Product classification
HS code for Ginger biscuits: 1905.20
Food preparations, gingerbread and the like, whether or not containing cocoa.
Classification of ginger biscuits under HS 1905.20
Ginger biscuits are classified under HS code 190520, which specifically covers gingerbread and the like. This classification is primarily driven by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 19 covers preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk, and pastrycooks' products. Heading 1905 is the broad category for baked goods, including bread, pastry, cakes, and biscuits. Subheading 190520 is a specific provision for gingerbread. To qualify, the product must be a baked preparation where the characteristic flavor is derived from ginger and sweeteners like honey, molasses, or brown sugar. These products often have a distinct, somewhat soft or crisp texture and a dark color. The presence of cocoa or a chocolate coating does not remove the product from this code, as the heading explicitly states "whether or not containing cocoa." This is an important distinction because many other chocolate-covered biscuits are classified under 190531. The classification remains 190520 as long as the base dough is gingerbread. Furthermore, the product must be intended for human consumption and be a finished baker's ware. If the product were a dry mix for making gingerbread, it would be classified elsewhere, likely in 1901. The specificity of 190520 takes precedence over more general biscuit codes like 190531 or 190590. Additionally, the moisture content and the specific density of the crumb are often used by customs authorities to distinguish gingerbread from standard sweet biscuits. Gingerbread typically has a higher sugar and spice content relative to the flour weight compared to standard biscuits.
- Covers
- Ginger snaps
- Gingerbread men
- Parkin
- Spiced gingerbread biscuits
- Chocolate-coated gingerbread
- Also under 1905.20
- Pepperidge Farm Gingerbread Men
- Bahlsen Contessa Lebkuchen
- Lotus Biscoff (speculoos)
- McVitie's Ginger Nuts
Codes often confused with 1905.20
Common mistake. Ginger biscuits are frequently misclassified under 190531, which is the code for sweet biscuits. While ginger biscuits are sweet, the specific provision for "gingerbread and the like" in 190520 takes precedence. They may also be confused with 190590, the residual category for other bakers' wares, if the importer is unaware of the specific gingerbread subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190520 (the code used for ginger biscuits), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190520 (the code used for ginger biscuits) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 190520, not only ginger biscuits.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $141M 31% of world exports
- 2 Canada $63M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $59M 13% of world exports
World total: $458M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $97M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $49M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $32M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $486M 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 ginger biscuits
Brazil splits HS 1905.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1905.20.10Panettone
- 1905.20.90Gingerbread and similar, other than panettone
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ginger biscuits
What is the HS code for Ginger biscuits?
The HS code for Ginger biscuits is 190520 (Food preparations; gingerbread and the like, whether or not containing cocoa). The HS code for ginger biscuits is 190520, which covers gingerbread and similar spiced baked goods.
How do I classify Ginger biscuits for customs?
Ginger biscuits is classified under HS code 190520 — Food preparations; gingerbread and the like, whether or not containing cocoa. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does it matter if the ginger biscuit contains chocolate?
No, HS code 190520 applies to gingerbread and the like whether or not it contains cocoa or is coated in chocolate.
Which countries are the top exporters of ginger biscuits (HS 190520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190520 (the code used for ginger biscuits) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($141M, 31% of world exports), Canada ($63M) and Poland ($59M). World exports came to about $458M, 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 ginger biscuits (HS 190520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190520 (the code used for ginger biscuits) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($97M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($49M) and France ($32M). World imports came to about $486M, 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 Ginger biscuits the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190520 for Ginger biscuits 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 ginger biscuits in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 190520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ginger biscuits depends on the product's details: 1905.20.10 (Panettone), 1905.20.90 (Gingerbread and similar, other than panettone).