Product classification
HS code for Hop pellets: 1210.20
Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets, lupulin.
Classification of hop pellets under HS 1210.20
HS code 1210.20 is the specific classification for hop cones that have been mechanically processed into a ground, powdered, or pelletized form. This code also explicitly includes lupulin, the yellow resinous dust found within the hop cone. The classification logic follows the principle that while the product is still the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), its physical state has been significantly altered from the whole cone. In modern brewing, pellets are the standard form of hops because they offer better storage stability and higher utilization of alpha acids. The process involves drying the cones, milling them into a fine powder, and then compressing that powder through a pellet die. Despite this processing, the product remains in Chapter 12 because it consists of the entire plant material (or the lupulin part of it) and has not been subjected to chemical extraction. This distinguishes it from the extracts found in Chapter 13. Accurate classification under 1210.20 is essential for international trade, as pellets represent the largest volume of hop products moved globally.
- Covers
- Type 90 (T90) hop pellets
- Type 45 (T45) enriched hop pellets
- Ground hop powder
- Lupulin powder
- Milled hop cones
- Also under 1210.20
- Yakima Chief Hops (pellets, Cryo Hops)
- BarthHaas (pellets, extracts)
- BSG CraftBrewing (pellets)
- Hopsteiner (pellets)
Codes often confused with 1210.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 1210.10, which is reserved for whole hop cones. If the hops have been ground at all, they must be moved to 1210.20. Another common error is 1302.13, which is for hop extracts. While pellets are processed, they are still plant matter; extracts are the result of chemical separation. Occasionally, lupulin is misclassified under 1211.90 as a medicinal plant part, but the specific mention of lupulin in the heading for 1210.20 makes it the only correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121020 (the code used for hop pellets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121020 (the code used for hop pellets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 121020, not only hop pellets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $289M 39% of world exports
- 2 United States $253M 34% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $75M 10% of world exports
World total: $739M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $78M 11% of world imports
- 2 Japan $59M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $59M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $708M 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 hop pellets
Brazil splits HS 1210.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1210.20.10Hop cones, ground, powdered or pelletised
- 1210.20.20Lupulin
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hop pellets
What is the HS code for Hop pellets?
The HS code for Hop pellets is 121020 (Hop cones; ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin). The HS code for hop pellets is 1210.20.
How do I classify Hop pellets for customs?
Hop pellets is classified under HS code 121020 — Hop cones; ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 1210.20 include T90 and T45 pellets?
Yes, both standard T90 and enriched T45 pellets are classified under 1210.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of hop pellets (HS 121020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121020 (the code used for hop pellets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($289M, 39% of world exports), the United States ($253M) and Czechia ($75M). World exports came to about $739M, 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 pellets (HS 121020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121020 (the code used for hop pellets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($78M, 11% of world imports), Japan ($59M) and Belgium ($59M). World imports came to about $708M, 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 pellets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121020 for Hop pellets 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 pellets in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 121020 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hop pellets depends on the product's details: 1210.20.10 (Hop cones, ground, powdered or pelletised), 1210.20.20 (Lupulin).