About HS Code 1006
Heading 1006 of the Harmonized System covers "Rice," an overarching classification for one of the world's most vital cereal grains. This heading is comprehensive, encompassing rice in all stages of processing, from its initial rough (paddy) form, through husked (brown) rice, to various degrees of milled rice (semi-milled and wholly milled), and even broken rice. The scope is broad, covering different varieties such as long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, jasmine, basmati, and glutinous rice, as well as parboiled rice. What unites these under 1006 is that they are still fundamentally rice grains, not further processed into flour, flakes, or prepared foods. This distinguishes it from products like rice flour (HS 1102) or puffed rice (HS 1904). As a primary food staple for billions, rice trade is heavily influenced by food security policies, making accurate classification under 1006 critical for customs duties, quotas, and sanitary regulations. Its inclusion in Chapter 10, "Cereals," within Section II, "Vegetable Products," solidifies its identity as an unprocessed or minimally processed grain, highlighting its agricultural origin and importance in global food supply chains.
Products Under This Code
Paddy rice, rough rice, brown rice, cargo rice, husked rice, semi-milled rice, wholly milled rice, polished rice, glazed rice, parboiled rice (husked), parboiled rice (milled), glutinous rice, basmati rice (milled), jasmine rice (milled), arborio rice (milled), long-grain rice, medium-grain rice, short-grain rice, organic rice, red rice, black rice, broken rice (HS 1006.40), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), sushi rice, sticky rice, Valencia rice.
Real World Examples
A Thai exporter ships 25,000 metric tons of premium jasmine milled rice to the Philippines, a major rice-importing nation. The shipment is classified under HS 1006.30 and is subject to specific import quotas and tariffs as part of regional trade agreements designed to manage food security. India exports 18,000 metric tons of aged basmati milled rice to Saudi Arabia, catering to the high demand for aromatic rice varieties in the Middle East. This trade route is well-established, with strict quality control and phytosanitary certificates being integral to the customs clearance process. Vietnam sends 10,000 metric tons of parboiled long-grain rice to the European Union. This particular type of rice, classified under HS 1006.30, often benefits from specific tariff rate quotas under various EU trade schemes, requiring careful documentation to prove origin and processing methods.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification of rice products often occurs when distinguishing between the grain itself and its processed derivatives. A common error is classifying rice flour (HS 1102) or starch (HS 1108) under 1006, despite these being products of further milling. Another frequent mistake involves prepared cereal foods made from rice, such as puffed rice or rice cakes, which fall under HS 1904. Furthermore, some 'wild rice' varieties (Zizania aquatica) can be confused with other seeds or even certain aquatic plants if not clearly identified as a cereal grain. Accurate classification hinges on the degree of processing and the product's fundamental form as a grain.
Subheadings 4
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan are the world's leading rice exporters, dominating global markets with diverse varieties. Major importers include China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and various countries in the Middle East and Africa, where rice is a dietary staple. Rice trade is often highly regulated due to its food security implications, with many countries imposing specific import quotas, tariffs, or preferential agreements (e.g., under ASEAN or SAARC) to protect domestic producers or ensure stable supply. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures are also critical, especially for premium varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 1006?
HS code 1006 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rice. Heading 1006 of the Harmonized System covers "Rice," an overarching classification for one of the world's most vital cereal grains. This heading is comprehensive, encompassing rice in all stages of processing, from its initial rough (paddy) form, through husked (brown) rice, to various degrees of milled rice (semi-milled and wholly milled), and even broken rice. The scope is broad, covering different varieties such as long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, jasmine, basmati, and glutinous rice, as well as parboiled rice. What unites these under 1006 is that they are still fundamentally rice grains, not further processed into flour, flakes, or prepared foods. This distinguishes it from products like rice flour (HS 1102) or puffed rice (HS 1904). As a primary food staple for billions, rice trade is heavily influenced by food security policies, making accurate classification under 1006 critical for customs duties, quotas, and sanitary regulations. Its inclusion in Chapter 10, "Cereals," within Section II, "Vegetable Products," solidifies its identity as an unprocessed or minimally processed grain, highlighting its agricultural origin and importance in global food supply chains.
What products fall under HS code 1006?
Paddy rice, rough rice, brown rice, cargo rice, husked rice, semi-milled rice, wholly milled rice, polished rice, glazed rice, parboiled rice (husked), parboiled rice (milled), glutinous rice, basmati rice (milled), jasmine rice (milled), arborio rice (milled), long-grain rice, medium-grain rice, short-grain rice, organic rice, red rice, black rice, broken rice (HS 1006.40), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), sushi rice, sticky rice, Valencia rice.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1006?
Misclassification of rice products often occurs when distinguishing between the grain itself and its processed derivatives. A common error is classifying rice flour (HS 1102) or starch (HS 1108) under 1006, despite these being products of further milling. Another frequent mistake involves prepared cereal foods made from rice, such as puffed rice or rice cakes, which fall under HS 1904. Furthermore, some 'wild rice' varieties (Zizania aquatica) can be confused with other seeds or even certain aquatic plants if not clearly identified as a cereal grain. Accurate classification hinges on the degree of processing and the product's fundamental form as a grain.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 1006?
India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan are the world's leading rice exporters, dominating global markets with diverse varieties. Major importers include China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and various countries in the Middle East and Africa, where rice is a dietary staple. Rice trade is often highly regulated due to its food security implications, with many countries imposing specific import quotas, tariffs, or preferential agreements (e.g., under ASEAN or SAARC) to protect domestic producers or ensure stable supply. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures are also critical, especially for premium varieties.
How is HS code 1006 structured?
HS code 1006 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (10) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.