HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1108.20 – Inulin
HS code 1108.20 is the 6-digit subheading for inulin. It is used for chicory inulin, agave inulin, jerusalem artichoke inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and high-purity inulin.
What HS 1108.20 covers
Inulin, classified under this HS code, is a natural polysaccharide primarily extracted from chicory root, functioning as a dietary fiber and prebiotic. It's a highly sought-after ingredient in the food and beverage industry for its health benefits, including gut health promotion and blood sugar management, and its functional properties as a fat replacer, sugar reducer, and texturizer. Major importers are food manufacturers globally, particularly those producing dairy products, baked goods, and functional foods. Exporters are typically countries with significant chicory cultivation and advanced processing facilities. The market for inulin is growing due to increasing consumer demand for healthier food options and functional ingredients.
- Covers
- Chicory inulin
- Agave inulin
- Jerusalem artichoke inulin
- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- High-purity inulin
- Organic inulin
- Powdered inulin
- Examples
- Orafti Inulin (Beneo)
- Frutafit Inulin (Sensus)
- Cargill Inulin
- NOW Foods Inulin Powder
Codes often confused with 1108.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with other dietary fibers or prebiotics, but its specific chemical structure as a fructan distinguishes it from general 'vegetable saps and extracts' (1302) or other 'food preparations' (2106).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 110820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 110820 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 Belgium $153M 45% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $64M 19% of world exports
- 3 Chile $61M 18% of world exports
World total: $336M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $94M 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $19M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Italy $19M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $336M 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 1108.20
Brazil does not split HS 1108.20: its NCM code is 1108.20.00.
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 1108.20
What is HS code 110820?
HS code 110820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Inulin. Inulin, classified under this HS code, is a natural polysaccharide primarily extracted from chicory root, functioning as a dietary fiber and prebiotic. It's a highly sought-after ingredient in the food and beverage industry for its health benefits, including gut health promotion and blood sugar management, and its functional properties as a fat replacer, sugar reducer, and texturizer. Major importers are food manufacturers globally, particularly those producing dairy products, baked goods, and functional foods. Exporters are typically countries with significant chicory cultivation and advanced processing facilities. The market for inulin is growing due to increasing consumer demand for healthier food options and functional ingredients.
What products fall under HS code 110820?
Chicory inulin, Agave inulin, Jerusalem artichoke inulin, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), High-purity inulin, Organic inulin, Powdered inulin
What are common misclassifications for HS code 110820?
Can be confused with other dietary fibers or prebiotics, but its specific chemical structure as a fructan distinguishes it from general 'vegetable saps and extracts' (1302) or other 'food preparations' (2106).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 110820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 110820 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($153M, 45% of world exports), the Netherlands ($64M) and Chile ($61M). World exports came to about $336M, 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 110820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 110820 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($94M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $336M, 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 110820 structured?
HS code 110820 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 110820?
In Brazil, HS code 110820 is NCM 1108.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.