Understanding HS Code 060319 for Fresh Cut Flower Imports
What Officially Belongs in HS Code 0603.19
HS Code 0603.19 sits inside Chapter 06 of the Harmonized System, the chapter covering live trees, plants, bulbs, roots, cut flowers, and ornamental foliage. Heading 0603 describes cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes, and subheading 0603.19 is the residual "Other" category for fresh cut flowers.
In practice, this means any fresh flower that does not hold its own dedicated subheading is classified here. The official structure of the 0603 family makes that clear:
| Subheading | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 0603.11 | Roses (fresh) |
| 0603.12 | Carnations (fresh) |
| 0603.13 | Orchids (fresh) |
| 0603.14 | Chrysanthemums (fresh) |
| 0603.15 | Lilies (fresh) |
| 0603.19 | Other fresh cut flowers, e.g., jasmine, tulips, gerberas, mixed bouquets |
| 0603.90 | Dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared flowers |
Because 0603.19 is the catch-all line, it carries an outsized share of real-world cut flower trade — and it is also one of the most frequently misapplied codes in Chapter 06.
How Leading Flower Firms Apply 060319 in Real Shipments
The official definition tells you what the code is designed for, but the trade data shows how the industry actually uses it. According to TradeMagellan's exclusive customs shipment database, the following market participants are among the notable filers relying on HS Code 060319 for their recurring flower imports:
- SUNSHINE BOUQUET CO.
- ELITE EXPORTS INTERNATIONAL INC Y/O ELITE FLOWER SERVICES IN
- THE QUEENS FLOWERS CORP.
- FALCON FARMS INC.
- FLOREXPO LLC.
On the declaration records tied to these companies, the actual product descriptions observed under this code include FRESH JASMINE, JASMINE FLOWERS, and ASSORTED FRESH FLOWERS.
TradeMagellan Insight: These records confirm that 060319 is not a niche code reserved for rare botanicals. It is the workhorse classification for both single-species jasmine shipments and mixed assortment boxes crossing borders every week.
Why Benchmarking Against Major Importers Reduces Misclassification Risk
Misclassifying fresh cut flowers triggers measurable damage: incorrect duty payments, customs penalties, shipment holds, and distorted trade statistics. Because jasmine and assorted bouquets have no dedicated subheading, tariff classification requires judgment. Benchmarking against established industry leaders is one of the most effective ways to keep that judgment aligned with customs-reality.
When import compliance teams observe that SUNSHINE BOUQUET CO., FALCON FARMS INC., THE QUEENS FLOWERS CORP., FLOREXPO LLC., and ELITE EXPORTS INTERNATIONAL INC Y/O ELITE FLOWER SERVICES IN consistently declare jasmine and assorted fresh flowers under 0603.19, they gain a practical reference point for their own declarations. Following the de facto industry standard lowers the chance of selecting an incorrect named subheading or accidentally shifting product into the dried/processed category.
Common Classification Pitfalls for Fresh Cut Flowers
- Assuming every mixed bouquet is "assorted": A bouquet visually dominated by roses, chrysanthemums, or other enumerated species may legally belong under that species-specific subheading rather than 0603.19.
- Overlooking the genus rule: Jasmine belongs in the "Other" line because it is not named anywhere in 0603.11–0603.15; however, hybrids or cultivars derived from enumerated species do not automatically qualify for the residual code.
- Confusing fresh with processed: Dried, dyed, bleached, or artificially preserved flowers belong under 0603.90, even if the commercial invoice still calls the product "fresh flowers."
Practical Steps for Import Compliance Teams
- Pull TradeMagellan shipment records for your specific flower variety before committing to a tariff line, and compare the declared product descriptions with your own cargo.
- Verify the physical condition of the goods at the border (fresh vs. dried vs. treated) and make sure the invoice language mirrors the actual state of the goods.
- Document your classification rationale, including the genus and species of the flowers and confirmation that no more specific subheading applies.
Conclusion: Let Trade Data Guide Your Next Declaration
HS Code 060319 is the default classification for fresh cut flowers that do not hold a dedicated subheading — and as the filing practices of major flower companies demonstrate, it covers everything from fresh jasmine to assorted mixed bouquets. By aligning your compliance approach with the real-world behavior of established industry players, you reduce misclassification risk, avoid customs delays, and keep duty calculations on solid ground.
TradeMagellan's customs data analysis team will continue to track how leading importers classify emerging flower varieties and ornamental products. Importers seeking deeper guidance on their own product mix are encouraged to review recent trade records for their specific cut flower category before filing.
