Frozen Ostrich Fern Fiddleheads from China

Frozen fiddlehead greens from ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris), harvested in early spring and blanched before freezing. Classified under HTS 0710.80.60.00 as frozen vegetables, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, specifically fiddlehead greens not reduced in size. They retain their coiled, intact shape suitable for cooking.

Duty Rate — China → United States

25.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)

Import Tips

Verify fiddleheads are solely frozen after blanching (steaming/boiling) and not reduced in size to avoid reclassification under other subheadings

Provide certificates of origin and phytosanitary certificates to comply with USDA APHIS import requirements for frozen vegetables

Check for pesticide residue compliance as fiddleheads can accumulate contaminants; common pitfall is inadequate documentation leading to FDA holds