HS Code for Grain pellets

Grain pellets are classified under HS code 1103.20, which covers cereal pellets. This classification is part of Chapter 11, which encompasses products of the milling industry, malt, starches, inulin, and wheat gluten. According to the Chapter 11 notes, pellets are defined as products which have been agglomerated either directly by compression or by the addition of a binder in a proportion not exceeding 3% by weight. The classification under 1103.20 is determined by the fact that the grain has been processed beyond simple grinding but has not yet been prepared into a complete animal feed or a finished food product. These pellets are typically made from wheat, corn, barley, or oats and serve as an intermediate product for further industrial processing or as a component in animal fodder. The classification relies on the physical form (pelletized) and the origin (cereal grains). If the product contains significant additives beyond the 3% binder limit, or if it is a complete nutritional preparation, it would move out of Chapter 11 entirely.

Products Included

• Wheat pellets
• Corn (maize) pellets
• Barley pellets
• Oat pellets
• Sorghum pellets

Common Misclassification

Grain pellets are often misclassified under HS code 2309, which covers preparations of a kind used in animal feeding. The distinction lies in the composition: 1103.20 is for pure cereal pellets with minimal binders, whereas 2309 is for complex mixtures containing vitamins, minerals, or multiple food groups. They may also be confused with HS code 1104, which covers grains that are rolled, flaked, or pearled but not agglomerated into pellet form.

FAQ

What is the HS code for grain pellets?

The HS code for cereal grain pellets is 1103.20.

Do wood pellets use this same HS code?

No, wood pellets are classified under HS code 4401.31, as they are products of wood, not the milling industry.