Product classification
HS code for Fresh kale: 0704.90
Vegetables, brassica, edible, n.e.c. in heading no. 0704, fresh or chilled.
Classification of fresh kale under HS 0704.90
Fresh kale is classified under HS code 0704.90. Chapter 7 of the Harmonized System covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0704 is dedicated to brassicas, a genus of plants in the mustard family that includes cabbage, cauliflowers, kohlrabi, kale, and similar edible brassicas. While 0704.10 covers cauliflowers and headed broccoli, and 0704.20 covers Brussels sprouts, 0704.90 serves as the residual category for other brassicas that do not fit into the more specific subheadings. Kale, being a leaf cabbage that does not form a compact head, fits perfectly into this category. The classification requires the product to be in a fresh or chilled state. Any further processing, such as boiling in water, freezing, or drying, would necessitate a different code within Chapter 7. This classification is vital for phytosanitary controls, as brassicas are often subject to specific agricultural inspections to prevent the spread of pests.
- Covers
- Fresh curly kale
- Chilled Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale
- Fresh Red Russian kale
- Fresh ornamental kale (if intended for consumption)
- Chilled baby kale leaves
- Also under 0704.90
- Danish Ballhead cabbage
- Lacinato kale
- Redbor kale
- Bok Choy
Codes often confused with 0704.90
Common mistake. Fresh kale is often misclassified under HS code 0709.99, which is a general category for "other" vegetables. However, because kale belongs to the Brassica genus, it must be classified under 0704. Another common error is using 0704.10, which is specifically for cauliflower and headed broccoli. While they are related, the botanical structure of kale excludes it from that subheading. Additionally, if the kale is frozen, it must be classified under 0310.80, and if it is dried, it falls under 0712.90. Misidentifying the state of preservation is a frequent cause of customs delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070490 (the code used for fresh kale), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070490 (the code used for fresh kale) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 070490, not only fresh kale.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $405M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $202M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $147M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $501M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $208M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Canada $193M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 fresh kale
Brazil classifies fresh kale under NCM 0704.90.00: HS 0704.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh kale
What is the HS code for Fresh kale?
The HS code for Fresh kale is 070490 (Vegetables, brassica; edible, n.e.c. in heading no. 0704, fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled kale is 0704.90, as it falls under the category of "other" edible brassicas.
How do I classify Fresh kale for customs?
Fresh kale is classified under HS code 070490 — Vegetables, brassica; edible, n.e.c. in heading no. 0704, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen kale?
No, frozen kale is classified under HS code 0710.80, which covers other vegetables (uncooked or cooked by steaming or boiling in water) that are frozen.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh kale (HS 070490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070490 (the code used for fresh kale) in UN Comtrade data were China ($405M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($202M) and the Netherlands ($147M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 fresh kale (HS 070490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070490 (the code used for fresh kale) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($501M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($208M) and Canada ($193M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Fresh kale the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070490 for Fresh kale 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 fresh kale in Brazil?
In Brazil, fresh kale (HS 070490) is classified under NCM 0704.90.00.