HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 10.03 – Barley
What HS 10.03 covers
Heading 1003 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to 'Barley,' a versatile cereal grain with a long history in agriculture and trade. This classification covers all forms of barley grain, whether in the ear (unthreshed) or threshed, and regardless of its intended use. Barley's primary applications include brewing (malting barley), animal feed, and, to a lesser extent, human consumption (e.g., pearled barley). The scope of this heading is strictly limited to the unprocessed grain, distinguishing it from barley flour (heading 1102), malt (heading 1107), or other processed barley products. Correct classification under 1003 is critical for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, import quotas, and adherence to specific quality standards, especially for malting varieties. Barley's role in global food and beverage industries, as well as livestock farming, underscores its economic significance. As an integral part of Chapter 10, 'Cereals,' heading 1003 reinforces the categorization of raw, unprocessed grains, providing a clear boundary between agricultural commodities and their value-added derivatives. This distinction is vital for accurate trade statistics, market analysis, and the implementation of agricultural policies worldwide.
- Covers
- Malting barley
- Feed barley
- Hull-less barley
- Pearled barley (unprocessed)
- Barley grain
- Barley for brewing
- Barley for livestock feed
- Barley for human consumption
- Winter barley
- Spring barley
- Barley in the ear
- Threshed barley
- Organic barley
- High-protein barley
- Low-protein barley
- Seed barley
- Bulk barley
- Bagged barley
- Two-row barley
- Six-row barley
- Specialty brewing barley
- Barley for distillers
- Examples
Australia, a major exporter, ships vast quantities of malting barley to China, transported in bulk vessels across the Pacific, to supply its booming brewing industry. Simultaneously, French farmers export feed barley to Saudi Arabia, utilizing large cargo ships through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal, to support the Kingdom's livestock sector. In another instance, specialized craft breweries in the United States import unique varieties of barley from the United Kingdom, often via containerized ocean freight, for small-batch beer production.
Subheadings under 10.03 2
Codes often confused with 10.03
Common mistake. A common classification pitfall for HS 1003 is confusing raw barley grain with its processed forms. For example, barley malt, which is germinated and dried barley, should be classified under 1107 (Malt, whether or not roasted) and not 1003. Similarly, barley flour falls under 1102 (Cereal flours other than of wheat or meslin), not 1003. Traders also sometimes confuse barley with other raw cereals like wheat (1001) or oats (1004), especially when dealing with bulk shipments where visual distinction can be challenging. Accurate identification of the grain type and its processing level is essential to avoid misclassification and ensure compliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 1003, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 1003 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 Australia $2.2B 25% of world exports
- 2 France $1.4B 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $720M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $8.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.7B 29% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.2B 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $549M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $9.3B 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.
Questions about HS 10.03
What is HS code 1003?
HS code 1003 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Barley. Heading 1003 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to 'Barley,' a versatile cereal grain with a long history in agriculture and trade. This classification covers all forms of barley grain, whether in the ear (unthreshed) or threshed, and regardless of its intended use. Barley's primary applications include brewing (malting barley), animal feed, and, to a lesser extent, human consumption (e.g., pearled barley). The scope of this heading is strictly limited to the unprocessed grain, distinguishing it from barley flour (heading 1102), malt (heading 1107), or other processed barley products. Correct classification under 1003 is critical for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, import quotas, and adherence to specific quality standards, especially for malting varieties. Barley's role in global food and beverage industries, as well as livestock farming, underscores its economic significance. As an integral part of Chapter 10, 'Cereals,' heading 1003 reinforces the categorization of raw, unprocessed grains, providing a clear boundary between agricultural commodities and their value-added derivatives. This distinction is vital for accurate trade statistics, market analysis, and the implementation of agricultural policies worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 1003?
Malting barley, feed barley, hull-less barley, pearled barley (unprocessed), barley grain, barley for brewing, barley for livestock feed, barley for human consumption, winter barley, spring barley, barley in the ear, threshed barley, organic barley, high-protein barley, low-protein barley, seed barley, bulk barley, bagged barley, two-row barley, six-row barley, specialty brewing barley, barley for distillers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1003?
A common classification pitfall for HS 1003 is confusing raw barley grain with its processed forms. For example, barley malt, which is germinated and dried barley, should be classified under 1107 (Malt, whether or not roasted) and not 1003. Similarly, barley flour falls under 1102 (Cereal flours other than of wheat or meslin), not 1003. Traders also sometimes confuse barley with other raw cereals like wheat (1001) or oats (1004), especially when dealing with bulk shipments where visual distinction can be challenging. Accurate identification of the grain type and its processing level is essential to avoid misclassification and ensure compliance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 1003?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1003 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($2.2B, 25% of world exports), France ($1.4B) and Germany ($720M). World exports came to about $8.7B, 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 1003?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1003 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 29% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($1.2B) and the Netherlands ($549M). World imports came to about $9.3B, 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 1003 structured?
HS code 1003 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (10) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.