Product classification
HS code for Canned palm hearts: 2008.91
Fruit, palm hearts, prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit.
Classification of canned palm hearts under HS 2008.91
Canned palm hearts are classified under HS code 2008.91. This classification is guided by the structure of Chapter 20, which distinguishes between vegetables (2001-2005) and other edible parts of plants (2008). While palm hearts are often treated as vegetables in culinary contexts, the Harmonized System classifies them under heading 2008, which encompasses fruit, nuts, and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or spirit. Subheading 2008.91 is a specific named category for palm hearts. The preparation usually involves harvesting the inner core of certain palm trees, followed by boiling and canning in a brine or acidic solution (like citric acid) to maintain color and texture. Because they are not preserved in vinegar (which would lead to 2001) and are not considered standard vegetables under the 2001-2005 sequence, 2008.91 is the correct legal classification. The heat treatment during the canning process ensures they are prepared beyond the fresh state described in Chapter 7.
- Covers
- Canned whole palm hearts in brine
- Sliced palm hearts in airtight containers
- Palm heart salad cuts in cans
- Hearts of palm preserved with citric acid
- Also under 2008.91
- Roland Foods Palm Hearts
- Goya Palm Hearts
- Native Forest Organic Palm Hearts
- Trader Joe's Palm Hearts
- Reese Palm Hearts
Codes often confused with 2008.91
Common mistake. Palm hearts are often misclassified under 2005.99, which is the residual category for other vegetables prepared or preserved without vinegar. However, because palm hearts are specifically mentioned in subheading 2008.91, GRI 1 dictates that the specific named code takes precedence over a general vegetable category. They may also be confused with 0709.99 (fresh or chilled vegetables), but the canning and preservation process moves them into Chapter 20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 200891 (the code used for canned palm hearts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200891 (the code used for canned palm hearts) in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 200891, not only canned palm hearts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Ecuador $68M 65% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$14M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bolivia $11M 10% of world exports
World total: $105M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $33M 30% of world imports
- 2 France $24M 22% of world imports
- 3 Chile $16M 15% of world imports
World total: $110M 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 canned palm hearts
Brazil classifies canned palm hearts under NCM 2008.91.00: HS 2008.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about canned palm hearts
What is the HS code for Canned palm hearts?
The HS code for Canned palm hearts is 200891 (Fruit, palm hearts; prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit). The specific HS code for canned palm hearts is 2008.91.
How do I classify Canned palm hearts for customs?
Canned palm hearts is classified under HS code 200891 — Fruit, palm hearts; prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are palm hearts classified as vegetables in the HS system?
No, for trade purposes, they are classified under heading 2008 as other edible parts of plants rather than under the vegetable headings of 2001-2005.
Which countries are the top exporters of canned palm hearts (HS 200891)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200891 (the code used for canned palm hearts) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($68M, 65% of world exports), Peru (about $14M) and Bolivia ($11M). World exports came to about $105M, 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 canned palm hearts (HS 200891)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 200891 (the code used for canned palm hearts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 30% of world imports), France ($24M) and Chile ($16M). World imports came to about $110M, 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 Canned palm hearts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 200891 for Canned palm hearts 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 canned palm hearts in Brazil?
In Brazil, canned palm hearts (HS 200891) is classified under NCM 2008.91.00.