Product classification
HS code for Fonio: 1008.40
Cereals, fonio (Digitaria spp.).
Classification of fonio under HS 1008.40
Fonio is classified under HS code 1008.40. As a member of the Digitaria genus, fonio is categorized within Chapter 10, which covers cereals. Specifically, heading 1008 is for buckwheat, millet, and canary seeds, as well as other cereals. In the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, fonio was granted its own specific subheading (1008.40) to better track the trade of this ancient grain, which is primarily grown in West Africa. The classification applies to the grain in its raw or husked form, provided it has not been further processed into flour or meal. Fonio is valued for its nutritional properties and resilience in arid climates, and its specific classification helps in monitoring its growing presence in international health food markets. The grain must be in its cereal form; if it is worked (e.g., pearled or kibbled), it might move to Chapter 11. However, standard husked fonio remains firmly in 1008.40. This specific code allows for more accurate data collection regarding the export of Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua, which were previously grouped with other minor cereals.
- Covers
- White fonio (Digitaria exilis) grains
- Black fonio (Digitaria iburua) grains
- Husked or dried fonio seeds
- Raw fonio for human consumption
- Whole grain fonio for food processing
- Also under 1008.40
- Yolélé Fonio
- Aduna Fonio
- various West African brands
- specialty health food stores
Codes often confused with 1008.40
Common mistake. Fonio is often misclassified under HS code 1008.29, which is the code for other types of millet. While fonio is sometimes called hungry rice or acha, it is botanically distinct from the millets covered in 1008.21 and 1008.29. Another error is using HS code 1104.29, which applies to grains that have been hulled, pearled, or otherwise worked beyond simple husking. If the fonio is ground into flour, it must be classified under 1102.90 as cereal flour.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100840 (the code used for fonio), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100840 (the code used for fonio) in UN Comtrade data was Mali, with about 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 58% 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 100840, not only fonio.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mali* ~$841K 50% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Senegal $350K 21% of world exports
- 3 Guinea* ~$125K 7.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $1.0M 58% of world imports
- 2 United States $374K 21% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $89K 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 codes for fonio
Brazil splits HS 1008.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1008.40.10Fonio seed for sowing
- 1008.40.90Fonio, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fonio
What is the HS code for Fonio?
The HS code for Fonio is 100840 (Cereals; fonio (Digitaria spp.)). The specific HS code for fonio (Digitaria spp.) is 1008.40.
How do I classify Fonio for customs?
Fonio is classified under HS code 100840 — Cereals; fonio (Digitaria spp.). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is fonio classified as millet?
While similar, fonio has its own dedicated code (1008.40) and should not be classified under the general millet code (1008.29).
Which countries are the top exporters of fonio (HS 100840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100840 (the code used for fonio) in UN Comtrade data were Mali (about $841K, 50% of world exports), Senegal ($350K) and Guinea (about $125K). World exports came to about $1.7M, 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 fonio (HS 100840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100840 (the code used for fonio) in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.0M, 58% of world imports), the United States ($374K) and the Netherlands ($89K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 Fonio the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100840 for Fonio 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 fonio in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100840 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fonio depends on the product's details: 1008.40.10 (Fonio seed for sowing), 1008.40.90 (Fonio, not for sowing).