Product classification
HS code for Fresh onions: 0703.10
Vegetables, alliaceous, onions and shallots, fresh or chilled.
Classification of fresh onions under HS 0703.10
Fresh onions are classified under HS code 0703.10, which falls within Chapter 7 of the Harmonized System, covering edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0703 specifically includes onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, and other alliaceous vegetables, fresh or chilled. The classification 0703.10 is a combined category for both onions (Allium cepa) and shallots (Allium ascalonicum). To qualify for this code, the products must be in their fresh or chilled state. Chilling refers to the reduction of temperature, typically to around 0°C, without freezing the product. This code excludes onions that have been further processed, such as those that are dried, roasted, or preserved in vinegar. The classification is straightforward but requires strict adherence to the state of the vegetable at the time of customs declaration. It also includes "sets," which are small onions used for planting, provided they are not specifically prepared as seeds for sowing in Chapter 12. Accurate classification is necessary for applying agricultural tariffs and complying with phytosanitary regulations.
- Covers
- Fresh bulb onions (Allium cepa)
- Fresh shallots (Allium ascalonicum)
- Chilled onions for culinary use
- Onion sets for planting
- Also under 0703.10
- Vidalia onions
- Walla Walla onions
- Spanish onions
- French shallots
Codes often confused with 0703.10
Common mistake. Onions are often misclassified under 0703.20, which is the specific code for garlic. Another common error is using 0712.20, which is reserved for dried onions. If the onions are preserved in vinegar or acetic acid, they must be moved to heading 2001. Furthermore, green onions or spring onions are sometimes confused with this code but are generally classified under 0703.90 (other alliaceous vegetables).
Top exporters and importers of HS 070310 (the code used for fresh onions), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070310 (the code used for fresh onions) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.1% 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 070310, not only fresh onions.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $1.0B 25% of world exports
- 2 China $457M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $402M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $368M 9.1% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $311M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $259M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $4.0B 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 fresh onions
Brazil splits HS 0703.10 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0703.10.11Onions for sowing
- 0703.10.19Fresh or chilled onions, not for sowing
- 0703.10.21Shallots for sowing
- 0703.10.29Fresh or chilled shallots, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fresh onions
What is the HS code for Fresh onions?
The HS code for Fresh onions is 070310 (Vegetables, alliaceous; onions and shallots, fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled onions and shallots is 0703.10.
How do I classify Fresh onions for customs?
Fresh onions is classified under HS code 070310 — Vegetables, alliaceous; onions and shallots, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are shallots classified differently than onions?
No, under the Harmonized System, both fresh onions and shallots share the same subheading, 0703.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of fresh onions (HS 070310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070310 (the code used for fresh onions) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.0B, 25% of world exports), China ($457M) and India ($402M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fresh onions (HS 070310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070310 (the code used for fresh onions) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($368M, 9.1% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($311M) and Germany ($259M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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 onions the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070310 for Fresh onions 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 onions in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 070310 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for fresh onions depends on the product's details: 0703.10.11 (Onions for sowing), 0703.10.19 (Fresh or chilled onions, not for sowing), 0703.10.21 (Shallots for sowing), 0703.10.29 (Fresh or chilled shallots, not for sowing).