Product classification
HS code for Head lettuce: 0705.11
Vegetables, cabbage (head) lettuce (lactuca sativa), fresh or chilled.
Classification of head lettuce under HS 0705.11
Head lettuce is classified under HS code 0705.11 within the Harmonized System, which falls under Chapter 7: Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. This specific classification is reserved for cabbage lettuce, also known as head lettuce (Lactuca sativa), provided it is in a fresh or chilled state. The classification logic follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 0705 specifically covers lettuce and chicory, and sub-heading 0705.11 is designated for the 'cabbage' or 'head' variety, it is the most specific description available. The product must be fresh or chilled; if the lettuce were frozen, it would move to heading 0710, and if dried, to heading 0712. The 'head' designation refers to varieties where the leaves grow in a dense, globular cluster, such as Iceberg or Butterhead, distinguishing them from loose-leaf varieties.
- Covers
- Iceberg lettuce (fresh or chilled)
- Butterhead lettuce (including Boston and Bibb varieties)
- Crisphead lettuce
- Fresh cabbage-type lettuce heads
- Also under 0705.11
- Great Lakes 118 iceberg
- Buttercrunch butterhead
- Green Towers iceberg
Codes often confused with 0705.11
Common mistake. Head lettuce is frequently misclassified under HS code 0705.19, which is the category for 'Other' lettuce. This code is intended for non-heading varieties such as Romaine (Cos) lettuce or leaf lettuce. Another common error is using HS code 0704.90, which covers other edible brassicas like cabbage. While head lettuce is often called 'cabbage lettuce,' it belongs to the Lactuca genus, whereas true cabbages belong to the Brassica genus, necessitating the use of 0705 instead of 0704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070511 (the code used for head lettuce), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070511 (the code used for head lettuce) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 15% 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 070511, not only head lettuce.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $548M 47% of world exports
- 2 United States $105M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $89M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $166M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $123M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $94M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 head lettuce
Brazil classifies head lettuce under NCM 0705.11.00: HS 0705.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about head lettuce
What is the HS code for Head lettuce?
The HS code for Head lettuce is 070511 (Vegetables; cabbage (head) lettuce (lactuca sativa), fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled head lettuce (cabbage lettuce) is 0705.11.
How do I classify Head lettuce for customs?
Head lettuce is classified under HS code 070511 — Vegetables; cabbage (head) lettuce (lactuca sativa), fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include Romaine lettuce?
No, Romaine lettuce is considered a non-heading variety and is classified under HS code 0705.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of head lettuce (HS 070511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070511 (the code used for head lettuce) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($548M, 47% of world exports), the United States ($105M) and the Netherlands ($89M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 head lettuce (HS 070511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070511 (the code used for head lettuce) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($166M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($123M) and Canada ($94M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Head lettuce the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070511 for Head lettuce 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 head lettuce in Brazil?
In Brazil, head lettuce (HS 070511) is classified under NCM 0705.11.00.