Product classification
HS code for Chicory roots: 0601.20
Plants, live, bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in flower, chicory plants and roots other than of heading no. 1212.
Classification of chicory roots under HS 0601.20
The classification of chicory roots under HS code 060120 is determined by their biological state and intended use at the time of importation. This specific code is nested within Chapter 6, which covers live trees and other plants, bulbs, roots, and the like. Heading 0601 specifically targets bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns, and rhizomes that are in a state of growth or are intended for planting. Chicory roots classified here are typically those used for propagation or those that remain live botanical specimens. The Harmonized System makes a clear distinction between live agricultural products and those that have been harvested for consumption or industrial processing. By placing these roots in 060120, customs authorities can apply specific phytosanitary controls that are necessary for live plant matter, which may carry pests or diseases not present in processed roots. This classification is essential for nursery operators and agricultural importers who deal with the primary growth stages of the Cichorium intybus plant. Furthermore, the distinction between 0601 and other chapters is based on the viability of the plant material; if the root is capable of being planted to produce a new plant or flower, it remains in Chapter 6. This is a critical distinction for trade statistics, as it separates the decorative and reproductive plant market from the food and beverage industry. Importers must ensure that the documentation clearly states the intended use for planting to avoid delays during the customs clearance process, as live plants are often subject to different duty rates and inspection protocols than food-grade agricultural commodities.
- Covers
- Live chicory plants for transplanting
- Chicory roots in a state of growth
- Dormant chicory bulbs intended for flowering
- Tuberous chicory roots for propagation
- Chicory crowns used for starting new crops
- Also under 0601.20
- Ball Horticultural Company potted plants
- Syngenta Flowers in-growth bulbs
- various Dutch flower auction products
- local garden center flowering plants.
Codes often confused with 0601.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1212.94. While 060120 covers live or growing roots, 1212.94 is designated for chicory roots that are fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, but specifically of a kind used for human consumption, such as those used for inulin extraction or as a coffee substitute. If the roots are intended for the food industry rather than for planting, they must be classified under Chapter 12. Additionally, roasted chicory is classified under heading 2101 as a coffee substitute.
Top exporters and importers of HS 060120 (the code used for chicory roots), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 060120 (the code used for chicory roots) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 060120, not only chicory roots.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $533M 74% of world exports
- 2 Germany $45M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $31M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $724M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $140M 19% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $113M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $81M 11% of world imports
World total: $745M 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 roots
Brazil classifies chicory roots under NCM 0601.20.00: HS 0601.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chicory roots
What is the HS code for Chicory roots?
The HS code for Chicory roots is 060120 (Plants, live; bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in flower, chicory plants and roots other than of heading no. 1212). For live roots in growth or intended for planting, the HS code is 060120. For dried or fresh roots intended for food use, the code is 1212.94.
How do I classify Chicory roots for customs?
Chicory roots is classified under HS code 060120 — Plants, live; bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns and rhizomes, in growth or in flower, chicory plants and roots other than of heading no. 1212. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is chicory in Chapter 6?
It is placed in Chapter 6 when it is considered a live plant or part of a plant intended for growth or flowering rather than immediate consumption or industrial processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of chicory roots (HS 060120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 060120 (the code used for chicory roots) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($533M, 74% of world exports), Germany ($45M) and Belgium ($31M). World exports came to about $724M, 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 roots (HS 060120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 060120 (the code used for chicory roots) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($140M, 19% of world imports), Switzerland ($113M) and France ($81M). World imports came to about $745M, 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 roots the same in all countries?
The base HS code 060120 for Chicory roots 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 roots in Brazil?
In Brazil, chicory roots (HS 060120) is classified under NCM 0601.20.00.