Product classification
HS code for Copra: 1203.00
Copra.
Classification of copra under HS 1203.00
Copra is classified under HS code 1203.00. This classification is straightforward as heading 1203 is a single-item heading dedicated exclusively to copra. Copra is the dried meat, or kernel, of the coconut (Cocos nucifera). It is primarily used for the extraction of coconut oil. The classification falls under Chapter 12, which encompasses oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit. The essential characteristic for classification under 1203.00 is that the coconut meat must be dried and intended for industrial oil expression rather than direct human consumption as a fruit. The drying process can be done via sun-drying, smoke-drying, or kiln-drying. Once the moisture content is sufficiently reduced, the product is considered copra. This classification applies regardless of whether the copra is whole, in pieces, or crushed, provided it has not undergone further processing such as oil extraction or chemical treatment.
- Covers
- Dried coconut kernels
- Sun-dried copra
- Smoke-dried copra
- Crushed copra for oil mills
- Kiln-dried copra
- Also under 1203.00
- Various bulk copra suppliers from the Philippines
- Indonesia
- and India
- used by companies like Cargill and ADM for oil extraction.
Codes often confused with 1203.00
Common mistake. Copra is most commonly misclassified with desiccated coconut, which falls under HS code 0801.11. The distinction is based on the degree of processing and intended use: desiccated coconut is shredded and dried for food use, whereas copra is dried for oil extraction and is generally not fit for immediate consumption in the same manner. Another common error is confusing copra with the actual coconut oil extracted from it, which is classified under heading 1513. Additionally, fresh coconuts (whether or not shelled or peeled) are classified under heading 0801, not 1203. Importers must ensure that the product is truly the dried kernel and not the whole nut or the processed oil to avoid customs delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120300 (the code used for copra), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120300 (the code used for copra) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 34% 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 120300, not only copra.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $52M 31% of world exports
- 2 Papua New Guinea* ~$44M 26% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $42M 25% of world exports
World total: $170M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $62M 34% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$42M 23% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$35M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $183M 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 copra
Brazil classifies copra under NCM 1203.00.00: HS 1203.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copra
What is the HS code for Copra?
The HS code for Copra is 120300 (Copra). The HS code for copra is 1203.00.
How do I classify Copra for customs?
Copra is classified under HS code 120300 — Copra. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is copra the same as desiccated coconut in the HS system?
No, they are classified differently. Copra (1203.00) is for oil extraction, while desiccated coconut (0801.11) is a food product found in the fruit chapter.
Which countries are the top exporters of copra (HS 120300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120300 (the code used for copra) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($52M, 31% of world exports), Papua New Guinea (about $44M) and India ($42M). World exports came to about $170M, 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 copra (HS 120300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120300 (the code used for copra) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($62M, 34% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $42M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $35M). World imports came to about $183M, 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 Copra the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120300 for Copra 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 copra in Brazil?
In Brazil, copra (HS 120300) is classified under NCM 1203.00.00.