Product classification
HS code for Ginseng root: 1211.20
Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered.
Classification of ginseng root under HS 1211.20
Ginseng root is classified under HS code 1211.20. This classification is found in Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, as well as industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1211 is dedicated to plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits) of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal, or similar purposes. Ginseng, belonging to the genus Panax, is specifically identified in subheading 1211.20. The classification applies to the roots in their raw or minimally processed state, including fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried forms. The roots may be whole, cut, crushed, or ground into a powder. The essential requirement for this classification is that the product has not been further processed into a pharmaceutical preparation or a food supplement with added ingredients.
- Covers
- Fresh ginseng roots
- Dried ginseng roots (Red or White ginseng)
- Crushed or powdered ginseng root
- Frozen ginseng roots
- Wild or cultivated ginseng roots
- Cut ginseng root segments
- Also under 1211.20
- CheongKwanJang (Korean Red Ginseng)
- Prince of Peace (American Ginseng)
- NOW Foods (Ginseng supplements)
- Panax Ginseng products
Codes often confused with 1211.20
Common mistake. Ginseng root is frequently misclassified as a food preparation or supplement under HS code 2106.90. This occurs when the ginseng is mixed with other ingredients or put up in measured doses like capsules. Another common error is classifying ginseng extracts or essences under HS code 1302.19; extracts are concentrated liquids or solids derived from the root, whereas 1211.20 is for the root material itself. Additionally, if the ginseng is prepared as a tea in retail bags mixed with other herbs, it may be classified under HS code 2106.90 or 0902 depending on the composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121120 (the code used for ginseng root), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121120 (the code used for ginseng root) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% 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 121120, not only ginseng root.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $79M 29% of world exports
- 2 China $74M 27% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $58M 22% of world exports
World total: $271M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $118M 44% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $45M 17% of world imports
- 3 Japan $40M 15% of world imports
World total: $268M 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 ginseng root
Brazil classifies ginseng root under NCM 1211.20.00: HS 1211.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ginseng root
What is the HS code for Ginseng root?
The HS code for Ginseng root is 121120 (Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered). The HS code for ginseng root is 1211.20.
How do I classify Ginseng root for customs?
Ginseng root is classified under HS code 121120 — Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover ginseng powder?
Yes, pure ginseng root that has been ground into powder remains under HS code 1211.20, provided no other substances have been added.
Which countries are the top exporters of ginseng root (HS 121120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121120 (the code used for ginseng root) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($79M, 29% of world exports), China ($74M) and South Korea ($58M). World exports came to about $271M, 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 ginseng root (HS 121120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121120 (the code used for ginseng root) in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 44% of world imports), Hong Kong ($45M) and Japan ($40M). World imports came to about $268M, 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 Ginseng root the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121120 for Ginseng root 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 ginseng root in Brazil?
In Brazil, ginseng root (HS 121120) is classified under NCM 1211.20.00.