Product classification
HS code for Belgian endive: 0705.21
Vegetables, witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled.
Classification of belgian endive under HS 0705.21
Belgian endive is classified under HS code 0705.21, which specifically identifies Witloof chicory. The Harmonized System organizes edible vegetables under Chapter 07. Heading 0705 covers lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.). Within this heading, the system distinguishes between different varieties of chicory. Subheading 0705.21 is dedicated to the Witloof variety (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum), which is the botanical name for the plant commonly known as Belgian endive. This classification is based on the botanical characteristics of the plant and its intended use as a fresh or chilled vegetable. To qualify for this code, the product must be in its natural state, either fresh or chilled, and must not have undergone significant processing such as cooking, freezing, or preservation in brine, which would move it to different headings within the chapter.
- Covers
- Fresh Belgian endives (Witloof chicory)
- Chilled Witloof chicory heads
- Blanched chicory heads (Witloof)
- Fresh chicory sprouts specifically of the foliosum variety
- Also under 0705.21
- Frieda's Specialty Produce Witloof
- Melissa's Produce Belgian Endive
- Rungis Market Witloof
Codes often confused with 0705.21
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 0705.29, which covers other types of chicory such as radicchio or sugarloaf chicory. While related, Belgian endive is specifically carved out into 0705.21. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 0601.20, which covers chicory plants and roots intended for planting or for the production of coffee substitutes. If the chicory is being imported as a root for the purpose of growing the endive, it belongs in Chapter 06. Furthermore, dried chicory roots used as coffee additives are classified under 1212.91, and roasted chicory is found under 2101.30. It is vital to distinguish between the vegetable head and the root or the processed product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070521 (the code used for belgian endive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070521 (the code used for belgian endive) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% 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 070521, not only belgian endive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $67M 54% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $20M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $17M 14% of world exports
World total: $124M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $23M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $13M 12% of world imports
World total: $108M 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 belgian endive
Brazil classifies belgian endive under NCM 0705.21.00: HS 0705.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about belgian endive
What is the HS code for Belgian endive?
The HS code for Belgian endive is 070521 (Vegetables; witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled). The specific HS code for fresh or chilled Belgian endive (Witloof chicory) is 0705.21.
How do I classify Belgian endive for customs?
Belgian endive is classified under HS code 070521 — Vegetables; witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is radicchio classified under the same HS code?
No, radicchio is classified under HS code 0705.29, which is the category for other types of chicory excluding the Witloof variety.
Which countries are the top exporters of belgian endive (HS 070521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070521 (the code used for belgian endive) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($67M, 54% of world exports), Belgium ($20M) and France ($17M). World exports came to about $124M, 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 belgian endive (HS 070521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070521 (the code used for belgian endive) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($23M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and Belgium ($13M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 Belgian endive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070521 for Belgian endive 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 belgian endive in Brazil?
In Brazil, belgian endive (HS 070521) is classified under NCM 0705.21.00.