Product classification
HS code for Cake mix: 1901.20
Food preparations, mixes and doughs for the preparation of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares.
Classification of cake mix under HS 1901.20
Cake mixes are classified under HS code 1901.20. This heading covers food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch, or malt extract, specifically those intended for the preparation of bakers' wares like cakes, biscuits, and pastries. The classification is based on the fact that these are multi-ingredient preparations rather than simple flours. They typically contain flour mixed with sugar, leavening agents (like baking powder), flavorings, and sometimes fats or milk solids. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that such composite goods be classified according to their specific preparation purpose. Heading 1901 is a broad category for preparations of cereals, and subheading 1901.20 is the specific destination for mixes and doughs. This includes both retail-ready boxes and bulk industrial mixes. The key factor is that the mix must require further processing, such as the addition of liquid or baking, to become a finished food product. If the product is already baked, it would move to heading 1905. Furthermore, the Explanatory Notes to heading 1901 state that these mixes may contain cocoa, but if they contain more than 40% by weight of cocoa (calculated on a totally defatted basis), they are generally classified under heading 1806. For most standard cake mixes, the cocoa content remains below this threshold, keeping them in 1901.20. This code is also used for doughs that are frozen or chilled, provided they are intended for the production of bakers' wares. The classification ensures that processed food preparations are distinguished from raw agricultural commodities found in earlier chapters.
- Covers
- Sponge cake mix
- Chocolate cake mix
- Pancake and waffle mixes
- Muffin mixes
- Doughnut mixes
- Gluten-free cake mixes based on rice or corn flour
- Bread mixes containing yeast
- Frozen cookie dough
- Also under 1901.20
- Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix
- Pillsbury Best Bread Flour Blend
- Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix
- Duncan Hines Brownie Mix
- Rhodes Bake-N-Serv Dinner Rolls
Codes often confused with 1901.20
Common mistake. 1101.00 (Pure wheat flour) is a common error when the mix is primarily flour; however, the addition of any leavening agent or sugar necessitates a move to 1901. 2106.90 (Miscellaneous food preparations) is also used incorrectly for specialized mixes that don't fit the standard cereal-based definition, but 1901.20 is more specific for bakers' wares. 1806.90 is used if the cocoa content exceeds the 40% threshold.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190120 (the code used for cake mix), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190120 (the code used for cake mix) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 190120, not only cake mix.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $1.6B 24% of world exports
- 2 Germany $689M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $618M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $636M 10% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $547M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $541M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 cake mix
Brazil splits HS 1901.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1901.20.10Frozen bread dough without whole grains or seeds
- 1901.20.20Frozen bread dough with whole grains or seeds
- 1901.20.90Other mixes and doughs for bakers' wares
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cake mix
What is the HS code for Cake mix?
The HS code for Cake mix is 190120 (Food preparations; mixes and doughs for the preparation of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares). The standard HS code for cake mixes and doughs used for bakers' wares is 1901.20.
How do I classify Cake mix for customs?
Cake mix is classified under HS code 190120 — Food preparations; mixes and doughs for the preparation of bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers' wares. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include gluten-free cake mixes?
Yes, as long as they are preparations of flour or starch intended for baking, they are classified under 1901.20 regardless of whether the flour is derived from wheat, rice, or corn.
Which countries are the top exporters of cake mix (HS 190120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190120 (the code used for cake mix) in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.6B, 24% of world exports), Germany ($689M) and the United States ($618M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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 cake mix (HS 190120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190120 (the code used for cake mix) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($636M, 10% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($547M) and the United States ($541M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Cake mix the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190120 for Cake mix 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 cake mix in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 190120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cake mix depends on the product's details: 1901.20.10 (Frozen bread dough without whole grains or seeds), 1901.20.20 (Frozen bread dough with whole grains or seeds), 1901.20.90 (Other mixes and doughs for bakers' wares).