Product classification
HS code for Chicory root: 1212.94
Chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum), fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Classification of chicory root under HS 1212.94
Chicory root is classified under HS code 1212.94. This heading is part of Chapter 12, which includes oil seeds, industrial plants, and fodder. Specifically, heading 1212 covers locust beans, seaweeds, sugar beet, and sugar cane, as well as other vegetable products used primarily for human consumption not specified elsewhere. Subheading 1212.94 is dedicated to the roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum. This classification applies whether the roots are fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and regardless of whether they have been ground, provided they have not been roasted. The classification is determined by the botanical identity of the root and the fact that it is intended for human consumption, often as a source of inulin or as a coffee additive after further processing.
- Covers
- Fresh chicory roots
- Dried chicory roots
- Ground chicory roots (unroasted)
- Frozen chicory roots
- Chicory root chips (unroasted)
- Also under 1212.94
- Leroux (chicory coffee)
- Sensus (inulin)
- Orafti (inulin)
- Luzianne (chicory coffee)
- Nature's Way (inulin supplements).
Codes often confused with 1212.94
Common mistake. Chicory root is often misclassified under 2101.30. The distinction lies in whether the root has been roasted. Once chicory root is roasted, it is considered a coffee substitute and moves to Chapter 21. Additionally, it should not be confused with the leafy vegetable chicory found in 0705.29, which covers the greens rather than the root system.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121294 (the code used for chicory root), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121294 (the code used for chicory root) in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 13% 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 121294, not only chicory root.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hungary $12M 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $5.4M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $4.8M 17% of world exports
World total: $28M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Russia* ~$2.2M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United Kingdom $2.1M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.5M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $17M 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 chicory root
Brazil classifies chicory root under NCM 1212.94.00: HS 1212.94 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chicory root
What is the HS code for Chicory root?
The HS code for Chicory root is 121294 (Chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground). The HS code for chicory root (Cichorium intybus sativum) fit for human consumption is 1212.94.
How do I classify Chicory root for customs?
Chicory root is classified under HS code 121294 — Chicory roots (Chicorium intybus sativum); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 1212.94 include roasted chicory?
No, roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes are classified under HS code 2101.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of chicory root (HS 121294)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121294 (the code used for chicory root) in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($12M, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($5.4M) and France ($4.8M). World exports came to about $28M, 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 root (HS 121294)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121294 (the code used for chicory root) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $2.2M, 13% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($2.1M) and the United States ($1.5M). World imports came to about $17M, 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 root the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121294 for Chicory root 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 root in Brazil?
In Brazil, chicory root (HS 121294) is classified under NCM 1212.94.00.