HS Code 11.07 – Malt; whether or not roasted

HS code 1107 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Malt; whether or not roasted. Heading 1107 comprehensively covers 'Malt; whether or not roasted,' encompassing germinated cereal grains that have been dried, a crucial intermediate product in various industries. This classification primarily includes malt derived from barley, but also extends to wheat malt, rye malt, and other cereal malts. The scope is broad, covering malt in its whole, ground, or flaked forms, and distinguishes between unroasted (pale) and roasted (darker, specialty) malts. It's important to note that this heading specifically excludes unmalted cereals (Chapter 10) and roasted cereals not subjected to the malting process, such as roasted barley used as a coffee substitute (typically 2101). Key sub-categories include Pilsner malt, Munich malt, caramel malts, chocolate malts, and black malts, each offering distinct flavor and color profiles for end-use applications. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it dictates specific duty rates, import/export regulations, and often phytosanitary requirements, directly impacting the brewing, distilling, and food manufacturing sectors. Historically, malt has been a cornerstone of brewing since ancient times, and today, global trade in malt reflects the specialized production capabilities of certain regions and the widespread demand for quality ingredients. As a processed cereal product, malt fits perfectly within Chapter 11, 'Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten,' which focuses on the initial value-added processing of agricultural commodities.

Pale barley malt, caramel barley malt, chocolate barley malt, black barley malt, wheat malt, rye malt, oat malt, Munich malt, Vienna malt, Pilsner malt, distiller's malt, brewer's malt, malt extract (solid form), diastatic malt powder, non-diastatic malt powder, flaked malt, smoked malt, sour malt, acidulated malt, crystal malt, roasted wheat malt, enzyme-active malt.

Common misclassification mistakes under HS 1107 often arise from confusing malt with its raw or more processed forms. Unmalted barley, for instance, should be classified under HS 1003 (Barley), not 1107, as it has not undergone the germination process. Another frequent error is classifying roasted barley intended as a coffee substitute under 1107; these items, if not malted, typically fall under HS 2101 (Extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea or maté; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes). Furthermore, liquid malt extract is generally classified under HS 1901 (Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract). The defining characteristic for 1107 is the 'germinated and dried' state of the cereal grain.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1107 in UN Comtrade data were France ($576M, 14% of world exports), Belgium ($467M) and China ($377M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 1107 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($607M, 13% of world imports), Mexico ($390M) and Japan ($328M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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.

HS code 1107 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (11) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.