HS Code 10.06 – Rice

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.

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.

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.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1006 in UN Comtrade data were India ($12.1B, 37% of world exports), Thailand ($4.7B) and Vietnam (about $3.3B). World exports came to about $32.7B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1006 in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($1.7B, 5.2% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($1.7B) and the United States ($1.6B). World imports came to about $33.4B, 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.

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.