HS Code 11.05 – Flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules and pellets of potatoes

HS code 1105 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules and pellets of potatoes. Heading 1105 specifically classifies 'Flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules and pellets of potatoes.' This heading is dedicated solely to various processed forms of potatoes, excluding fresh potatoes (Chapter 07) or highly prepared potato products (Chapter 20). The scope includes finely ground potato products like flour, meal, and powder, as well as larger forms such as flakes (e.g., for instant mashed potatoes), granules, and pellets. These products are typically obtained through drying and subsequent processing of potatoes. This classification is vital for international trade compliance as it dictates tariffs, import regulations, and food safety standards specific to potato-derived ingredients. These products are widely used in the food industry as thickeners, binders, and main ingredients for snacks (e.g., potato chips made from reconstituted potato), convenience foods, and gluten-free applications. Accurate classification prevents misapplication of duties and ensures compliance with origin rules. Historically, the trade in dried potato products has grown with the demand for convenience foods and industrial food ingredients, offering extended shelf life and ease of use compared to fresh potatoes. As part of Chapter 11, it aligns with other 'Products of the milling industry,' emphasizing its role as a processed agricultural commodity.

Potato flour, potato meal, potato powder, potato flakes, potato granules, potato pellets, dehydrated potato flour, instant mashed potato flakes, dried potato granules, potato meal for snacks, potato powder for thickeners, potato flakes for food service, potato pellets for extrusion, pregelatinized potato flour, organic potato flakes, potato protein powder (if primary form is flour/meal), modified potato starch (if in flour form), potato solids, potato starch flour, potato crumb, potato granules for gnocchi, potato powder for baby food, potato flake for industrial use, dried potato pieces (finely ground)

Common misclassifications include confusing 1105 with fresh potatoes (HS 0701), which are raw agricultural products. Another frequent error is classifying potato starch (HS 1108) under 1105; while potato starch is derived from potatoes, 1108 is the specific heading for starches. Traders also sometimes classify highly prepared potato products, such as frozen french fries (HS 2004) or canned potatoes (HS 2005), under 1105, overlooking the 'prepared' aspect. The key differentiator for 1105 is that the products are dried, milled, or flaked forms of potato, not the raw tuber itself or a finished, ready-to-eat product.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1105 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($311M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($310M) and Belgium ($171M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 1105 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($109M, 8.4% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($106M) and Malaysia ($100M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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.

HS code 1105 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (11) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.