Product classification
HS code for Instant coffee: 2101.11
Extracts, essences and concentrates, of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffee.
Classification of instant coffee under HS 2101.11
Instant coffee is classified under HS code 2101.11 because it represents a highly processed form of coffee where the soluble components have been extracted and concentrated. Unlike raw or roasted coffee beans, which are classified in Chapter 9, instant coffee undergoes significant industrial processing, including brewing, evaporation, and drying (either spray-drying or freeze-drying). The Harmonized System distinguishes between the primary agricultural product and the secondary processed extract. Heading 2101 specifically covers extracts, essences, and concentrates of coffee, and subheading 2101.11 is reserved for these products in their pure or concentrated form. This classification applies regardless of whether the caffeine has been removed, as decaffeinated instant coffee remains an extract of the coffee bean. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 guide this classification, as the product's essential character is a coffee extract. The process of removing water from brewed coffee to create a stable, soluble powder is the defining characteristic that moves the product from Chapter 9 to Chapter 21.
- Covers
- Freeze-dried instant coffee granules
- Spray-dried soluble coffee powder
- Liquid coffee concentrates used for industrial beverage dispensing
- Decaffeinated instant coffee extracts
- Soluble coffee essences
- Also under 2101.11
- Nescafé Instant Coffee
- Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
- Maxwell House Instant Coffee
- Folgers Instant Coffee
Codes often confused with 2101.11
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying instant coffee under HS code 0901.21 or 0901.22. These codes are strictly for roasted coffee beans (whole or ground). Once the coffee has been brewed and reduced to a soluble powder or liquid, it must move to Chapter 21. Another common confusion arises with HS code 2101.12, which covers preparations with a basis of coffee extracts. If the product contains added sugar, milk powder, or creamer (such as 3-in-1 coffee mixes), it should be classified under 2101.12 rather than 2101.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210111 (the code used for instant coffee), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210111 (the code used for instant coffee) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 210111, not only instant coffee.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$1.2B 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $1.2B 11% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $1.1B 11% of world exports
World total: $10.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $599M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $574M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $10.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 instant coffee
Brazil splits HS 2101.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2101.11.10Soluble (instant) coffee
- 2101.11.90Other coffee extracts, essences and concentrates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about instant coffee
What is the HS code for Instant coffee?
The HS code for Instant coffee is 210111 (Extracts, essences and concentrates; of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffee). The primary HS code for pure instant coffee extracts, essences, and concentrates is 2101.11.
How do I classify Instant coffee for customs?
Instant coffee is classified under HS code 210111 — Extracts, essences and concentrates; of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffee. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include coffee pods?
No, coffee pods containing ground roasted coffee are classified under 0901.21. Only pods containing soluble (instant) coffee extracts fall under 2101.11 or 2101.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of instant coffee (HS 210111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210111 (the code used for instant coffee) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $1.2B, 12% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Brazil ($1.1B). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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 instant coffee (HS 210111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210111 (the code used for instant coffee) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 13% of world imports), Germany ($599M) and the United Kingdom ($574M). World imports came to about $10.1B, 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 Instant coffee the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210111 for Instant coffee 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 instant coffee in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 210111 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for instant coffee depends on the product's details: 2101.11.10 (Soluble (instant) coffee), 2101.11.90 (Other coffee extracts, essences and concentrates).