Product classification
HS code for Couscous: 1902.40
Food preparations, couscous.
Classification of couscous under HS 1902.40
Couscous is classified under HS code 1902.40. This code is situated within Chapter 19, which encompasses preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk. Heading 1902 is specifically for pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed (with meat or other substances) or otherwise prepared, such as spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagna, gnocchi, ravioli, and cannelloni. Subheading 1902.40 is the specific international designation for couscous. While couscous is technically a processed grain product made from semolina, the Harmonized System treats it as a form of pasta due to its preparation method. This classification applies regardless of whether the couscous is in its basic dried form or has been pre-cooked or flavored, provided it retains the essential character of couscous. The classification is straightforward because couscous is explicitly named in the subheading, which takes precedence over more general cereal preparation codes.
- Covers
- Unprepared dried couscous
- Pre-cooked (instant) couscous
- Flavored or seasoned couscous
- Whole wheat couscous
- Israeli (pearl) couscous
- Also under 1902.40
- Tipiak Couscous
- Near East Couscous
- Roland Couscous
- Ziyad Couscous
Codes often confused with 1902.40
Common mistake. Couscous is sometimes misclassified under HS code 1103.11, which covers groats and meal of wheat. However, because couscous has undergone a specific preparation process (steaming and drying), it moves from Chapter 11 to Chapter 19. It may also be confused with 1904.10, which covers prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals, but 1902.40 is the more specific and correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190240 (the code used for couscous), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190240 (the code used for couscous) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% 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 190240, not only couscous.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $65M 29% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $56M 25% of world exports
- 3 France $34M 15% of world exports
World total: $223M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $48M 21% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $20M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $15M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $232M 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 couscous
Brazil classifies couscous under NCM 1902.40.00: HS 1902.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about couscous
What is the HS code for Couscous?
The HS code for Couscous is 190240 (Food preparations; couscous). The HS code for couscous is 1902.40.
How do I classify Couscous for customs?
Couscous is classified under HS code 190240 — Food preparations; couscous. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is flavored couscous classified differently?
No, flavored or seasoned couscous remains under 1902.40 as long as the couscous remains the primary ingredient.
Which countries are the top exporters of couscous (HS 190240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190240 (the code used for couscous) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($65M, 29% of world exports), Morocco ($56M) and France ($34M). World exports came to about $223M, 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 couscous (HS 190240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190240 (the code used for couscous) in UN Comtrade data were France ($48M, 21% of world imports), Belgium ($20M) and Germany ($15M). World imports came to about $232M, 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 Couscous the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190240 for Couscous 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 couscous in Brazil?
In Brazil, couscous (HS 190240) is classified under NCM 1902.40.00.