Fresh Spearmint Leaves from Mexico
Fresh leaves of spearmint (Mentha spicata), chilled or frozen but crude and unmanufactured, primarily for pharmaceutical teas, essential oil extraction in perfumery, or natural insect repellents. Falls under HTS 1211.90.20.00 per chapter notes covering mint for such purposes, excluding refined products.
Duty Rate — Mexico → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.5510%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 10% ad valorem on products of Mexico
Import Tips
• Maintain cold chain documentation for fresh/chilled leaves to prove condition at import and avoid spoilage duties
• Label clearly as 'crude mint leaves for perfumery/pharmacy' to distinguish from fresh vegetables under Chapter 7
• Test for pesticide residues, as pharmacy-end-use triggers stricter EPA/FDA import alerts