Fresh Nopales Pads
Fresh, young leaves of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), commonly known as nopales pads, harvested and chilled for culinary use. These tender cactus leaves are trimmed of spines and classified under HTS 0709.99.90.30 as fresh or chilled other vegetables, specifically cactus leaves, not suitable for immediate consumption without preparation.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If dried for storage or processing
Dried nopales pads are classified as dried leguminous vegetables in Chapter 71, no longer fresh or chilled.
If provisionally preserved in brine or vinegar for transport
Preserved cactus leaves treated solely for provisional preservation fall under heading 0711, unsuitable for immediate consumption.
If prepared or cut into strips and packaged for retail
Further processed or retail-ready cactus leaves may shift to fresh vegetables nesoi under 0708.90 due to state of completion.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify phytosanitary certificates confirming treatment for pests like cochineal insects, as required for fresh vegetables from Mexico or other origins
• Ensure leaves are fresh or chilled (not dried or preserved) to avoid reclassification; maintain cold chain documentation
• Label accurately as 'cactus leaves' or 'nopales' with country of origin to comply with FDA fresh produce import rules
Related Products under HTS 0709.99.90.30
Chilled Prickly Pear Cactus Leaves
Chilled pads from prickly pear cactus, sold in bulk for restaurants or markets, with spines removed. Classified as cactus leaves under HTS 0709.99.90.30 within fresh or chilled other vegetables, as they require cooking before eating.
Fresh Opuntia Cactus Pads
Freshly harvested Opuntia cactus leaves, also called nopales, chilled and packed in crates for export. These fall under HTS 0709.99.90.30 as other fresh or chilled vegetables specified as cactus leaves.
Organic Fresh Cactus Leaves
Certified organic nopales pads, fresh or chilled, grown without synthetic pesticides. Classified under HTS 0709.99.90.30 as cactus leaves among other fresh vegetables, with organic certification per General Note 6.
Baby Nopal Cactus Leaves
Tender young cactus leaves, known as baby nopales, fresh or chilled with minimal spines. Specifically denoted as cactus leaves in HTS 0709.99.90.30 for other fresh vegetables.