Italian Long Purple Eggplant

Fresh Italian long purple eggplants (Solanum melongena var. esculentum) are slender, elongated varieties with vibrant purple skin, typically 8-12 inches long. They fall under HTS 0709.30.20.40 when entered April 1 to November 30 due to their classification as 'Italian' eggplants, a specific type distinguished by shape and seasonal import restrictions in the fresh or chilled category.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+17.5%17.5%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

0709.30.20Same rate: 17.5%

If entered December 1 to March 31

Seasonal restriction moves Italian eggplants to the general eggplant subheading outside the specified import period.

0711.90Higher: 17.7% vs 17.5%

If provisionally preserved in brine or sulfur solution

If treated solely for transport/storage and unsuitable for immediate consumption, shifts to Chapter 71 vegetables provisionally preserved.

0603Lower: 14% vs 17.5%

If imported as live plants with roots

Live eggplant plants for propagation fall under Chapter 6 live trees/plants, not fresh vegetables in Chapter 7.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Obtain phytosanitary certificates from origin confirming pest-free status, as eggplants are subject to USDA APHIS inspections

Verify entry date falls within April 1-November 30; off-season imports shift to general eggplant codes with different duties

Avoid misclassification as generic eggplants (0709.30.20.80) by providing variety documentation like invoices specifying 'Italian' type