Product classification
HS code for Chili peppers: 0709.60
Vegetables, fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled.
Classification of chili peppers under HS 0709.60
Chili peppers are classified under HS code 070960, which encompasses the fresh or chilled fruits of the genus Capsicum or the genus Pimenta. This classification is situated within Chapter 7, which covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. The Harmonized System groups these items based on their botanical nature and their state of preservation. To fall under 070960, the peppers must be in their natural, fresh state or kept chilled to prevent spoilage during transport. This includes a vast array of varieties, from the mild bell pepper to the extremely pungent habanero or bird's eye chili. Accurate classification is vital for international trade because fresh produce is subject to rigorous sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to prevent the cross-border spread of agricultural pests. The classification under 070960 ensures that customs authorities can apply the correct food safety inspections and tariffs related to fresh produce, which often have shorter shelf lives and different import requirements than dried spices. Furthermore, the distinction between the genus Capsicum and Pimenta is important, as the latter includes allspice peppers which are botanically distinct but grouped here when fresh. Importers must ensure that the peppers are not frozen, as the freezing process triggers a change in the HS code, moving the product to a different heading within the same chapter.
- Covers
- Fresh bell peppers (sweet peppers)
- Chilled jalapeño and serrano peppers
- Fresh habanero and scotch bonnet peppers
- Chilled bird's eye chilies
- Fresh fruits of the genus Pimenta (allspice peppers)
- Also under 0709.60
- NatureSweet Bell Peppers
- Pero Family Farms Mini Sweet Peppers
- local produce brands
- Mastronardi Produce (Sunset Brand)
Codes often confused with 0709.60
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification involves HS code 0904.21 or 0904.22. Chapter 9 covers coffee, tea, and spices. While fresh peppers are vegetables (Chapter 7), dried, crushed, or ground peppers are considered spices (Chapter 9). If a chili pepper has been dehydrated, it moves to 0904.21. If it has been ground into powder, it moves to 0904.22. Additionally, frozen peppers are classified under 0710.80, as Chapter 7 distinguishes between fresh/chilled and frozen states.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070960 (the code used for chili peppers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070960 (the code used for chili peppers) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 24% 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 070960, not only chili peppers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $1.9B 24% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $1.8B 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.3B 17% of world exports
World total: $7.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.2B 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 17% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $679M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $7.8B 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 chili peppers
Brazil classifies chili peppers under NCM 0709.60.00: HS 0709.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chili peppers
What is the HS code for Chili peppers?
The HS code for Chili peppers is 070960 (Vegetables; fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled).
How do I classify Chili peppers for customs?
Chili peppers is classified under HS code 070960 — Vegetables; fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for fresh chili peppers?
The correct HS code for fresh or chilled chili peppers is 070960.
How are dried chili peppers classified?
Dried chili peppers are classified under HS code 0904.21, as they are treated as spices rather than fresh vegetables.
Which countries are the top exporters of chili peppers (HS 070960)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070960 (the code used for chili peppers) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.9B, 24% of world exports), Mexico ($1.8B) and the Netherlands ($1.3B). World exports came to about $7.8B, 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 chili peppers (HS 070960)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070960 (the code used for chili peppers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.2B, 28% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and the United Kingdom ($679M). World imports came to about $7.8B, 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 Chili peppers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070960 for Chili peppers 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 chili peppers in Brazil?
In Brazil, chili peppers (HS 070960) is classified under NCM 0709.60.00.