Product classification

HS code for Corn: 1005.90

Cereals, maize (corn), other than seed.

Classification of corn under HS 1005.90

Corn, or maize, is classified under HS code 1005.90 when it is imported or exported as a cereal grain intended for purposes other than sowing. Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System covers cereals, and heading 1005 is specifically reserved for maize. The classification is split between seed corn (1005.10) and other corn (1005.90). To fall under 1005.90, the corn must be in its grain form, whether or not it has been cleaned or treated to prevent germination, provided it has not been processed further, such as being husked, milled, or cooked. This code encompasses the vast majority of the global corn trade, including yellow, white, and flint corn used for animal feed, industrial ethanol production, or human consumption. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the corn is genetically modified or organic, as the HS code focuses on the botanical identity and the primary state of the commodity as a raw cereal grain. It is the essential classification for bulk maize shipments that have not undergone any value-added processing beyond basic drying or cleaning.

Covers
  • Yellow maize (corn)
  • White maize (corn)
  • Flint maize
  • Dent maize
  • Unpopped popcorn kernels (in the grain)
  • Maize for animal feed
Also under 1005.90
  • Cargill Corn
  • ADM Corn
  • Bunge Corn
  • Louis Dreyfus Corn

Codes often confused with 1005.90

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1005.10, which is strictly for seed corn intended for sowing. To qualify for 1005.10, the product usually requires certification by agricultural authorities. Another common error is using 0710.40 for sweet corn; however, 0710.40 is for sweet corn classified as a vegetable (often frozen), whereas 1005.90 is for the cereal grain. Additionally, if the corn has been ground into flour, it must move to 1102.20.

1005.10Cereals; maize (corn), seed0710.40Vegetables; sweetcorn, uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water, frozen1102.20Cereal flour; of maize (corn)

Top exporters and importers of HS 100590 (the code used for corn), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100590 (the code used for corn) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 9.0% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 100590, not only corn.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $18.6B
  2. 2 Brazil $8.5B
  3. 3 Argentina $5.9B

World total: $44.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $4.0B
  2. 2 Egypt $2.9B
  3. 3 South Korea $2.8B

Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $44.2B 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 codes for corn

Brazil splits HS 1005.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about corn

What is the HS code for Corn?

The HS code for Corn is 100590 (Cereals; maize (corn), other than seed). The HS code for corn (maize), other than seed for sowing, is 1005.90.

How do I classify Corn for customs?

Corn is classified under HS code 100590 — Cereals; maize (corn), other than seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is popcorn classified under this code?

Yes, unpopped popcorn kernels in their raw grain form are classified under HS code 1005.90, as they are a variety of maize grain.

Which countries are the top exporters of corn (HS 100590)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100590 (the code used for corn) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18.6B, 42% of world exports), Brazil ($8.5B) and Argentina ($5.9B). World exports came to about $44.2B, 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 corn (HS 100590)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 100590 (the code used for corn) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.0B, 9.0% of world imports), Egypt ($2.9B) and South Korea ($2.8B). World imports came to about $44.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Is the HS code for Corn the same in all countries?

The base HS code 100590 for Corn 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 corn in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 100590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for corn depends on the product's details: 1005.90.10 (Maize (corn) in grain, not for sowing), 1005.90.90 (Other maize (corn), not for sowing).