Fresh or Chilled Lettuce and Chicory (Including Endive)

At the SITC level, endive and chicory share a heading with lettuce, but the US HTS schedule typically separates them into distinct tariff lines. Importers should identify the specific variety — head lettuce, leaf lettuce, Belgian endive, or chicory — on entry documents to ensure the correct classification and applicable duty rate.

FDA prior notice must be submitted electronically before the shipment arrives. A phytosanitary certificate is required by USDA APHIS, and the shipment may be selected for FDA sampling to test for pesticide residues or microbial contamination. Given the extreme perishability of lettuce, importers should coordinate closely with their customs broker to minimize port dwell time.