Product classification
HS code for Instant grains: 1904.90
Food preparations, cereal or cereal products (excluding maize), in grain form, pre-cooked or otherwise prepared.
Classification of instant grains under HS 1904.90
Instant grains are classified under HS code 1904.90, which covers cereal products (excluding maize) in grain form that have been pre-cooked or otherwise prepared. This classification is distinct from the raw agricultural grains found in Chapter 10. The transition from Chapter 10 to Chapter 19 occurs when the grain undergoes processing that goes beyond simple cleaning, hulling, or milling. For instant grains, the processing typically involves steaming, parboiling, or pre-cooking, which allows the consumer to prepare the food quickly by adding hot water or boiling for a very short duration. Heading 1904 specifically addresses prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals. While 1904.10 covers puffed cereals like cornflakes, 1904.90 is the residual category for other prepared grains. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this subheading includes grains that have been pre-cooked to the point that they are ready for consumption after a minimal secondary heating process. The classification is determined by the final state of the grain and the extent of the industrial preparation it has undergone.
- Covers
- Pre-cooked instant brown or white rice
- Prepared bulgur wheat requiring minimal cooking
- Pre-cooked quinoa in grain form
- Parboiled grains packaged for quick preparation
- Instant barley or farro
- Also under 1904.90
- Minute Rice (non-maize varieties)
- Seeds of Change Quinoa & Brown Rice
- Uncle Ben's Ready Rice (non-maize)
- Knorr Instant Polenta
Codes often confused with 1904.90
Common mistake. Instant grains are often misclassified under Chapter 10 (e.g., 1006 for rice) by importers who view them as basic commodities. However, any degree of pre-cooking moves the product to 1904. They are also confused with 1904.10, but that code is strictly for cereals prepared by swelling or roasting (puffed), whereas 1904.90 is for grains prepared by other methods like steaming.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190490 (the code used for instant grains), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190490 (the code used for instant grains) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 9.1% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 190490, not only instant grains.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $170M 9.1% of world exports
- 2 Poland $155M 8.3% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $137M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $420M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $195M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $96M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 instant grains
Brazil classifies instant grains under NCM 1904.90.00: HS 1904.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about instant grains
What is the HS code for Instant grains?
The HS code for Instant grains is 190490 (Food preparations; cereal or cereal products (excluding maize), in grain form, pre-cooked or otherwise prepared). The HS code for pre-cooked or otherwise prepared grains (excluding maize) is 1904.90.
How do I classify Instant grains for customs?
Instant grains is classified under HS code 190490 — Food preparations; cereal or cereal products (excluding maize), in grain form, pre-cooked or otherwise prepared. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is raw parboiled rice classified here?
No, parboiled rice that still requires full cooking is usually classified under 1006; 1904.90 is for "instant" versions that are essentially pre-cooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of instant grains (HS 190490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190490 (the code used for instant grains) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($170M, 9.1% of world exports), Poland ($155M) and the United Kingdom ($137M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 grains (HS 190490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190490 (the code used for instant grains) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($420M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($195M) and Canada ($96M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 grains the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190490 for Instant grains 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 grains in Brazil?
In Brazil, instant grains (HS 190490) is classified under NCM 1904.90.00.