Product classification

HS code for Dried ginseng: 1211.20

Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered.

Classification of dried ginseng under HS 1211.20

Dried ginseng is classified under HS code 1211.20. This classification is situated in Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds, medicinal plants, and straw. Heading 1211 is specifically for plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal, or similar purposes. Subheading 1211.20 is dedicated to ginseng roots. The classification applies to the roots in various forms: fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and they may be whole, cut, crushed, or powdered. The key to this classification is the botanical identity of the plant (Panax spp.) and its primary use in pharmaceutical or medicinal applications. While ginseng is sometimes consumed as food, its primary classification remains in Chapter 12 due to its medicinal properties. If the ginseng is processed into a highly refined extract or a retail-ready supplement with added vitamins or minerals, it would likely be classified under heading 2106. Correct classification ensures that the product is subject to the appropriate health and safety regulations and tariffs associated with medicinal plants.

Covers
  • Dried Panax ginseng roots, whole
  • Sliced dried ginseng root
  • Ginseng root powder
  • Crushed or broken dried ginseng pieces
Also under 1211.20
  • CheongKwanJang (Korean Red Ginseng)
  • Prince of Peace (American Ginseng)
  • NOW Foods (Ginseng supplements)
  • Panax Ginseng products

Codes often confused with 1211.20

Common mistake. Dried ginseng is often misclassified under HS code 0712.90, which covers other dried vegetables. However, because ginseng is primarily used for medicinal purposes, Chapter 12 takes precedence over Chapter 7. Another common error is using HS code 2106.90 for ginseng extracts or food supplements. While 1211.20 covers the raw or simply dried root, 2106.90 is for preparations based on those extracts. Additionally, ginseng tea in retail packaging might be classified under 2101.20 depending on its composition and concentration.

0712.90Vegetables; mixtures of vegetables n.e.c. in heading no. 0712, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder but not further prepared, dried2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.102101.20Extracts, essences and concentrates; of tea or mate, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or mate

Top exporters and importers of HS 121120 (the code used for dried ginseng), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121120 (the code used for dried ginseng) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% 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 121120, not only dried ginseng.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Canada $79M
  2. 2 China $74M
  3. 3 South Korea $58M

World total: $271M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $118M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $45M
  3. 3 Japan $40M

World total: $268M 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 dried ginseng

Brazil classifies dried ginseng under NCM 1211.20.00: HS 1211.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about dried ginseng

What is the HS code for Dried ginseng?

The HS code for Dried ginseng is 121120 (Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered).

How do I classify Dried ginseng for customs?

Dried ginseng is classified under HS code 121120 — Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for dried ginseng root?

The HS code for dried ginseng root, whether whole, cut, or powdered, is 1211.20.

Does this code cover ginseng supplements?

No, ginseng supplements that contain other ingredients or are highly processed are usually classified under HS code 2106.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of dried ginseng (HS 121120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121120 (the code used for dried ginseng) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($79M, 29% of world exports), China ($74M) and South Korea ($58M). World exports came to about $271M, 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 dried ginseng (HS 121120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 121120 (the code used for dried ginseng) in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 44% of world imports), Hong Kong ($45M) and Japan ($40M). World imports came to about $268M, 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 Dried ginseng the same in all countries?

The base HS code 121120 for Dried ginseng 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 dried ginseng in Brazil?

In Brazil, dried ginseng (HS 121120) is classified under NCM 1211.20.00.