Product classification
HS code for Barley grain: 1003.90
Cereals, barley, other than seed.
Classification of barley grain under HS 1003.90
Barley grain, when intended for purposes other than sowing, is classified under HS code 100390. This code is found in Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to cereals. Heading 1003 specifically covers barley. The subheading 100390 denotes "Cereals; barley, other than seed." This classification applies to barley that will be used for animal feed, malting, human consumption, or industrial processing, but not for planting new crops. The distinction is based on the intended use of the grain, which significantly impacts its classification within the cereal chapter.
- Covers
- Feed barley
- Malting barley (not for sowing)
- Barley for human consumption (e.g., for brewing, food products)
- Industrial barley (e.g., for starch production)
- Unprocessed barley grain, not certified or intended for planting
- Also under 1003.90
- Coors Malting Barley
- Anheuser-Busch InBev Barley (as raw material)
- Cargill Barley
- ADM Barley
- Bunge Barley
Codes often confused with 1003.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for barley grain is with barley intended for sowing, which falls under HS code 100310. The key differentiator is the explicit intent for planting, often accompanied by specific quality standards or treatments. Another potential area of confusion could be with processed barley products, such as barley groats (110319) or barley flour (1102), which are classified under Chapter 11 (Products of the milling industry) due to their altered form. Misclassification with other cereal grains like wheat (1001) or maize (1005) is also possible if proper identification is not performed.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100390 (the code used for barley grain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100390 (the code used for barley grain) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 100390, not only barley grain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $2.2B 25% of world exports
- 2 France $1.4B 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $710M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $8.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.7B 29% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.2B 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $544M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $9.2B 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 codes for barley grain
Brazil splits HS 1003.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1003.90.10Malting (brewing) barley
- 1003.90.80Other barley, in grain
- 1003.90.90Other barley, not elsewhere specified
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about barley grain
What is the HS code for Barley grain?
The HS code for Barley grain is 100390 (Cereals; barley, other than seed). The HS code for barley grain, when not intended for sowing, is 100390.
How do I classify Barley grain for customs?
Barley grain is classified under HS code 100390 — Cereals; barley, other than seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is malting barley classified if it's not for sowing?
Malting barley, if not intended for use as seed, is classified under HS code 100390, as it is destined for processing (malting) rather than planting.
Which countries are the top exporters of barley grain (HS 100390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100390 (the code used for barley grain) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($2.2B, 25% of world exports), France ($1.4B) and Germany ($710M). World exports came to about $8.6B, 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 barley grain (HS 100390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100390 (the code used for barley grain) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.7B, 29% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($1.2B) and the Netherlands ($544M). World imports came to about $9.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Barley grain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100390 for Barley grain is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for barley grain in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100390 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for barley grain depends on the product's details: 1003.90.10 (Malting (brewing) barley), 1003.90.80 (Other barley, in grain), 1003.90.90 (Other barley, not elsewhere specified).