Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
1%
This is an ad valorem duty, meaning the import duty is calculated as a percentage (1%) of the declared value of the imported goods.
Special Trade Agreement Rates
The following countries and trade agreements qualify for reduced or eliminated tariffs:
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
Australia FTA
Bahrain FTA
Chile FTA
Colombia TPA
AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
Caribbean Basin Initiative
Israel FTA
Jordan FTA
Korea-U.S. (KORUS) FTA
Morocco FTA
Oman FTA
CAFTA-DR (Central America)
Panama TPA
Peru TPA
AGOA Least-Developed Beneficiary
Singapore FTA
Rate: Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
20%
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 2008.19.15.00 Covers
Coconut products that have been prepared or preserved beyond simple drying, such as roasted, sweetened, candied, or otherwise processed coconut meat sold as a food. It sits in Chapter 20 (preparations of fruits and nuts), under heading 2008 for nuts prepared or preserved in ways not covered elsewhere. Typical goods include toasted coconut chips, sweetened flaked coconut, and coconut snack products.
Notes for Importers
The key pitfall is confusing prepared coconut here with unprocessed forms: fresh or simply dried or desiccated coconut belongs in Chapter 8 (heading 0801), not Chapter 20. Coconut milk and cream are usually classified elsewhere, often in heading 2008 subdivisions or Chapter 21 depending on composition, so check the exact product form. Sweetening, roasting, or other cooking is generally what pushes coconut into this code.
Product Category
Prepared Foodstuffs
This chapter includes prepared and preserved meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and other processed food products ready for consumption.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 2008.19.15.00 |
| Description | Coconuts |
| Chapter | 20 - Prepared Foodstuffs |
| General Duty Rate | 1% |
| Rate Type | Ad Valorem |
| 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:
- 2008.11.02.00 — Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions
- 2008.11.05.00 — Described in additional U.S. note 5 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions
- 2008.11.15.00 — Other
- 2008.11.43.00 — Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions
- 2008.11.46.00 — Described in additional U.S. note 2 to chapter 12 and entered pursuant to its provisions
- 2008.11.61.00 — Other
- 2008.19.10 — Brazil nuts and cashews
- 2008.19.20.00 — Filberts
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this code cover desiccated coconut?
No. Plain desiccated or dried coconut with no further preparation is classified in Chapter 8 under heading 0801. This code is for coconut that has been roasted, sweetened, or otherwise prepared.
What typical products fall under 2008.19.15.00?
Toasted or roasted coconut chips, sweetened flaked coconut used in baking, candied coconut, and similar ready-to-eat coconut snack products.
Where does coconut milk go?
Coconut milk and coconut cream are generally not classified here. Depending on how they are prepared they may fall under other food-preparation provisions, so classify them by their actual composition rather than assuming this coconut line.
What is the HTS code 2008.19.15.00 used for?
HTS code 2008.19.15.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Coconuts. 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 2008.19.15.00?
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 2008.19.15.00?
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 Prepared Foodstuffs products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 2008.19.15.00?
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 2008.19.15.00 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.