Product classification
HS code for Cornflour: 1108.12
Starch, maize (corn) starch.
Classification of cornflour under HS 1108.12
Cornflour, technically identified as maize starch, is classified under HS code 1108.12. This classification is determined by the product's chemical composition as a pure starch extracted from the endosperm of the corn kernel. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System and the Chapter 11 notes, starches are distinguished from flours based on their production process and purity. While corn flour (1102.20) is produced by grinding the whole grain and contains proteins and fibers, cornflour (starch) undergoes a wet-milling process to isolate the starch granules. Heading 1108 specifically covers starches and inulin, and subheading 1108.12 is reserved for starch derived from maize. This classification applies to the product in its raw, unmodified state. If the starch has been pre-gelatinized or otherwise chemically modified to enhance its functional properties, it would be excluded from Chapter 11 and reclassified under heading 3505.
- Covers
- Pure maize starch
- Edible cornflour for culinary thickening
- Industrial grade corn starch for paper sizing
- Non-modified corn starch powder
- Unmodified maize starch for pharmaceutical excipients
- Also under 1108.12
- Argo Corn Starch
- Maizena Corn Starch
- Bob's Red Mill Corn Starch
- National Starch (Ingredion) Corn Starch
Codes often confused with 1108.12
Common mistake. Cornflour is frequently misclassified under HS code 1102.20, which is reserved for maize flour. The distinction lies in the starch content and the presence of other grain components; 1102.20 contains the protein and fiber of the kernel, whereas 1108.12 is nearly pure starch. Another common error is using HS code 3505.10, which applies to modified starches. If the cornflour has been heat-treated or chemically altered, it must be moved to 3505.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110812 (the code used for cornflour), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110812 (the code used for cornflour) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 110812, not only cornflour.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $157M 12% of world exports
- 2 India $134M 11% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $101M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $114M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 France $97M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $95M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 cornflour
Brazil classifies cornflour under NCM 1108.12.00: HS 1108.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cornflour
What is the HS code for Cornflour?
The HS code for Cornflour is 110812 (Starch; maize (corn) starch). The HS code for pure, unmodified cornflour (maize starch) is 1108.12.
How do I classify Cornflour for customs?
Cornflour is classified under HS code 110812 — Starch; maize (corn) starch. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cornflour the same as corn starch for customs purposes?
Yes, in many regions, the terms are used interchangeably, and both are classified under 1108.12 as long as they are unmodified starches extracted from maize.
Which countries are the top exporters of cornflour (HS 110812)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110812 (the code used for cornflour) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($157M, 12% of world exports), India ($134M) and Türkiye ($101M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 cornflour (HS 110812)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110812 (the code used for cornflour) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($114M, 7.8% of world imports), France ($97M) and Mexico ($95M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Cornflour the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110812 for Cornflour 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 cornflour in Brazil?
In Brazil, cornflour (HS 110812) is classified under NCM 1108.12.00.