Product classification

HS code for Cornmeal: 1103.13

Cereal groats and meal, of maize (corn).

Classification of cornmeal under HS 1103.13

Cornmeal is classified under HS code 1103.13, which covers cereal groats and meal of maize (corn). This classification is strictly governed by the technical specifications outlined in Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System. Specifically, Note 2 to Chapter 11 defines "meal" based on its ability to pass through a standard wire cloth sieve. For maize products to qualify as meal under heading 1103, at least 95% by weight must pass through a sieve with an aperture of 2.0 mm. Cornmeal is a product of the primary milling process where the grain is fragmented but remains coarser than flour. Under GRI 1, the heading 1103 is the most specific for groats and meal. This code is used for various types of cornmeal, including yellow, white, and blue varieties, provided they have not been further prepared or mixed with other ingredients to form a finished food preparation.

Covers
  • Yellow cornmeal
  • White cornmeal
  • Coarse maize meal
  • Stone-ground cornmeal
  • Unprocessed polenta meal
  • Maize groats for human consumption
Also under 1103.13
  • Quaker Corn Meal
  • Maseca Masa Harina
  • Bob's Red Mill Polenta
  • Goya Hominy Grits

Codes often confused with 1103.13

Common mistake. Cornmeal is often confused with maize flour, which is classified under HS code 1102.20. The difference is purely based on particle size; flour is finer and must pass through a 0.63 mm sieve. Additionally, cornmeal that has been precooked or otherwise prepared may be misclassified here when it should actually fall under heading 1904 as a prepared cereal food. Another potential error is HS code 1104.23, which covers other worked grains (e.g., pearled or kibbled), but 1103.13 is more specific for meal.

1102.20Cereal flour; of maize (corn)19.04Prepared foods obtained by swelling or roasting cereals or cereal products (e.g. corn flakes); cereals (other than maize (corn)) in grain form or in the form of flakes or other worked grains (not flour and meal), pre-cooked or otherwise prepared, n.e.c.1104.23Cereal grains; worked (e.g. hulled, pearled, sliced or kibbled) of maize (corn)

Top exporters and importers of HS 110313 (the code used for cornmeal), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110313 (the code used for cornmeal) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the DR Congo, with about 18% 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 110313, not only cornmeal.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $160M
  2. 2 United States $104M
  3. 3 Türkiye $57M

World total: $646M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 DR Congo* ~$104M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $28M
  3. 3 Iraq* ~$19M

World total: $563M 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 cornmeal

Brazil classifies cornmeal under NCM 1103.13.00: HS 1103.13 with 00 added.

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

Questions about cornmeal

What is the HS code for Cornmeal?

The HS code for Cornmeal is 110313 (Cereal groats and meal; of maize (corn)). The standard HS code for cornmeal (maize meal) is 1103.13.

How do I classify Cornmeal for customs?

Cornmeal is classified under HS code 110313 — Cereal groats and meal; of maize (corn). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is polenta classified under the same HS code as cornmeal?

If the polenta is simply plain, coarsely ground cornmeal, it is classified under 1103.13. However, if it is sold as a ready-to-eat prepared dish, it may fall under Chapter 19.

Which countries are the top exporters of cornmeal (HS 110313)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110313 (the code used for cornmeal) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($160M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($104M) and Türkiye ($57M). World exports came to about $646M, 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 cornmeal (HS 110313)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 110313 (the code used for cornmeal) in UN Comtrade data were the DR Congo (about $104M, 18% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($28M) and Iraq (about $19M). World imports came to about $563M, 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 Cornmeal the same in all countries?

The base HS code 110313 for Cornmeal 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 cornmeal in Brazil?

In Brazil, cornmeal (HS 110313) is classified under NCM 1103.13.00.