Dried Holy Basil Leaves from Japan
Dried leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum (holy basil or tulsi), used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for stress relief and as a source of eugenol for perfumery and antifungal applications. Fits HTS 1211.90.89.40 as dried basil for pharmaceutical or insecticidal purposes per Chapter 12 notes.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Include documentation proving medicinal/pharmaceutical intent, such as buyer contracts, to distinguish from food use
• Check for partial defatting or processing that might shift to heading 1208 flours/meals
• Monitor moisture content in dried basil (<10%) to prevent mold claims during customs inspection