-2022.aspxAccessed: 2026-02-14. (世界 Customs Organization) - [WCO-CORR-2012-2017] Table I correlating HS2017↔HS2012 (changes/remarks summary) — WCO.
https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/nomenclature/instruments-and-tools/hs-nomenclature-2017/2016/table_i_trp1712_en_rev1.pdf?db=webAccessed: 2026-02-14. (世界 Customs Organization)
- [WCO-HS-LEGAL] HS Nomenclature / Legal Text (HS2022) — World Customs Organization.
- Japan customs and public-agency guidance
- [JP-PLANT-QUAR] Plant Quarantine Inspections / bringing plants into Japan — MAFF Plant Protection Station.
https://www.maff.go.jp/pps/j/introduction/english.htmlAccessed: 2026-02-14. (農林水産省) - [JP-FOOD-IMPORT] Import Procedure under Food Sanitation Act — MHLW.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/yunyu_kanshi/kanshi/index_00004.htmlAccessed: 2026-02-14. (厚生労働省) - [JP-IMPORTED-FOOD-SAFETY] Imported Food Safety — MHLW.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/shokuhin/yunyu_kanshi/index_00017.htmlAccessed: 2026-02-14. (厚生労働省) - [JP-CUSTOMS-ROO-TEXTS] Legal Texts (ROO) portal — Japan Customs.
https://www.customs.go.jp/roo/english/text/index.htmAccessed: 2026-02-14. (税関総合情報)
- [JP-PLANT-QUAR] Plant Quarantine Inspections / bringing plants into Japan — MAFF Plant Protection Station.
- FTA/EPA texts, annexes, operational guidance
- [FTA-CPTPP-TEXT] CPTPP Product-Specific Rules of Origin (Annex 3-D) — Japan Customs.
https://www.customs.go.jp/roo/english/text/tpp2.pdfAccessed: 2026-02-14. (税関総合情報) - [FTA-JP-EU-TEXT] Japan–EU EPA Product Specific Rules of Origin (Annex 3-B) — Japan Customs.
https://www.customs.go.jp/roo/english/text/eu3.pdfAccessed: 2026-02-14. (税関総合情報) - [FTA-JP-UK-TEXT] Japan–UK EPA Product Specific Rules of Origin (Annex 3-B) — Japan Customs.
https://www.customs.go.jp/roo/english/text/uk3.pdfAccessed: 2026-02-14. (税関総合情報) - [FTA-RCEP-HS2022] RCEP Product-Specific Rules (HS2022 transposed version; implemented from 2023-01-01) — Japan Customs / MOFA Japan.
https://www.customs.go.jp/roo/information/rcep/rc_en_3a2.pdfAccessed: 2026-02-14. (税関総合情報)https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page1e_kanri_000001_00007.htmlAccessed: 2026-02-14. (外務省)
- [FTA-CPTPP-TEXT] CPTPP Product-Specific Rules of Origin (Annex 3-D) — Japan Customs.
- Internal working files used in this output (provided in this GPT)
- HS chapter template:
- Sources index:
- Japan regulatory notes:
- FTA HS edition map:
- Disclaimer text:
Disclaimer (MUST BE INCLUDED VERBATIM; DO NOT MODIFY)
This material is provided for general informational purposes regarding HS classification, customs clearance, FTA/EPA rules of origin, and import/export regulations. It does not constitute legal advice, tax advice, customs advice, or a definitive classification ruling for any specific transaction. Final HS classification is determined by the customs authority of the importing/exporting country, and classification outcomes may differ for the same or similar products depending on specifications, composition, end-use, form, degree of processing, commercial reality, documentation, and other transaction-specific facts. Tariff rates, origin rules, import/export regulations, permits, and inspection requirements may change due to legal amendments or administrative updates; you must always verify the latest official laws, regulations, public notices, and agreement texts. For important transactions, you should consider using the customs advance ruling system and/or consulting qualified professionals (customs brokers, attorneys, tax advisors) and conduct appropriate verification before making decisions. The author assumes no liability for any damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, this material.