Fresh Green Bitter Melon
Fresh green bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a long, warty vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisines for its bitter flavor in stir-fries and curries. It falls under HTS 0709.99.90.05 as a fresh or chilled other vegetable, specifically classified as bitter melon, distinct from standard globe tomatoes or processed peppers. Harvested at peak ripeness and chilled for transport to maintain freshness.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If treated for provisional preservation like in brine
Vegetables preserved solely for transport (e.g., sulfur dioxide) fall under heading 0711, unsuitable for immediate consumption.
If misidentified as sweet bell-type peppers for processing
Peppers of genus Capsicum have specific subheadings; bitter melon is distinct but shape similarity could lead to error.
If prepared or packed for retail sale in smaller units
Certain retail-packed other vegetables shift to different statistical breaks within 0709.99.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify freshness upon arrival to avoid reclassification as preserved under 0711; provide phytosanitary certificates from origin country
• Label clearly as 'bitter melon' to match statistical suffix
• Watch for common pitfalls like over-chilling causing spoilage claims
Related Products under HTS 0709.99.90.05
Fresh Indian Karela Bitter Melon
Indian karela, a variety of bitter melon (Momordica charantia), features slender green pods with pronounced ridges, prized for blood sugar benefits in Ayurvedic dishes. Classified under HTS 0709.99.90.05 for fresh or chilled bitter melon as an other vegetable. Typically exported chilled from India or Bangladesh.
Chilled Chinese Bitter Gourd
Chinese bitter gourd (Momordica charantia var. charantia) is a lighter green, less bitter variety used in soups and salads, harvested fresh and chilled for market. It precisely matches HTS 0709.99.90.05 as fresh or chilled bitter melon under other vegetables. Popular in stir-fries for its crisp texture.
Fresh Organic Bitter Melon
Certified organic bitter melon (Momordica charantia) grown without synthetic pesticides, ideal for health-focused markets in salads and juices. Falls under HTS 0709.99.90.05 as fresh or chilled bitter melon per statistical notes on organics. Sourced from certified farms in tropical regions.
Fresh Thai Bitter Melon Pods
Thai bitter melon pods (Momordica charantia) are vibrant green, spiky fruits used in spicy curries and stir-fries, shipped fresh or chilled. Specifically classified in HTS 0709.99.90.05 for bitter melon as other fresh vegetables. Known for culinary and medicinal uses in Southeast Asia.
Fresh Okinawan Bitter Melon
Okinawan bitter melon (Goya, Momordica charantia) from Japan, milder and sweeter, featured in champuru stir-fries, imported fresh or chilled. HTS 0709.99.90.05 designates it as bitter melon among other vegetables. Celebrated for longevity diet benefits.
Fresh Caribbean Bitter Melon
Caribbean bitter melon (Momordica charantia) with smoother skin, used in stews and teas, harvested fresh for ethnic markets. Classified precisely under HTS 0709.99.90.05 as chilled or fresh bitter melon. Thrives in tropical climates like Jamaica.