Product classification

HS code for Endive: 0705.29

Vegetables, chicory (cichorium spp.), (other than witloof chicory), fresh or chilled.

Classification of endive under HS 0705.29

The classification of endive under HS code 0705.29 is a precise application of the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure for agricultural products. Chapter 7 of the Nomenclature covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Within this chapter, heading 0705 is specifically designated for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), fresh or chilled. The classification process begins by identifying the botanical genus of the plant. Endive belongs to the Cichorium genus. The heading is then subdivided into two main categories: lettuce (0705.11 and 0705.19) and chicory (0705.21 and 0705.29). Under the chicory subheadings, the system makes a specific distinction for Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum), which is assigned to 0705.21. Witloof chicory is often known as Belgian endive and is characterized by its tight, white, spear-like head produced through a secondary forcing process in the dark. All other varieties of the Cichorium genus that do not meet the definition of Witloof are classified under the residual subheading 0705.29. This includes Cichorium endivia, which encompasses curly endive (var. crispum) and escarole (var. latifolium). These vegetables are typically grown for their bitter leaves and are used extensively in salads. The classification remains in 0705.29 as long as the product is fresh or chilled. If the endive were to be frozen, it would move to heading 0710; if dried, to 0712; and if prepared or preserved, it would fall under Chapter 20.

Covers
  • Curly endive (frisรฉe)
  • Escarole
  • Radicchio (Cichorium intybus varieties)
  • Common chicory leaves
Also under 0705.29
  • Treviso Radicchio
  • Chioggia Radicchio
  • Italian Escarole
  • Rungis Market Frisรฉe

Codes often confused with 0705.29

Common mistake. The most frequent error is confusing common endive with Witloof chicory, which belongs under 0705.21. While both are in the Cichorium genus, the forcing process of Witloof requires a separate code. Additionally, endive is sometimes misclassified as cabbage lettuce under 0705.11 due to similar leaf structures, but botanical origin must take precedence.

Top exporters and importers of HS 070529 (the code used for endive), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070529 (the code used for endive) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% 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 070529, not only endive.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Spain $95M
  2. 2 Italy $63M
  3. 3 United States $13M

World total: $202M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $28M
  2. 2 France $21M
  3. 3 Switzerland $17M

World total: $165M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

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 endive

Brazil classifies endive under NCM 0705.29.00: HS 0705.29 with 00 added.

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

Questions about endive

What is the HS code for Endive?

The HS code for Endive is 070529 (Vegetables; chicory (cichorium spp.), (other than witloof chicory), fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled endive (other than Witloof chicory) is 0705.29.

How do I classify Endive for customs?

Endive is classified under HS code 070529 โ€” Vegetables; chicory (cichorium spp.), (other than witloof chicory), fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is radicchio classified under the same code as endive?

Yes, most varieties of radicchio are botanically chicory (Cichorium intybus) and, unless they are the Witloof variety, they are classified under 0705.29.

Which countries are the top exporters of endive (HS 070529)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070529 (the code used for endive) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($95M, 47% of world exports), Italy ($63M) and the United States ($13M). World exports came to about $202M, 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 endive (HS 070529)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 070529 (the code used for endive) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($28M, 17% of world imports), France ($21M) and Switzerland ($17M). World imports came to about $165M, 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 Endive the same in all countries?

The base HS code 070529 for Endive 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 endive in Brazil?

In Brazil, endive (HS 070529) is classified under NCM 0705.29.00.