Product classification
HS code for Carob beans: 1212.92
Locust beans (carob), fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Classification of carob beans under HS 1212.92
Carob beans, also known as locust beans, are classified under HS code 1212.92. Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and fruit, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, and industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1212 specifically includes locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet, and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, whether or not ground. Subheading 1212.92 was created to specifically identify locust beans (carob). This classification applies to the raw or minimally processed pods and seeds. Even if the carob beans have been dried or ground into a coarse powder (kibbled carob), they remain under this code as long as they have not been further processed into a finished food preparation or chemical extract.
- Covers
- Whole dried carob pods
- Kibbled carob (broken pieces of pods)
- Raw carob seeds (locust beans)
- Ground carob pod powder (not chemically treated)
- Fresh carob fruit
- Also under 1212.92
- Bob's Red Mill (carob powder)
- NOW Foods (carob powder)
- TIC Gums (locust bean gum)
- Mediterranean Organic (carob products)
- CarobWay.
Codes often confused with 1212.92
Common mistake. Carob is frequently misclassified under HS code 1302.32, which covers mucilages and thickeners derived from locust beans (locust bean gum). While the gum comes from the seeds, the raw seeds and pods themselves belong in 1212.92. Another common error is using HS code 1806.90 for carob powder intended as a chocolate substitute. If the carob powder is pure and unmixed, it stays in 1212.92; if it is mixed with sugar or cocoa, it moves to Chapter 18 or 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121292 (the code used for carob beans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121292 (the code used for carob beans) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 20% 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 121292, not only carob beans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $29M 54% of world exports
- 2 Spain $5.9M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.2M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $54M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $8.3M 20% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $6.2M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $3.5M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $41M 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 code for carob beans
Brazil classifies carob beans under NCM 1212.92.00: HS 1212.92 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carob beans
What is the HS code for Carob beans?
The HS code for Carob beans is 121292 (Locust beans (carob); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground). The HS code for carob beans (locust beans) in their natural or ground state is 1212.92.
How do I classify Carob beans for customs?
Carob beans is classified under HS code 121292 — Locust beans (carob); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is carob powder classified under the same code as the beans?
Yes, as long as the powder is simply ground carob pods without added ingredients, it is classified under 1212.92.
Which countries are the top exporters of carob beans (HS 121292)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121292 (the code used for carob beans) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($29M, 54% of world exports), Spain ($5.9M) and Italy ($4.2M). World exports came to about $54M, 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 carob beans (HS 121292)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121292 (the code used for carob beans) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($8.3M, 20% of world imports), Switzerland ($6.2M) and Italy ($3.5M). World imports came to about $41M, 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 Carob beans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121292 for Carob beans 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 carob beans in Brazil?
In Brazil, carob beans (HS 121292) is classified under NCM 1212.92.00.