HS Code 081190 Explained: Frozen Durian, Soursop, Bananas and Leading Traders

HS Code 081190 is far more than a bureaucratic label. It is the critical trade classification that allows fresh and processed frozen fruit to cross borders smoothly — provided the code is used correctly. At TradeMagellan, our analysts constantly map how the world’s largest agri‑food companies apply this code on real bills of lading, helping importers and exporters avoid costly misclassification.

Official Scope and Definition of HS Code 081190

Under the Harmonized System, heading 0811 covers frozen fruit and nuts, whether uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water. Subheading 0811.10 is reserved specifically for strawberries, and 0811.20 for raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, loganberries, and currants. HS Code 081190 is the residual category — it captures all frozen fruits and nuts that are not named in the earlier subheadings. This includes tropical fruits like soursop, durian, bananas, mangoes, papayas, and also frozen nuts, whether or not they contain added sugar or other sweeteners.

In practice, the code 081190 functions as a broad basket. The absence of a specific six‑digit subheading for a particular fruit does not mean it cannot be shipped; instead, it falls into this basket. Customs authorities worldwide rely on accurate use of 081190 to ensure duty rates and sanitary regulations are applied correctly.

Real‑World Examples: How Industry Leaders Classify Products Under 081190

TradeMagellan’s exclusive customs data model reveals exactly how major players in the frozen fruit sector declare their goods. Drawing from more than a dozen countries’ import and export filings, we consistently observe that multinational producers and traders use HS 081190 for a distinctive set of frozen tropical products. The table below illustrates key declarations found in recent shipping records:

The appearance of TICOFRUT S.A., one of Central America’s most sophisticated fruit processors, alongside DOLE PACKAGED FOODS LLC, a global brand synonymous with frozen fruit, sends a clear signal. These enterprises — together with ALCA TRADING CORPORATION, CROP S FRUITS N V, and VISA FRUIT LLC (FRUTA FRESCA) — routinely rely on 081190 for products that do not fit the narrower strawberry or berry subheadings. The declarations demonstrate that the code is the preferred pathway for frozen soursop, sliced bananas, and durian, irrespective of the country of origin or destination.

It is also worth noting that the product descriptions on the bills of lading are often a mix of local language and English. “SIRSAK BEKU” (frozen soursop) and “DURIAN BEKU” (frozen durian) appear exactly as declared by exporters in Southeast Asia and Latin America. This real‑world detail helps logistics teams recognize that slight wording variations rarely change the underlying classification logic.

Why Following Major Traders Reduces Misclassification Risk

HS code misclassification is not a trivial clerical error. Customs authorities in the United States, the European Union, and across ASEAN can impose substantial penalties, seize cargo, or delay clearance when goods are coded inconsistently. Studies published by international trade compliance bodies show that one in five customs audits originate from an apparent mismatch between a product description and its HS code.

By studying how industry leaders navigate the system, businesses of any size can construct a defensible classification rationale. When a customs broker places a new frozen fruit product under 081190, they can confidently reference the precedent set by brands like Dole or Ticofrut. The logic is straightforward: these companies maintain specialized trade compliance departments and face enormous financial exposure if their codes are wrong; therefore, their filing patterns serve as a real‑world benchmark.

Three Steps to Verify Your 081190 Classification

• Confirm the product falls outside 0811.10 and 0811.20. If it is not a strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, or related berry, 081190 is the appropriate basket heading.
• Check the key commercial declarations. Use TradeMagellan’s data tools to filter by leading traders and see exactly which frozen fruit items are listed under 081190 in your target markets.
• Document the precedent. Maintain an internal ruling file that captures carrier‑visible data from well‑known shippers, strengthening your compliance posture during any post‑entry audit.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

No two supply chains are identical. While the major traders provide an excellent reference, classification remains fact‑specific. Frozen fruit that has been further processed — for example, puréed, mixed with yogurt, or packed in syrup — may require a different code. The filing choices of Ticofrut or Dole do not eliminate the need for a professional tariff review. TradeMagellan’s data should be used as a directional compass, not as a substitute for legal advice.

The Takeaway for Frozen Fruit Traders

HS Code 081190 is the working identity of a vast segment of international frozen fruit trade. Whether you are shipping frozen soursop from Vietnam, sliced bananas from Costa Rica, or durian from Thailand, the classification path already exists — and it is walked daily by the most recognized names in the industry. TradeMagellan’s ongoing monitoring of customs records shows that aligning with these proven filing patterns dramatically lowers friction at the border, providing the clarity that every compliance officer needs.

TradeMagellan’s supply chain intelligence team continues to track changes in frozen fruit classifications. For updated data on specific commodity codes, port‑level trends, or supplier shipment histories, explore our global trade platform.