HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1108.12 – Starch; maize (corn) starch
HS code 1108.12 is the 6-digit subheading for starch, maize (corn) starch. It is used for corn starch powder, modified corn starch, high-amylose corn starch, waxy corn starch and corn flour (if referring to fine starch).
What HS 1108.12 covers
Maize starch, commonly known as corn starch, is one of the most globally traded starches due to its widespread availability and diverse applications. Extracted from corn kernels, it serves as a fundamental ingredient in the food industry as a thickener, binder, and gelling agent in sauces, soups, desserts, and baked goods. Beyond food, it's extensively used in industrial applications, including paper production, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and as a raw material for bioplastics and ethanol. Major importers include countries with large food processing and industrial sectors, such as China, Japan, and Mexico, which rely on a consistent supply for their manufacturing needs. Exporters are predominantly major corn-producing nations with advanced wet-milling facilities, like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Trade considerations include purity, viscosity, and whether it's native or modified starch, impacting its functional properties and suitability for specific uses.
- Covers
- Corn starch powder
- Modified corn starch
- High-amylose corn starch
- Waxy corn starch
- Corn flour (if referring to fine starch)
- Cornstarch for cooking
- Examples
- Argo Corn Starch
- Maizena Corn Starch
- Bob's Red Mill Corn Starch
- National Starch (Ingredion) Corn Starch
Codes often confused with 1108.12
Common mistake. This code is sometimes confused with 110220 (Maize (corn) flour) because both are corn-derived, but corn starch is a purified carbohydrate, while corn flour includes protein and fiber. It's also distinct from 110819 (Other starches) which covers starches from other sources.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 110812, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 110812 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 United States $157M 12% of world exports
- 2 India $134M 11% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $101M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $114M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 France $97M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $95M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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.
Brazil NCM code for 1108.12
Brazil does not split HS 1108.12: its NCM code is 1108.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 11.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1108.12
What is HS code 110812?
HS code 110812 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Starch; maize (corn) starch. Maize starch, commonly known as corn starch, is one of the most globally traded starches due to its widespread availability and diverse applications. Extracted from corn kernels, it serves as a fundamental ingredient in the food industry as a thickener, binder, and gelling agent in sauces, soups, desserts, and baked goods. Beyond food, it's extensively used in industrial applications, including paper production, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and as a raw material for bioplastics and ethanol. Major importers include countries with large food processing and industrial sectors, such as China, Japan, and Mexico, which rely on a consistent supply for their manufacturing needs. Exporters are predominantly major corn-producing nations with advanced wet-milling facilities, like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Trade considerations include purity, viscosity, and whether it's native or modified starch, impacting its functional properties and suitability for specific uses.
What products fall under HS code 110812?
Corn starch powder, Modified corn starch, High-amylose corn starch, Waxy corn starch, Corn flour (if referring to fine starch), Cornstarch for cooking
What are common misclassifications for HS code 110812?
This code is sometimes confused with 110220 (Maize (corn) flour) because both are corn-derived, but corn starch is a purified carbohydrate, while corn flour includes protein and fiber. It's also distinct from 110819 (Other starches) which covers starches from other sources.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 110812?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 110812 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($157M, 12% of world exports), India ($134M) and Türkiye ($101M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 110812?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 110812 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($114M, 7.8% of world imports), France ($97M) and Mexico ($95M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 110812 structured?
HS code 110812 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (11) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 110812?
In Brazil, HS code 110812 is NCM 1108.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.