Fresh hops are highly perishable and subject to stricter APHIS phytosanitary controls, limiting their trade window to the harvest season. Dried whole hops and pellets are the standard commercial forms for international trade, offering longer shelf life and easier handling. Lupulin powder — a further-processed concentrate — may be classified differently depending on its degree of processing and could fall outside this heading if considered a prepared extract.

Yes — hop variety determines alpha acid content (bitterness potential) and terpene profile (aroma), which are critical brewing specifications. Certain proprietary varieties are grown exclusively in specific regions, creating supply concentration risk for brewers dependent on a single origin. Importers should also verify that the variety name on commercial documents matches the phytosanitary certificate to avoid entry delays. Consult a licensed customs broker for current admissibility requirements.