HS Code 0409 — Natural Honey

This code covers pure, natural honey produced by bees, including honey in the comb or centrifugal honey. It excludes products where sugar or other substances have been added, or honey-based food preparations.

What's included

Comb honey
Liquid honey
Crystallised honey
Centrifuged honey

What's excluded

Artificial honey → use 1702 (Mixtures of natural honey and sugar or invert sugar are classified as sugars.)
Honey roasted nuts → use 2008 (Processed nut products with honey coating fall under vegetable preparations.)

Common examples

Manuka honey MGO 500
Organic wildflower honey
Acacia honey in honeycomb
Bulk raw clover honey

Frequently asked questions

Does this code cover medical-grade honey?

Yes, provided it is pure natural honey and not mixed with pharmaceutical substances or presented as a medicament.

Trade & shipping notes

Typical duty range: 0% - 17.3%
Documentation: Requires a Health Certificate and often a Certificate of Origin to qualify for preferential rates.
Typical shipping mode: LCL
Top exporters: China, New Zealand, Argentina, Vietnam
Top importers: United States, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom

Key takeaway

Natural honey must be 100% pure; any additives shift the classification to Chapter 17 or 21.

Natural Honey