Product classification
HS code for Dark malt: 1107.20
Malt, roasted.
Classification of dark malt under HS 1107.20
Dark malt is classified under HS code 1107.20, which specifically covers roasted malt. This classification falls within Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses products of the milling industry, malt, starches, inulin, and wheat gluten. The primary factor for this classification is the processing state of the grain. Malt is produced from cereal grains, most commonly barley, through a controlled process of steeping, germination, and kilning. While standard malt (pale malt) is dried at lower temperatures to preserve enzymatic activity, dark malt undergoes a roasting process at significantly higher temperatures. This roasting triggers Maillard reactions and caramelization, resulting in the characteristic dark color and roasted flavor profiles. Because the HS nomenclature distinguishes between malt that is not roasted (1107.10) and malt that is roasted (1107.20), dark malt, which is defined by its roasted nature, must be declared under the latter. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the malt is whole, ground, or in flour form, provided it has undergone the roasting process.
- Covers
- Roasted barley malt
- Chocolate malt
- Black malt (Patent malt)
- Roasted rye malt
- Roasted wheat malt
- Crystal and caramel malts (when processed through roasting)
- Roasted malt flour
- Also under 1107.20
- Weyermann Carafa Special Malt
- Crisp Chocolate Malt
- Briess Black Malt
- Simpsons Crystal Malt
Codes often confused with 1107.20
Common mistake. Dark malt is frequently misclassified under HS code 1107.10, which is reserved for non-roasted malt. The distinction depends entirely on the temperature and duration of the kilning or roasting process. Another common error is using HS code 1901.90 for malt extract; however, 1107.20 is strictly for the roasted grain itself, not the concentrated liquid or powder extract derived from it. Additionally, roasted coffee substitutes containing malt are classified under 2101.30, provided they do not consist primarily of malt.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110720 (the code used for dark malt), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110720 (the code used for dark malt) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 110720, not only dark malt.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $26M 20% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $19M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $19M 14% of world exports
World total: $132M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 10% of world imports
- 2 Panama $14M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $9.3M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $169M 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 dark malt
Brazil splits HS 1107.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1107.20.10Roasted malt, whole or broken
- 1107.20.20Roasted malt, ground or as flour
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dark malt
What is the HS code for Dark malt?
The HS code for Dark malt is 110720 (Malt; roasted). The HS code for dark malt is 1107.20, which covers roasted malt.
How do I classify Dark malt for customs?
Dark malt is classified under HS code 110720 — Malt; roasted. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the HS code differ between pale and dark malt?
Pale malt, which is dried but not roasted, is classified under 1107.10, whereas dark malt that has undergone a roasting process is classified under 1107.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of dark malt (HS 110720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110720 (the code used for dark malt) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($26M, 20% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($19M) and South Africa ($19M). World exports came to about $132M, 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 dark malt (HS 110720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110720 (the code used for dark malt) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 10% of world imports), Panama ($14M) and Brazil ($9.3M). World imports came to about $169M, 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 Dark malt the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110720 for Dark malt 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 dark malt in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 110720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for dark malt depends on the product's details: 1107.20.10 (Roasted malt, whole or broken), 1107.20.20 (Roasted malt, ground or as flour).