Fresh Sweet Basil Leaves
Fresh leaves of Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil, harvested for use in herbal remedies, essential oil extraction for perfumery, and natural insect repellents. Classified under HTS 1211.90.89.40 as fresh basil, a plant part used primarily in pharmacy, perfumery, or for insecticidal purposes, not processed into medicaments or perfumes.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If intended primarily for human consumption as dried vegetable
Dried basil used as a food ingredient falls under Chapter 7 for vegetables, not Chapter 12 for medicinal/perfumery plants.
If processed into essential oil or fragrance compound
Mixtures containing basil extracts for perfumery are classified in Chapter 33, not raw plant material.
If dried, ground, and sold primarily as a spice
Ground basil treated as a spice falls under heading 0910 for spice seeds/fruits, excluding whole herb leaves.
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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 basil is fresh or dried and not processed into extracts or oils to stay under 1211; provide botanical certification if required
• Ensure phytosanitary certificates confirm freedom from pests, as basil is prone to aphids and fungal issues
• Label clearly as 'for perfumery/pharmacy/insecticidal use' to avoid reclassification as culinary herb under Chapter 7
Related Products under HTS 1211.90.89.40
Dried Holy Basil Leaves
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.
Fresh Lemon Basil Bunches
Fresh bunches of Ocimum basilicum 'Lemon' variety, prized for citral content in aromatherapy oils, natural insecticides, and pharmaceutical teas. Classified in HTS 1211.90.89.40 for fresh basil used primarily in perfumery or pharmacy, chilled or not.
Dried Thai Basil Leaves
Dried Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai basil) leaves, utilized for antimicrobial properties in natural pharmaceuticals and anise-scented essential oils in perfumery. HTS 1211.90.89.40 covers dried basil for such non-food primary uses.
Chilled Purple Basil Foliage
Chilled fresh leaves of Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens' (purple basil), employed in pharmacy for antioxidant extracts and perfumery for unique floral notes. Per HTS 1211.90.89.40 for chilled/fresh basil in insecticidal/perfumery applications.
Dried Genovese Basil Whole Leaves
Whole dried leaves of Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese', standard for pesto but imported here for linalool-rich oils in perfumery and natural fungicides. HTS 1211.90.89.40 specifies dried basil for primary non-culinary uses.