Product classification
HS code for Gingerbread: 1905.20
Food preparations, gingerbread and the like, whether or not containing cocoa.
Classification of gingerbread under HS 1905.20
Gingerbread and similar products are classified under HS code 1905.20. This code is situated in Chapter 19, which encompasses preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk, and pastrycooks' products. Heading 1905 specifically covers bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, and other bakers' wares. Gingerbread is uniquely identified in the Harmonized System by its specific ingredients and texture. It is typically characterized by the use of honey, molasses, or other sweeteners combined with ginger and other spices, resulting in a product that is often denser and moister than standard biscuits. The classification "gingerbread and the like" includes various regional variations, such as the French "pain d'épices." This code applies whether the product is plain, contains ginger pieces, or is decorated with icing, provided it retains the essential character of gingerbread.
- Covers
- Traditional gingerbread cakes
- Gingerbread figurines and cookies
- Pain d'épices
- Honey cakes with ginger
- Soft gingerbread blocks
- Gingerbread containing cocoa (within limits)
- 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. Gingerbread is often misclassified as sweet biscuits under HS code 1905.31. The distinction is based on the texture and the specific recipe; gingerbread is generally softer and contains higher levels of rye flour or specific sweeteners like honey. Another common error is classifying it as sugar confectionery under HS code 1704.90, especially if it is heavily decorated with sugar. However, because it is a baked cereal-based product, Chapter 19 takes precedence. If the product contains more than 20% by weight of sausage, meat, or fish, it would move to Chapter 16, though this is rare for gingerbread.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190520 (the code used for gingerbread), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190520 (the code used for gingerbread) 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 gingerbread.
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 gingerbread
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 gingerbread
What is the HS code for Gingerbread?
The HS code for Gingerbread is 190520 (Food preparations; gingerbread and the like, whether or not containing cocoa). The HS code for gingerbread and similar products is 1905.20.
How do I classify Gingerbread for customs?
Gingerbread 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.
Can gingerbread containing chocolate be classified here?
Yes, gingerbread containing cocoa or coated in chocolate is still classified under 1905.20, as the heading specifically includes products "whether or not containing cocoa."
Which countries are the top exporters of gingerbread (HS 190520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190520 (the code used for gingerbread) 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 gingerbread (HS 190520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190520 (the code used for gingerbread) 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 Gingerbread the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190520 for Gingerbread 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 gingerbread in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 190520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gingerbread depends on the product's details: 1905.20.10 (Panettone), 1905.20.90 (Gingerbread and similar, other than panettone).