Spices, Not Elsewhere Specified

The US tariff schedule specifically carves out origanum of the Lippia genus (Mexican oregano) into its own lines — 0910992000 for crude or unmanufactured and 0910994000 for other — separate from true oregano (Origanum vulgare), which falls under the general spices NESOI lines. Misclassifying Lippia-sourced product as true oregano, or vice versa, can result in liquidation errors. Botanical identification documentation from the supplier supports correct classification.

The HTS draws a line between crude or minimally processed forms (e.g., whole dried leaves with stems, field-dried) and more manufactured presentations (e.g., cleaned, sifted, cut, or packaged for retail). Line 0910990500 covers crude or not-manufactured thyme and bay leaves, while 0910990550 and the NESOI lines apply to further-processed product. The degree of processing at importation — not the intended use — governs which line applies, and importers should obtain processing declarations from suppliers to support classification.