Product classification
HS code for Hop cones: 1210.10
Hop cones, neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets.
Classification of hop cones under HS 1210.10
The classification of hop cones under HS code 1210.10 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. This code is reserved for the fruit of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) in its most natural form. According to the Chapter 12 notes, this heading covers hop cones that are either fresh or dried. The defining characteristic for 1210.10 is that the cones must not have undergone any mechanical transformation that alters their physical structure beyond simple drying or pressing for transport. If the cones are intact, they fall here. This classification is critical for customs authorities to distinguish between raw agricultural commodities and processed industrial ingredients used in the brewing industry. The distinction ensures that trade statistics accurately reflect the volume of whole-leaf hops versus processed derivatives. Furthermore, the moisture content or the method of drying does not typically move the product out of this code, provided the botanical integrity of the cone remains. It is the primary classification for traditional brewers who utilize whole-flower hops for their aromatic and bittering properties.
- Covers
- Fresh hop cones
- Dried hop cones
- Whole hop flowers
- Pressed whole hop cones (not ground)
- Whole hops in vacuum-sealed bags
- Also under 1210.10
- Yakima Chief Hops (whole leaf)
- BarthHaas (whole leaf)
- Crosby Hops (whole leaf)
- Hopsteiner (whole leaf)
Codes often confused with 1210.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1210.20, which covers hop cones that have been ground, powdered, or pelletized. If the cone is no longer whole, it must move to 1210.20. Another common error is using HS code 1302.13, which is strictly for vegetable saps and extracts of hops. Extracts are chemical concentrates, whereas 1210.10 is for the raw plant material. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 1211.90 for medicinal plants, but since hops have a specific heading (1210), the specific heading always takes precedence over the general one.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121010 (the code used for hop cones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121010 (the code used for hop cones) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 62% 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 121010, not only hop cones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $11M 23% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $11M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 21% of world exports
World total: $49M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $41M 62% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $10M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $7.5M 11% of world imports
World total: $66M 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 hop cones
Brazil classifies hop cones under NCM 1210.10.00: HS 1210.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hop cones
What is the HS code for Hop cones?
The HS code for Hop cones is 121010 (Hop cones; neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets). The HS code for whole hop cones, whether fresh or dried, is 1210.10.
How do I classify Hop cones for customs?
Hop cones is classified under HS code 121010 — Hop cones; neither ground nor powdered nor in the form of pellets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can pressed hops be classified under 1210.10?
Yes, as long as the hops are simply pressed for packing and have not been ground or powdered, they remain under 1210.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of hop cones (HS 121010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121010 (the code used for hop cones) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($11M, 23% of world exports), Czechia ($11M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $49M, 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 hop cones (HS 121010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121010 (the code used for hop cones) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($41M, 62% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($10M) and the United States ($7.5M). World imports came to about $66M, 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 Hop cones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121010 for Hop cones 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 hop cones in Brazil?
In Brazil, hop cones (HS 121010) is classified under NCM 1210.10.00.