Fresh Chinese Water Chestnuts
Fresh Chinese water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) are small, round aquatic tubers harvested from wetland farms, prized for their crisp texture and mild, nutty flavor in Asian stir-fries and salads. They fall under HTS 0714.90.05.00 as fresh or chilled roots and tubers with high starch content, specifically named in the tariff schedule.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If dried, whether sliced or pelleted
Dried water chestnuts are classified under the dried subcategory of the same heading for roots/tubers.
If prepared or preserved in water or brine
Cooked or preserved water chestnuts become Chapter 20 prepared vegetables, not fresh tubers.
If frozen
Frozen water chestnuts fall under heading 0713 for frozen vegetables and tubers.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify phytosanitary certificates from exporting countries like China or Thailand to meet USDA APHIS requirements for fresh tubers
• Maintain cold chain below 7°C during transit to preserve freshness and avoid reclassification as dried
• Avoid common pitfalls like mislabeling as 'canned' which shifts to Chapter 20; declare as fresh/chilled only
Related Products under HTS 0714.90.05.00
Pre-Washed Chilled Chinese Water Chestnuts
Pre-washed chilled Chinese water chestnuts are rinsed and hydro-cooled for restaurant supply, reducing prep time while preserving natural crunch. HTS 0714.90.05.00 applies to these minimally processed fresh/chilled starch tubers.
Chilled Peeled Chinese Water Chestnuts
Chilled peeled Chinese water chestnuts are pre-cleaned and peeled fresh tubers stored at refrigerated temperatures for extended shelf life in gourmet markets. Classified under HTS 0714.90.05.00 as chilled roots/tubers high in starch content, remaining suitable only for cooking.
Organic Fresh Chinese Water Chestnuts
Certified organic fresh Chinese water chestnuts are grown without synthetic pesticides in sustainable aquatic farms, offering clean-label appeal for health food retailers. HTS 0714.90.05.00 covers these as fresh/chilled high-starch tubers, with organic status noted statistically per General Note 6.
Bulk Chilled Chinese Water Chestnuts in Brine
Bulk chilled Chinese water chestnuts lightly brined for short-term preservation during ocean freight, maintaining fresh-like crispness. Still under HTS 0714.90.05.00 as chilled fresh tubers unsuitable for immediate consumption per Chapter 7 notes.