HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0705.21 – Vegetables; witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled
HS code 0705.21 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetables, witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled. It is used for witloof chicory, belgian endive, french endive, red witloof and white witloof.
What HS 0705.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers fresh or chilled witloof chicory, also known as Belgian endive. It's a niche, high-value vegetable primarily cultivated for its distinctive bitter taste and crisp texture, making it a favorite in gourmet salads and cooked dishes. International trade in witloof chicory is driven by demand from upscale restaurants, specialty grocers, and consumers in countries with strong culinary traditions, particularly in Europe and North America. Due to its delicate nature and specific growing conditions (often forced in darkness), efficient cold chain logistics are crucial for maintaining quality during transit. Exporters are typically European nations with specialized cultivation techniques, while importers seek to satisfy a discerning market for this unique produce.
- Covers
- Witloof chicory
- Belgian endive
- French endive
- Red witloof
- White witloof
- Examples
- Frieda's Specialty Produce Witloof
- Melissa's Produce Belgian Endive
- Rungis Market Witloof
Codes often confused with 0705.21
Common mistake. Could be confused with 070529 (other chicory) if not specifically witloof, or 070511 (lettuce) due to similar salad use, but witloof has a distinct bitter flavor and unique growth habit.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 070521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 070521 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $67M 54% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $20M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $17M 14% of world exports
World total: $124M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $23M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $13M 12% of world imports
World total: $108M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 0705.21
Brazil does not split HS 0705.21: its NCM code is 0705.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 07.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0705.21
What is HS code 070521?
HS code 070521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetables; witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled. This HS code specifically covers fresh or chilled witloof chicory, also known as Belgian endive. It's a niche, high-value vegetable primarily cultivated for its distinctive bitter taste and crisp texture, making it a favorite in gourmet salads and cooked dishes. International trade in witloof chicory is driven by demand from upscale restaurants, specialty grocers, and consumers in countries with strong culinary traditions, particularly in Europe and North America. Due to its delicate nature and specific growing conditions (often forced in darkness), efficient cold chain logistics are crucial for maintaining quality during transit. Exporters are typically European nations with specialized cultivation techniques, while importers seek to satisfy a discerning market for this unique produce.
What products fall under HS code 070521?
Witloof chicory, Belgian endive, French endive, Red witloof, White witloof
What are common misclassifications for HS code 070521?
Could be confused with 070529 (other chicory) if not specifically witloof, or 070511 (lettuce) due to similar salad use, but witloof has a distinct bitter flavor and unique growth habit.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 070521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 070521 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($67M, 54% of world exports), Belgium ($20M) and France ($17M). World exports came to about $124M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 070521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 070521 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($23M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and Belgium ($13M). World imports came to about $108M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 070521 structured?
HS code 070521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (07) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 070521?
In Brazil, HS code 070521 is NCM 0705.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.