Importers and brokers should first check whether the bean variety is explicitly covered by a more specific SITC or HTS heading — for example, broad beans, horse beans, or common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Only if the variety is not captured by a specific heading should it be classified as NES. Botanical species identification is often the deciding factor, and a binding ruling from US Customs can provide certainty for recurring shipments.

The skinning or splitting process does not change the FDA admissibility framework — all food-use dried beans require Prior Notice and foreign-facility registration regardless of processing state. However, split or dehulled beans may have higher surface exposure, which can affect mycotoxin sampling protocols and moisture uptake during transit, so certificates of analysis should reflect the processed form.