CLA-2-08:OT:RR:NC:N5:228
William TerGukasyan
AEEM Shipping
300 N Third Street
Burbank, CA 91502
RE: The tariff classification of lemons from Somalia
Dear Mr. TerGukasyan:
In your letter dated May 27, 2026, you requested a tariff classification ruling on behalf of your client, Earthzi
Food Company.
The subject merchandise is described as whole dried lemons (Citrus limon) that are sun-dried with the peel
intact. The lemons do not contain added ingredients or preservatives. The lemons are packaged in eight
ounce (227 gram) and one pound (454 gram) sealed plastic bags. The subject merchandise is said to be
prepared by first harvesting fresh lemons, subsequent to washing and sun-drying them whole until fully
dehydrated. The intended purchasers are food industry distributors and retail stores.
The applicable subheading for the whole dried lemons will be 0805.50.2050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the United States (HTSUS), which provides for Citrus fruit, fresh or dried… Lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus
limonum) and limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia)… Lemons… Other. The general rate of duty will be
2.2 cents per kilogram.
The duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. Duty rates are provided for your convenience
and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided
at https://hts.usitc.gov/.
This ruling does not address the applicability of any additional duties, taxes, fees, exactions and/or other
charges, which may apply to the goods discussed herein. This includes, but is not limited to, tariffs and other
duties as provided for in Subchapter III to Chapter 99, HTSUS. Thus, for example, in addition to the
classification stated above, the merchandise covered by this ruling may also need to be reported with either
the Chapter 99 provision under which an additional tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions
covering exceptions to such tariffs.
For further information to assist with the importation process, please refer to the frequently updated Cargo
Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages at
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service and the Trade Remedies page at
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/trade-remedies.
The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as
identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the
information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and
complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not
conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2.
Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic
verification by CBP.
This merchandise is subject to The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act
of 2002 (The Bioterrorism Act), which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Information on the Bioterrorism Act can be obtained by calling FDA at 301-575-0156, or at the Web site
www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection
Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents
filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, please contact
National Import Specialist Timothy Petrulonis at [email protected].
Sincerely,
(for)
James P. Forkan
Director
National Commodity Specialist Division