OPINION
Kelly, Judge:
This matter is before the court on cross-motions for summary judgment regarding the proper classification of Plaintiffs entry of roasted, salted, and/or flavored whole sunflower seeds in their shells.
See Def.’s Mot. Summ. J., Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29; PL’s Cross Mot. Summ. J., Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32. Defendant maintains that summary judgment should be granted in its favor because there is no genuine issue of material fact that United States Cus
toms and Border Protection (“Customs”) properly classified Plaintiffs entry of roasted, salted, and/or flavored whole sunflower seeds in their shell imported by Well Luck Co., Inc. (“Well Luck”) under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2010) (“HTSUS”) subheading 2008.19.90,
which covers “Fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit, not elsewhere specified or included: Nuts, peanuts (ground-nuts) and other seeds, whether or not mixed together: Other, including mixtures: Other” at a duty rate of 17.9% ad valorem. See Def.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. 5-13, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29 (“Def.’s SJ Br.”). Plaintiff challenges Customs’ denial' of its protest contesting Customs’ classification of its imported merchandise within subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS. Compl. ¶¶20, 21-44, Sept. 2, 2014, ECF No. 5. Plaintiff contends Defendant’s motion for summary judgment should be denied and that summary judgment should be granted in its favor. Mem. Law and Authorities Supp. Well Luck Company, Inc.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Resp. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J. 10-38, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32 (“PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp.”) Plaintiff contends there is no genuine issue of material fact that Customs misclassified its entry, and that, as a matter of law, Customs should have classified its entry under subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS, which covers “Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken” at a duty-free rate. Id. For the reasons that follow, the court grants Defendant’s motion for summary judgment and denies Plaintiffs cross-motion for summary judgment.
JURISDICTION AND STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a) (2006) and Section 515 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. § 1515 (2006),
which together grant the court authority to review actions contesting the denial of a protest regarding the classification of imported merchandise, and the court reviews such actions de novo. 28 U.S.C. § 2640(a)(1) (2006). The court will grant summary judgment when “the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” USCIT R. 56(a).
UNDISPUTED FACTS
The following facts are not in dispute. The imported merchandise in Plaintiffs entry consists of “three varieties of wet-cooked and/or roasted, salted, flavored and/or unflavored sunflower seeds in' unbroken shells”: “All Natural Flavor,” “Spiced Flavor,” and “Coconut Flavor.” Def.’s Statement Undisputed Material Facts ¶¶ 1-2, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29 (“Def.’s Statement Facts”); Pl.’s Resps. Def., Rule 56.3 Statement Undisputed Material Facts ¶¶ 1-2, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32 (“Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts”). The contents of the “All Natural Flavor” variety are sunflower seeds and salt. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 2(a); PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 2(a). The contents of the “Spiced Flavor” variety are sunflower seeds, salt, spice, artificial sweetener (Acesulfame Potassi
um), Monosodium Glutamate, and artificial Flavor. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 2(b); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 2(b). The contents of the “Coconut Flavor” variety are sunflower seeds, salt, coconut flavor, artificial sweetener (Aeesulfame Potassium), and Monosodium Glutamate. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 2(c); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 2(c). The sunflower seeds in all varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are of the common sunflower,
Helianthus annuus,
and the seeds used by Plaintiff are used, as is, for human consumption and not for the extraction of edible or industrial oils or fats. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 5-7; Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 5-7.
All of the varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are initially processed by being machine and hand selected for quality, size, and purity. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(i), 4(i); Pl.’s Resp. Defl’s Facts ¶¶ 3(i), 4(i). Following selection, the sunflower seeds for Plaintiffs “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties are further processed by being “immersed in water, sweeteners, spice and/or flavoring at 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for approximately 120 minutes.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 4(ii); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 4(ii). The seeds for the “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties are then dried. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 4(iii); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 4(iii). Following selection for the “All Natural Flavor” variety and following drying for the “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties, the seeds in all varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are then further processed by being heated in an oven to 302 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for approximately 65 minutes. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). Salt is added to the seeds during this heating process for all varieties. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); PL’s Resp. Defi’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). The sunflower seeds in all of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are then cooled, and those in unbroken shells are packaged into finished product bags sold for consumption and imported. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(iii), 3(iv), 4(v), 4(vi); PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(iii), 3(iv), 4(v), 4(vi).
Plaintiffs imported merchandise is “not fungible or interchangeable with raw sunflower seeds.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 8; PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 8. Nor is Plaintiffs imported merchandise “fungible or interchangeable with sunflower seeds that [: (1) ] “only undergo heat treatment designed to ensure better preservation of the seeds
(e.g.,
by inactivating lipolytic enzymes and eliminating moisture”; (2) “only undergo heat treatment to inactivate anti-nutritional factors”; (3) “only undergo heat treatment to facilitate their use”; or (4) “are not roasted, salted and flavored.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 9-12; PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 9-12. The sunflower seeds in Plaintiffs imported products “do not undergo heat treatment designed mainly for the purpose of de-bittering.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 13; PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 13.
DISCUSSION
I. The Meaning of the Competing Tariff Terms
The dispute concerns the proper classification of Plaintiffs roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seeds. Plaintiff argues that its entry of imported merchandise, as a matter of law, is classifiable under subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS, which covers “sunflower seeds, whether or not broken ...
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OPINION
Kelly, Judge:
This matter is before the court on cross-motions for summary judgment regarding the proper classification of Plaintiffs entry of roasted, salted, and/or flavored whole sunflower seeds in their shells.
See Def.’s Mot. Summ. J., Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29; PL’s Cross Mot. Summ. J., Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32. Defendant maintains that summary judgment should be granted in its favor because there is no genuine issue of material fact that United States Cus
toms and Border Protection (“Customs”) properly classified Plaintiffs entry of roasted, salted, and/or flavored whole sunflower seeds in their shell imported by Well Luck Co., Inc. (“Well Luck”) under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2010) (“HTSUS”) subheading 2008.19.90,
which covers “Fruits, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit, not elsewhere specified or included: Nuts, peanuts (ground-nuts) and other seeds, whether or not mixed together: Other, including mixtures: Other” at a duty rate of 17.9% ad valorem. See Def.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. 5-13, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29 (“Def.’s SJ Br.”). Plaintiff challenges Customs’ denial' of its protest contesting Customs’ classification of its imported merchandise within subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS. Compl. ¶¶20, 21-44, Sept. 2, 2014, ECF No. 5. Plaintiff contends Defendant’s motion for summary judgment should be denied and that summary judgment should be granted in its favor. Mem. Law and Authorities Supp. Well Luck Company, Inc.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Resp. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J. 10-38, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32 (“PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp.”) Plaintiff contends there is no genuine issue of material fact that Customs misclassified its entry, and that, as a matter of law, Customs should have classified its entry under subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS, which covers “Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken” at a duty-free rate. Id. For the reasons that follow, the court grants Defendant’s motion for summary judgment and denies Plaintiffs cross-motion for summary judgment.
JURISDICTION AND STANDARD OF REVIEW
The court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1581(a) (2006) and Section 515 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, 19 U.S.C. § 1515 (2006),
which together grant the court authority to review actions contesting the denial of a protest regarding the classification of imported merchandise, and the court reviews such actions de novo. 28 U.S.C. § 2640(a)(1) (2006). The court will grant summary judgment when “the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” USCIT R. 56(a).
UNDISPUTED FACTS
The following facts are not in dispute. The imported merchandise in Plaintiffs entry consists of “three varieties of wet-cooked and/or roasted, salted, flavored and/or unflavored sunflower seeds in' unbroken shells”: “All Natural Flavor,” “Spiced Flavor,” and “Coconut Flavor.” Def.’s Statement Undisputed Material Facts ¶¶ 1-2, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29 (“Def.’s Statement Facts”); Pl.’s Resps. Def., Rule 56.3 Statement Undisputed Material Facts ¶¶ 1-2, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32 (“Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts”). The contents of the “All Natural Flavor” variety are sunflower seeds and salt. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 2(a); PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 2(a). The contents of the “Spiced Flavor” variety are sunflower seeds, salt, spice, artificial sweetener (Acesulfame Potassi
um), Monosodium Glutamate, and artificial Flavor. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 2(b); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 2(b). The contents of the “Coconut Flavor” variety are sunflower seeds, salt, coconut flavor, artificial sweetener (Aeesulfame Potassium), and Monosodium Glutamate. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 2(c); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 2(c). The sunflower seeds in all varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are of the common sunflower,
Helianthus annuus,
and the seeds used by Plaintiff are used, as is, for human consumption and not for the extraction of edible or industrial oils or fats. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 5-7; Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 5-7.
All of the varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are initially processed by being machine and hand selected for quality, size, and purity. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(i), 4(i); Pl.’s Resp. Defl’s Facts ¶¶ 3(i), 4(i). Following selection, the sunflower seeds for Plaintiffs “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties are further processed by being “immersed in water, sweeteners, spice and/or flavoring at 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for approximately 120 minutes.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 4(ii); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 4(ii). The seeds for the “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties are then dried. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 4(iii); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 4(iii). Following selection for the “All Natural Flavor” variety and following drying for the “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties, the seeds in all varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are then further processed by being heated in an oven to 302 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for approximately 65 minutes. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). Salt is added to the seeds during this heating process for all varieties. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); PL’s Resp. Defi’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). The sunflower seeds in all of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are then cooled, and those in unbroken shells are packaged into finished product bags sold for consumption and imported. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(iii), 3(iv), 4(v), 4(vi); PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(iii), 3(iv), 4(v), 4(vi).
Plaintiffs imported merchandise is “not fungible or interchangeable with raw sunflower seeds.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 8; PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 8. Nor is Plaintiffs imported merchandise “fungible or interchangeable with sunflower seeds that [: (1) ] “only undergo heat treatment designed to ensure better preservation of the seeds
(e.g.,
by inactivating lipolytic enzymes and eliminating moisture”; (2) “only undergo heat treatment to inactivate anti-nutritional factors”; (3) “only undergo heat treatment to facilitate their use”; or (4) “are not roasted, salted and flavored.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 9-12; PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 9-12. The sunflower seeds in Plaintiffs imported products “do not undergo heat treatment designed mainly for the purpose of de-bittering.” Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 13; PL’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 13.
DISCUSSION
I. The Meaning of the Competing Tariff Terms
The dispute concerns the proper classification of Plaintiffs roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seeds. Plaintiff argues that its entry of imported merchandise, as a matter of law, is classifiable under subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS, which covers “sunflower seeds, whether or not broken ... Free.” PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 5; see also Heading 1206, HTSUS. Defendant counters that Plaintiffs imported merchandise was correctly classified under subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS which covers:
2008 Fruit, nuts, and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit, not elsewhere specified or included:
[[Image here]]
2008.19 Other, including mixtures:
[[Image here]]
2008.19.90 Other. 17.9%.
Subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS.
A. Subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS
Plaintiff argues that the phrase of “sunflower seeds” in subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS includes roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seeds.
Pl.’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 11-19. Defendant contends that the relevant sources define “sunflower seeds” as seeds of the common sunflower plant,
Helianthus annuus,
irrespective of any treatment or use, and the Explanatory Note to the Harmonized Commodity Description Coding System (“EN”)
clarifies that subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS only encompasses seeds of the
Helianthus
annuus that are minimally processed. Def.’s Resp. Pl.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Reply Supp. Def.’s Mot. Summ. J. 2-3, and 5, Dec. 14, 2016, ECF No. 35 (“Def.’s Resp. X-Mot. and Reply Br.”); Defi’s SJ Br. 6-8.
Determining the correct classification of merchandise involves two steps. First, the court determines the proper meaning of the tariff provisions, a question of law. See Link Snacks, Inc, v. United States, 742 F.3d 962, 965 (Fed. Cir. 2014). Second, the court determines whether the subject merchandise properly falls within the scope of the tariff provisions, a question of fact. Id. Where no genuine “dispute as to the nature of the merchandise [exists], then the two-step classification analysis collapses entirely into a question of law.” Link Snacks, 742 F.3d at 965-66 (citation omitted). Customs classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (“GRI”), which are part of the HTSUS statute. BenQ Am. Corp. v. United States, 646 F.3d 1371, 1376 (Fed. Cir. 2011). When determining the correct classification for merchandise, a court first construes the language of the headings in question “and any relative section or chapter notes.” GRI 1. The “terms of the HTSUS are construed according to their common commercial meanings.” BenQ Am., 646 F.3d at 1376 (internal quotation omitted).
The tariff term “sunflower seeds” encompasses seeds of the
Helianthus annu-us
that are minimally further processed only to an extent that leaves the seeds suitable for general uses, including sowing and oil extraction. Neither party disputes that the meaning of the tariff term “sunflower seeds” includes the seeds of the common sunflower plant,
Helianthus an-nuus.
See PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and
Resp. 19; Def.’s Resp. X-Mot. and Reply Br. 3. All of the dictionary and encyclopedia sources offered and relied upon by Plaintiff define “sunflower seeds” as the seeds of the plant,
Helianthus annuus,
or as the seeds of the “sunflower” or “common sunflower” plant. See Pl.’s SJ Br. 11-15;
Mem. Law and Authorities Supp. Well Luck Company Inc.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Resp. Def.’s Mot. Summ J. Ex. H, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32-8. These same sources, which are all reference works concerned specifically with food, also indicate that “sunflower seeds” can be, or are usually, dried or roasted to be eaten as a snack.
See Mem. Law and
Authorities Supp. Well Luck Company Inc.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Resp. Def.’s Mot. Summ J. Ex. I, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32-9. The general dictionaries consulted by the court define the terms “sunflower” and “seeds” separately, and they also highlight the fertilized or ripened ovule of the plant
Helianthus annus.
See Webster’s Third New International Dictionary 2055, 2291 (Philip Babcock Gove, Ph. D. and Merriam-Webster Editorial Staff eds. 1993). These general definitions also emphasize the capability of sowing seeds. Id. at 2291. Published industry sources provided by Plaintiff reflect that “sunflower seeds” may be eaten as a snack either raw, roasted, or seasoned.
Pl.’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp 15-19; see also Mem. Law and Authorities Supp. Well Luck Company Inc.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Resp. Def.’s Mot. Summ J. Ex. I, Oct. 10, 2016, ECF No. 32-9. The food-focused lexicographic sources provided by Plaintiff therefore indicate the commercial meaning of “sunflower seeds” may include seeds of the plant
Helianthus annum
that are relatively unprocessed and for general use as well as those that are further processed by roasting, salting, and/or flavoring suitable to be eaten as a snack.
The General EN to Chapter 12 clarifies that the definition of the tariff term “sunflower seeds” refers to sunflower seeds that have been minimally processed such that they are suitable for general use. General EN Chapter 12. The EN indicates that Headings 1201 through 1207
cover seeds- and fruits of a kind used for the extraction (by pressure or by solvents) of edible or industrial oils and fats, whether they are presented for that purpose, for sowing or for other purposes. These headings do not, however, include ... certain seeds and fruits from which oil may be extracted but which are primarily used for other purposes.
[[Image here]]
[The seeds and fruits covered by the heading] may also have undergone heat treatment designed mainly to ensure better preservation (e.g., by inactivating
the lipolytic enzymes and eliminating part of the moisture), for the purpose of de-bittering, for inactivating antinutri-tional factors or to facilitate their use. However, such treatment is permitted only if it does not alter the character of the seeds and fruits as natural products and does not make them suitable for a specific use rather than for general use.
Id.
Thus, the EN defines included seeds as those “used for extraction ... of edible or industrial oils and fats, whether they are presented for that purpose, for sowing, or for other purposes.” See General EN Chapter 12. Although one might argue that the phrase “other purposes” would capture seeds that are suitable for snacking, the EN makes clear that any processing must leave them suitable for general use, which includes oil extraction, sowing, and other purposes. See id. The EN specifies that seeds processed so as to make them suitable only for a specific use are not included in Chapter 12, HTSUS. See General EN Chapter 12. Seeds that have undergone processing that leaves them suitable only for snacking are suitable only for a specific use.
The overall structure of the HTSUS indicates that Chapter 12 includes less processed plant matter whereas Chapter 20, advocated by Defendant, includes plant matter that has been processed to a greater extent. The Customs Cooperation Council, in introducing the HTSUS system, indicated that:
[a]s a general rule, goods are arranged in order of their degree of manufacture: raw materials, unworked products, semi-finished products, finished products. For example, live animals fall in Chapter 1, animal hides and skins in Chapter 41 and leather footwear in Chapter 64. The same progression also exists within other Chapters and headings.
Customs Co-Operation Council, Introducing the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System 32 (1987); see also Lawrence J. Bogard, 2 Customs Law and Administration: Commentary § 7:9 (November 2016 Update). Therefore, based upon the words of the tariff and the intent of the drafters as to the meaning of those words reflected in the EN, as well as the structure of the tariff, the court concludes that “sunflower seeds,” as used in Heading 1206, HTSUS, are seeds of the common sunflower plant,
Helianthus annuus,
that are not processed in a way that renders them unsuitable for extraction of edible or industrial oils and fats, sowing, and other purposes.
Plaintiff argues that the common and commercial meaning of “sunflower seeds” in Heading 1206, HTSUS, unambiguously includes sunflower seeds without limitation. Pl.’s Reply Mem. Further Supp. Cross-Mot. Summ. J. and Opp’n Def.’s Cross-Mot. Summ. J. 9, Jan. 3, 2017, ECF No. 36 (“Pl.’s Reply Def.’s SJ Mot.”). Plaintiff therefore contends that a definition that limits “sunflower seeds,” as used in Heading 1206, HTSUS, solely to minimally processed sunflower seeds contradicts the common and commercial meaning of the term, as supplied by the lexicographic and industry sources it provided.
Id. at 10. However, the lexicographic and industry sources provided by Plaintiff include a broad definition of seeds of the common sunflower plant,
Helianthus an-num,
that may refer to either less processed sunflower seeds suitable for general purposes or more processed prepared sunflower seeds suitable for specific purposes. Nothing in the language of the HTSUS heading itself clarifies whether this broad definition or a narrower definition applies. However, the EN to Chapter 12 and the structure of the HTSUS support a narrower interpretation of this language.
Plaintiff also argues that Congress expressed no intent to exclude sunflower seeds that are further processed for human consumption because Heading 1206, HTSUS contains no restrictive language limiting the heading only to raw or minimally processed sunflower seeds.
Pl.’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 22-28. As an initial matter, the definition as stated by the court does not exclude all sunflower seeds processed for human consumption, merely those processed in a manner that renders the seeds unsuitable for general use. This definition comports with the clarification of the tariff term provided by the ENs. See EN Chapter 12. Plaintiff contrasts the example of Heading 1202, HTSUS, which specifically excludes “roasted or otherwise cooked” peanuts, with Heading 1206, HTSUS, which lacks specific exclusionary language. PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 22-23. Exclusionary language is not necessary to determine that a more restrictive definition is meant to apply in a particular tariff heading. The fact that another provision has exclusionary language does not undermine the court’s conclusion that the term “sunflower seeds” could encompass both minimally processed and further processed seeds. The ENs, which reflect the intent of the drafters, clarify that the tariff term is meant to refer to sunflower seeds that are only minimally processed. Plaintiff points to no contradictory source of legislative intent indicating that “sunflower seeds,” as used in Heading 1206, HTSUS, includes roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seeds. Evaluating the tariff provision in the context of the HTSUS as a whole, the meaning of the tariff term “sunflower seeds” in Heading 1206, HTSUS, is limited to products that have not been processed in a way that make them unsuitable for general use.
B. Subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS
Subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS provides for:
2008 Fruit, nuts, and other edibie parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit, not elsewhere specified or included:
[[Image here]]
2008.19 Other, including mixtures:
[[Image here]]
2008.19.90 Other.
Subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS. Although neither party offers lexicographic sources to define the tariff terms of this heading, the court has consulted several dictionary definitions of the terms “edible,” “prepared,” and “preserved” for guidance in discerning their common and commercial meanings. The dictionary definitions of “edible” emphasize suitability for eating, particularly for consumption by human beings.
The relevant dictionary definitions of “prepared” emphasize making an item ready or suitable beforehand for eating.
The relevant dictionary definitions of “preserved” emphasize the function of preparing food for future use, especially to prevent spoilage.
The EN to Heading 2008 clarifies the sorts of preservation and preparation contemplated by Heading 2008, HTSUS:
This heading covers fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, whether whole, in pieces or crushed, including mixtures thereof, prepared or preserved otherwise than by any of the processes specified in other Chapters or in the preceding headings of this Chapter.
It includes,
inter alia:
(1) Almonds, ground-nuts, areca (or betel) nuts and other nuts, dry-roasted or fat-roasted, whether or not containing or coated with vegetable oil, salt, flavours, spices or other additives.
[[Image here]]
The products of this heading are generally put up in cans, jars or airtight containers, or in casks, barrels or similar containers.
EN, Heading 2008. Thus, subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS covers parts of plants made ready or suitable in advance for eating, such as by dry-roasting or fat roasting, whether or not containing or coated with vegetable oil, salt, flavors, spices or other additives, and made fit for future use in a manner to prevent spoilage.
II. Plaintiffs Sunflower Seeds
Plaintiffs sunflower seeds are not classified in subheading 1206.00.00, HTSUS because it is undisputed that they are not suitable for general use. In order for Plaintiffs imported seeds to fall within Heading 1206, HTSUS, they must be suitable for general use rather than a specific use.
It is undisputed that the “Spiced Flavor” and “Coconut Flavor” varieties of imported merchandise are wet-cooked in water, sweeteners, spice and/or flavoring at 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 4(ii); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 4(ii). It is likewise undisputed that the seeds in all varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are heated in an oven to 302 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for approximately 65 minutes. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). Salt is added to the seeds during this heating process for all varieties. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). There is unrefuted evidence offered by Defendant that heating sunflower seeds at temperatures of 302 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) adversely affects the harvest, viability, preservation, and storage of the seeds. See Def.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. Ex. G, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29-6 (including a study indicating that a drying temperature of greater than 53 degrees Celsius should not be used if seed viability is to be maintained); Def.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. Ex. H, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29-6 (including another study indicating that sunflowers to be used for seed should not be dried at temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit).
Therefore,
it is undisputed that heating the sunflower seeds to 150 Degrees Celsius for approximately 65 minutes renders Plaintiffs imported merchandise unsuitable for sowing, one of the general uses listed in the General EN to Chapter 12. Plaintiff recognizes that “baking at 150°C (302°F) may adversely affect the use of oil-type seeds for extraction,” see PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 34, and Plaintiff offers no affirmative evidence that its seeds are suitable for oil extraction.
Thus, the sunflower seeds in Plaintiffs imported merchandise are not prima facie classifiable as “sunflower seeds,” as that term is used in Heading 1206, HTSUS, because the seeds in Plaintiffs imported merchandise are not suitable for general use because they are processed in a way that makes them unsuitable for all uses.
Plaintiffs imported roasted, salted and/or flavored sunflower seeds are “seeds” Not Elsewhere Specified or Included Within Subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS. Both parties concede that, as seeds of the common sunflower plant,
He-lianthus annum,
Plaintiffs imported merchandise are parts of plants. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 5, Pl.’s Resp. Defi’s Facts ¶ 5. It is likewise undisputed that Plaintiffs imported merchandise is used, as is, for human consumption. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶ 6, Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶ 6. Thus, Plaintiffs merchandise is an edible part of a plant.
Both parties concede that all varieties of Plaintiffs merchandise are heated in an oven at 302 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 65 minutes. Def.’s Statement
Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 4(iv). It is undisputed that all varieties of Plaintiffs imported merchandise are roasted and salted. Def.’s Statement Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 3(iv), 4(iv), 4(vi); Pl.’s Resp. Def.’s Facts ¶¶ 3(ii), 3(iv), 4(iv), 4(vi). Therefore, Plaintiffs imported merchandise is prepared or preserved by dry-roasting and salting. Plaintiff points to no other section of the HTSUS other than subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS that might otherwise include sunflower seeds processed in the manner that Plaintiffs imported merchandise is processed. The court cannot locate any competing tariff provision that covers edible seeds from plants processed in the manner that Plaintiff processes its imported sunflower seed snacks. Therefore, as a matter of law, Plaintiffs imported roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seed snack products are seeds that are prepared or preserved not elsewhere specified or included within the meaning of subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS.
Plaintiff argues that its “roasted, salted, and flavored sunflower seeds in the shell eaten as a snack” are “sunflower seeds” within the meaning of Heading 1206, HTSUS, because snacking is an “other purpose.” PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 33-35. However, as already discussed, Heading 1206, HTSUS, excludes “sunflower seeds” processed in a manner that does not make them suitable for all uses. Sunflower seeds suitable for general use must be suitable for sowing and oil extraction, not just suitable for snacking. See General EN Chapter 12. Roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seeds are not suitable for sowing. See Def.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. Ex. G, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29-6 (including a study indicating that a drying temperature of greater than 53 degrees Celsius should not be used if seed viability is to be maintained); Def.’s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. Ex. H, Sept. 1, 2016, ECF No. 29-6 (including another study indicating that sunflowers to be used for seed should not be dried at temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit). Plaintiff recognizes that “baking at 150°C (302°F) may adversely affect the use of oil-type seeds for extraction,” see PL’s Br. Supp. X-Mot. SJ and Resp. 34, and Plaintiff offers no affirmative evidence that its seeds are suitable for oil extraction. Therefore, Plaintiffs imported merchandise is not suitable for general purposes and is not “sunflower seeds” within the meaning of Heading 1206, HTSUS.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the roasted, salted, and/or flavored sunflower seeds at issue in this case are properly classifiable as “Nuts, peanuts (ground nuts) and other seeds, whether or not mixed together: Other including mixtures: Other” under subheading 2008.19.90, HTSUS. Therefore, Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is granted, and Plaintiffs motion for summary judgment is denied. Judgment will be entered accordingly.