Product classification

HS code for Chicory inulin: 1108.20

Inulin.

Classification of chicory inulin under HS 1108.20

Chicory inulin is classified under HS code 1108.20. Inulin is a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides produced by many types of plants, with chicory being one of the most common commercial sources. In the Harmonized System, inulin is specifically named under heading 1108, which generally covers starches. Although inulin is a fiber and a carbohydrate, it is grouped here because of its physical properties and its role as a starch-like substance in food manufacturing. The classification remains 1108.20 regardless of whether the inulin is intended for use as a prebiotic, a fat replacer, or a sweetener in food products.

Covers
  • Chicory root inulin powder
  • High-polymer inulin
  • Standard chicory inulin
  • Inulin granules
Also under 1108.20
  • Orafti Inulin (Beneo)
  • Frutafit Inulin (Sensus)
  • Cargill Inulin
  • NOW Foods Inulin Powder

Codes often confused with 1108.20

Common mistake. Chicory inulin is sometimes misclassified under HS code 1702.90, which covers other sugars and sugar syrups, particularly if the inulin has been partially hydrolyzed into oligofructose. However, pure inulin remains in 1108.20. It may also be confused with chemically pure sugars under 2940.00, but as a polysaccharide mixture extracted from a plant, it is specifically assigned to the starch heading in Chapter 11.

1702.90Sugars; n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of fructose2940.00Sugars, chemically pure, other than sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose and fructose; sugar ethers, sugar acetals and sugar esters, and their salts, other than the products of heading 29.37, 29.38, or 29.39

Top exporters and importers of HS 110820 (the code used for chicory inulin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110820 (the code used for chicory inulin) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 110820, not only chicory inulin.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Belgium $153M
  2. 2 Netherlands $64M
  3. 3 Chile $61M

World total: $336M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $94M
  2. 2 Germany $19M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $336M 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 chicory inulin

Brazil classifies chicory inulin under NCM 1108.20.00: HS 1108.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about chicory inulin

What is the HS code for Chicory inulin?

The HS code for Chicory inulin is 110820 (Inulin). The specific HS code for inulin, including that derived from chicory, is 1108.20.

How do I classify Chicory inulin for customs?

Chicory inulin is classified under HS code 110820 — Inulin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is inulin the same as chicory flour?

No, chicory flour or meal would typically be classified under 1212.94, whereas inulin is a specific isolated carbohydrate extracted from the root.

Which countries are the top exporters of chicory inulin (HS 110820)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110820 (the code used for chicory inulin) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($153M, 45% of world exports), the Netherlands ($64M) and Chile ($61M). World exports came to about $336M, 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 chicory inulin (HS 110820)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 110820 (the code used for chicory inulin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($94M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $336M, 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 Chicory inulin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 110820 for Chicory inulin 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 chicory inulin in Brazil?

In Brazil, chicory inulin (HS 110820) is classified under NCM 1108.20.00.