HS Code 19.02 – Pasta; whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substance, or otherwise prepared, egg spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared

HS code 1902 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pasta; whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substance, or otherwise prepared, egg spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared. HS Code 1902 comprehensively covers 'Pasta; whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substance, or otherwise prepared, egg spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared.' This expansive heading is dedicated to all forms of pasta and couscous, regardless of their preparation state. It includes dried, fresh, cooked, stuffed, or otherwise prepared varieties, making it a critical classification for a global staple food. The specific examples listed (spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni, couscous) highlight the breadth of products encompassed. This classification is vital for international trade, as pasta is a universally consumed food, leading to significant import and export volumes. For customs brokers and trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying pasta under 1902 is essential for determining correct tariff rates, adhering to specific food safety and labeling regulations, and complying with rules of origin, which can be particularly important for products like 'Italian pasta.' This heading is central to Chapter 19, 'Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products,' reflecting the significant processing and preparation involved in creating these popular food items.

Dried spaghetti, fresh fettuccine, instant ramen noodles, durum wheat macaroni, whole wheat penne, gluten-free pasta, cheese ravioli (frozen), meat tortellini (chilled), vegetable lasagna (prepared), instant couscous, pre-cooked gnocchi, spinach cannelloni, egg noodles, rice vermicelli, udon noodles, soba noodles, pasta salads (ready-to-eat), filled pasta (e.g., cappelletti), pasta kits (with sauce, unmixed components separately classified), short pasta (e.g., fusilli, farfalle), long pasta (e.g., linguine, bucatini), organic pasta, flavored pasta, pasta for soups, baby pasta, pasta sheets.

Common misclassifications for HS 1902 involve products that resemble pasta but fall under other headings. For example, some cereal preparations that are extruded or formed but are not traditionally considered 'pasta' might belong to HS 1904 ('Prepared cereals obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal products (e.g., corn flakes); cereals (other than maize) in grain form or in the form of flakes or other worked grains (except flour, groats and meal), pre-cooked, or otherwise prepared, not elsewhere specified or included'). If a product is a highly complex, composite dish where pasta is present but not the essential character (e.g., a complete frozen meal with pasta, meat, and vegetables), it might lean towards HS 2106 ('Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included'). Uncooked flour or semolina, the raw materials for pasta, belong to Chapter 11.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1902 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($4.8B, 28% of world exports), South Korea ($1.8B) and China ($1.4B). World exports came to about $17.3B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1902 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 11% of world imports), Germany ($1.6B) and the United Kingdom ($1.2B). World imports came to about $17.3B, 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 1902 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 19 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (19) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.