HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1212.94 – Chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground
HS code 1212.94 is the 6-digit subheading for chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum), fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. It is used for fresh chicory roots, dried chicory roots, roasted chicory roots, chicory root powder and inulin raw material (from chicory).
What HS 1212.94 covers
This HS code covers chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum), whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, that are fit for human consumption. Chicory roots are a versatile agricultural product with several key applications. They are widely used as a coffee substitute or additive, particularly after roasting and grinding, offering a distinct earthy and slightly bitter flavor. Furthermore, chicory roots are a primary commercial source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber used extensively in the food industry for its health benefits and functional properties. Importers include coffee alternative manufacturers, food ingredient suppliers, and health food companies. Exporters are typically European countries with a long history of chicory cultivation. Key trade considerations involve the inulin content for industrial use, proper drying and roasting techniques, and quality control for flavor profiles.
- Covers
- Fresh chicory roots
- Dried chicory roots
- Roasted chicory roots
- Chicory root powder
- Inulin raw material (from chicory)
- Chicory root granules.
- Examples
- Leroux (chicory coffee)
- Sensus (inulin)
- Orafti (inulin)
- Luzianne (chicory coffee)
- Nature's Way (inulin supplements).
Codes often confused with 1212.94
Common mistake. Could be confused with 121299 (other sugar-containing plants) if not specifically chicory, or 0706 (carrots, turnips) if mistaken for a general root vegetable.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 121294, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121294 in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 13% 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 Hungary $12M 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $5.4M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $4.8M 17% of world exports
World total: $28M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Russia* ~$2.2M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United Kingdom $2.1M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.5M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $17M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 1212.94
Brazil does not split HS 1212.94: its NCM code is 1212.94.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1212.94
What is HS code 121294?
HS code 121294 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This HS code covers chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum), whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, that are fit for human consumption. Chicory roots are a versatile agricultural product with several key applications. They are widely used as a coffee substitute or additive, particularly after roasting and grinding, offering a distinct earthy and slightly bitter flavor. Furthermore, chicory roots are a primary commercial source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber used extensively in the food industry for its health benefits and functional properties. Importers include coffee alternative manufacturers, food ingredient suppliers, and health food companies. Exporters are typically European countries with a long history of chicory cultivation. Key trade considerations involve the inulin content for industrial use, proper drying and roasting techniques, and quality control for flavor profiles.
What products fall under HS code 121294?
Fresh chicory roots, dried chicory roots, roasted chicory roots, chicory root powder, inulin raw material (from chicory), chicory root granules.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121294?
Could be confused with 121299 (other sugar-containing plants) if not specifically chicory, or 0706 (carrots, turnips) if mistaken for a general root vegetable.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121294?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121294 in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($12M, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($5.4M) and France ($4.8M). World exports came to about $28M, 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 121294?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121294 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $2.2M, 13% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($2.1M) and the United States ($1.5M). World imports came to about $17M, 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 121294 structured?
HS code 121294 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (94) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121294?
In Brazil, HS code 121294 is NCM 1212.94.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.