Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
1.4¢/kg
This is a compound duty combining both a specific duty (per unit) and an ad valorem duty (percentage of value).
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
2.2¢/kg
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 0602.90.50.00 Covers
Mushroom spawn, meaning the living mycelium used to propagate mushroom crops, typically supplied on a carrier such as sterilized grain, sawdust, plugs, or agar. It falls under heading 0602, which covers live plants and other live planting material. This is the propagation material itself, not harvested mushrooms.
Notes for Importers
Typical imports are grain spawn, sawdust spawn, and inoculated dowel plugs for commercial mushroom farms and hobby growers. Do not confuse spawn with fresh mushrooms (heading 0709), dried mushrooms (0712), or prepared mushrooms (chapter 20). Live plant material requires USDA APHIS permits and phytosanitary documentation, so check plant health requirements before shipping.
Product Category
Vegetable Products
This chapter includes cereals, flour, malt, edible vegetables, edible fruit, coffee, tea, spices, and related plant-based food products.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 0602.90.50.00 |
| Description | Mushroom spawn |
| Chapter | 6 - Vegetable Products |
| General Duty Rate | 1.4¢/kg |
| Rate Type | Compound |
| Special Rates | Free (A+,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E, IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S, SG) |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are classified under 0602.90.50.00?
Living mushroom mycelium sold as propagation material, including grain spawn, sawdust spawn, plug spawn, and similar inoculated substrates used to grow mushroom crops.
Are fresh or dried mushrooms classified here?
No. Fresh mushrooms fall under heading 0709, dried mushrooms under 0712, and canned or otherwise prepared mushrooms under chapter 20. This code is only for the live spawn used to grow them.
Do I need a permit to import mushroom spawn?
Live plant propagation material is regulated by USDA APHIS. Most shipments need an import permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country.
What is the HTS code 0602.90.50.00 used for?
HTS code 0602.90.50.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Mushroom spawn. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 0602.90.50.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 0602.90.50.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Vegetable Products products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 0602.90.50.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 0602.90.50.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.