Product classification
HS code for Bell peppers: 0709.60
Vegetables, fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled.
Classification of bell peppers under HS 0709.60
Bell peppers are classified under HS code 070960. This code specifically covers "Vegetables; fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled." Bell peppers are botanically fruits of the *Capsicum* genus but are commercially treated and consumed as vegetables. The key criteria for this classification are their botanical origin (genus *Capsicum*) and their condition (fresh or chilled). This code precisely captures bell peppers, distinguishing them from dried peppers or other types of vegetables that do not belong to these specific genera or are not in a fresh or chilled state.
- Covers
- Fresh green bell peppers
- Fresh red bell peppers
- Fresh yellow bell peppers
- Fresh orange bell peppers
- Chilled sweet peppers
- Capsicums (sweet varieties)
- Also under 0709.60
- NatureSweet Bell Peppers
- Pero Family Farms Mini Sweet Peppers
- local produce brands
- Mastronardi Produce (Sunset Brand)
Codes often confused with 0709.60
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for bell peppers include HS 071080 (Vegetables, frozen; other vegetables) and HS 090421 (Fruits of the genus Capsicum or of the genus Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground). HS 071080 is incorrect because it applies to frozen vegetables, whereas 070960 is for fresh or chilled bell peppers. HS 090421 is for dried peppers, such as dried chilies or paprika, not fresh bell peppers. The distinction lies in the processing state (fresh/chilled vs. frozen/dried) and the specific botanical genus.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070960 (the code used for bell peppers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070960 (the code used for bell peppers) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 24% 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 070960, not only bell peppers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $1.9B 24% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $1.8B 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.3B 17% of world exports
World total: $7.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.2B 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 17% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $679M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $7.8B 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 bell peppers
Brazil classifies bell peppers under NCM 0709.60.00: HS 0709.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bell peppers
What is the HS code for Bell peppers?
The HS code for Bell peppers is 070960 (Vegetables; fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled). The HS code for bell peppers is 070960.
How do I classify Bell peppers for customs?
Bell peppers is classified under HS code 070960 — Vegetables; fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are bell peppers considered fruits or vegetables for HS classification?
For HS classification purposes under 070960, bell peppers are categorized as "vegetables," specifically as "fruits of the genus capsicum," when they are fresh or chilled. While botanically fruits, their culinary use and trade classification place them within the vegetable chapter.
Which countries are the top exporters of bell peppers (HS 070960)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070960 (the code used for bell peppers) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.9B, 24% of world exports), Mexico ($1.8B) and the Netherlands ($1.3B). World exports came to about $7.8B, 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 bell peppers (HS 070960)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070960 (the code used for bell peppers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.2B, 28% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and the United Kingdom ($679M). World imports came to about $7.8B, 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 Bell peppers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070960 for Bell peppers 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 bell peppers in Brazil?
In Brazil, bell peppers (HS 070960) is classified under NCM 0709.60.00.