Product classification
HS code for Caramel malt: 1107.20
Malt, roasted.
Classification of caramel malt under HS 1107.20
Caramel malt is classified under HS code 1107.20 because it represents malted grain that has been subjected to a roasting process. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 1107 is dedicated to malt, whether or not roasted. The subheading 1107.20 specifically isolates the roasted variety from the non-roasted variety (1107.10). Roasting is a secondary process that alters the chemical composition of the malt, creating the characteristic color and flavor profiles required for specific brewing and food production applications. This distinction is critical for customs purposes as roasted malts often carry different trade regulations compared to base malts, and the classification is determined by the physical state of the grain after processing.
- Covers
- Caramel malt (Crystal malt) used in brewing
- Roasted chocolate malt for dark beers
- Black malt (Patent malt)
- Roasted malts used for color adjustment in food processing
- Lightly roasted Munich or Vienna malts (if meeting roasting criteria)
- Also under 1107.20
- Weyermann Carafa Special Malt
- Crisp Chocolate Malt
- Briess Black Malt
- Simpsons Crystal Malt
Codes often confused with 1107.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 1107.10, which is for non-roasted malt. The distinction is based on the moisture content and the chemical changes induced by heat; roasted malt has undergone high-temperature kilning. Another error is confusing roasted malt with roasted unmalted cereals, such as roasted barley, which falls under 1904.10 or 2101.30. Additionally, malt extract (a thick syrup or powder) is classified under 1901.90, not 1107, regardless of whether it was made from roasted malt. Ensuring the grain was germinated (malted) before roasting is the key to using 1107.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110720 (the code used for caramel malt), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110720 (the code used for caramel malt) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 110720, not only caramel malt.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $26M 20% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $19M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $19M 14% of world exports
World total: $132M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 10% of world imports
- 2 Panama $14M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $9.3M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $169M 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 caramel malt
Brazil splits HS 1107.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1107.20.10Roasted malt, whole or broken
- 1107.20.20Roasted malt, ground or as flour
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about caramel malt
What is the HS code for Caramel malt?
The HS code for Caramel malt is 110720 (Malt; roasted). Caramel malt is classified under HS code 1107.20, which is the specific designation for roasted malt.
How do I classify Caramel malt for customs?
Caramel malt is classified under HS code 110720 — Malt; roasted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is roasted barley the same as roasted malt?
No. Roasted barley (unmalted) is classified differently (often 2101.30). HS code 1107.20 only applies if the grain was first malted (germinated) before being roasted.
Which countries are the top exporters of caramel malt (HS 110720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110720 (the code used for caramel malt) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($26M, 20% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($19M) and South Africa ($19M). World exports came to about $132M, 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 caramel malt (HS 110720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110720 (the code used for caramel malt) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 10% of world imports), Panama ($14M) and Brazil ($9.3M). World imports came to about $169M, 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 Caramel malt the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110720 for Caramel malt 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 caramel malt in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 110720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for caramel malt depends on the product's details: 1107.20.10 (Roasted malt, whole or broken), 1107.20.20 (Roasted malt, ground or as flour).