Product classification
HS code for Brown rice: 1006.20
Cereals, husked (brown) rice.
Classification of brown rice under HS 1006.20
The Harmonized System (HS) code 100620 specifically classifies "Cereals; husked (brown) rice." This classification is precise, focusing on the processing stage of the rice grain. "Husked" indicates that the inedible outer husk (or hull) has been removed, but the bran layer, germ, and endosperm remain intact. This distinguishes brown rice from paddy (rough) rice, which still retains its husk, and from semi-milled or wholly milled (white) rice, where the bran layer and germ have been partially or entirely removed. The term "brown rice" itself is a direct descriptor of this processing stage, where the natural color of the bran layer gives the grain its characteristic brown hue.
- Covers
- Cargo rice
- Unpolished rice with bran layer intact
- Whole grain rice (after de-hulling)
- Loh-fan rice
- Also under 1006.20
- Lundberg Family Farms Organic Brown Rice
- Tilda Basmati Brown Rice
- Uncle Ben's Brown Rice
- Nishiki Brown Rice
Codes often confused with 1006.20
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for brown rice often occur with other stages of rice processing. HS code 100610 covers "Paddy or rough rice," which is rice that still has its inedible outer husk. Brown rice (100620) has had this husk removed. Conversely, HS code 100630 classifies "Semi-milled or wholly milled rice," commonly known as white rice. This type of rice has undergone further processing to remove part or all of the bran layer and germ, resulting in a whiter grain and different nutritional profile. The key distinction for 100620 is the removal of the husk while retaining the bran layer and germ.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100620 (the code used for brown rice), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100620 (the code used for brown rice) in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Niger, with 13% 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 100620, not only brown rice.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Pakistan $167M 13% of world exports
- 2 Uruguay $157M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $138M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Niger $277M 13% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $264M 13% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $214M 10% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 brown rice
Brazil splits HS 1006.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1006.20.10Husked (brown) rice, parboiled
- 1006.20.20Husked (brown) rice, not parboiled
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brown rice
What is the HS code for Brown rice?
The HS code for Brown rice is 100620 (Cereals; husked (brown) rice). The HS code for brown rice, which is husked rice with the bran layer and germ intact, is 100620.
How do I classify Brown rice for customs?
Brown rice is classified under HS code 100620 — Cereals; husked (brown) rice. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does brown rice differ from white rice in HS classification?
Brown rice (HS 100620) is husked but retains its bran layer and germ. White rice (HS 100630) is semi-milled or wholly milled, meaning part or all of its bran layer and germ have been removed, resulting in a polished grain.
Which countries are the top exporters of brown rice (HS 100620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100620 (the code used for brown rice) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($167M, 13% of world exports), Uruguay ($157M) and China ($138M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of brown rice (HS 100620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100620 (the code used for brown rice) in UN Comtrade data were Niger ($277M, 13% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($264M) and South Korea ($214M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Brown rice the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100620 for Brown rice 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 brown rice in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100620 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brown rice depends on the product's details: 1006.20.10 (Husked (brown) rice, parboiled), 1006.20.20 (Husked (brown) rice, not parboiled).