Product classification
HS code for Betel nuts: 0802.80
Nuts, edible, areca nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled.
Classification of betel nuts under HS 0802.80
Betel nuts, also known as areca nuts, are classified under HS code 0802.80. This classification is part of Chapter 8, which covers edible fruit and nuts, as well as peel of citrus fruit or melons. Heading 0802 specifically includes other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled. Within this heading, subheading 0802.80 was specifically created to identify areca nuts due to their significant trade volume and specific regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions. The classification applies to the raw nut of the Areca catechu palm. It is important to note that this code applies to the nuts in their natural state, whether they are fresh or have been dried for preservation. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the outer husk has been removed. However, the nuts must not be roasted, cooked, or mixed with other ingredients, as such processing would change the essential character of the product and move it to a different chapter of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Whole areca nuts (fresh)
- Dried betel nuts
- Shelled areca nuts
- Peeled betel nuts
- Split areca nuts (unprocessed)
- Also under 0802.80
- Various local Asian brands of "paan" or betel quid
- traditional markets in India
- Indonesia
- Myanmar
Codes often confused with 0802.80
Common mistake. Betel nuts are often misclassified under 2106.90 if they are prepared as "Pan Masala" or mixed with lime, tobacco, or spices. They are also sometimes confused with betel leaves, which are classified under 1211.90 as plants used in pharmacy or insecticidal purposes. Additionally, generic nut classifications under 0802.90 should be avoided since 0802.80 is the specific code for areca nuts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 080280 (the code used for betel nuts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 080280 (the code used for betel nuts) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% 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 080280, not only betel nuts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $282M 44% of world exports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$90M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Sri Lanka $70M 11% of world exports
World total: $638M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $178M 31% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$114M 20% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Iran* ~$93M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $571M 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 betel nuts
Brazil classifies betel nuts under NCM 0802.80.00: HS 0802.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about betel nuts
What is the HS code for Betel nuts?
The HS code for Betel nuts is 080280 (Nuts, edible; areca nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled). The HS code for Betel nuts (areca nuts) is 0802.80, covering fresh or dried nuts.
How do I classify Betel nuts for customs?
Betel nuts is classified under HS code 080280 — Nuts, edible; areca nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are roasted betel nuts classified under 0802.80?
No, roasted betel nuts are considered prepared food and are typically classified under HS code 2008.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of betel nuts (HS 080280)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 080280 (the code used for betel nuts) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($282M, 44% of world exports), Bangladesh (about $90M) and Sri Lanka ($70M). World exports came to about $638M, 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 betel nuts (HS 080280)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 080280 (the code used for betel nuts) in UN Comtrade data were India ($178M, 31% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $114M) and Iran (about $93M). World imports came to about $571M, 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 Betel nuts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 080280 for Betel nuts 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 betel nuts in Brazil?
In Brazil, betel nuts (HS 080280) is classified under NCM 0802.80.00.