Product classification
HS code for Instant noodles: 1902.30
Food preparations, pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise prepared.
Classification of instant noodles under HS 1902.30
Instant noodles are classified under HS code 1902.30, which covers "other pasta." Chapter 19 deals with preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk, and heading 1902 specifically addresses pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed. The manufacturing process for instant noodles involves steaming the dough and then typically deep-frying or air-drying it to remove moisture, which qualifies the product as "cooked or otherwise prepared" under the HS definitions. Because instant noodles are not "stuffed" (like ravioli) and are not "uncooked" (like standard dry pasta), they fall into the 1902.30 category. This classification remains valid even when the noodles are packaged with small sachets of flavoring oil, seasoning powder, or dehydrated vegetables, provided the noodles constitute the essential character of the product (GRI 3b). The classification follows General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, focusing on the preparation state of the pasta. The inclusion of the seasoning does not change the classification to a soup (2104) unless the noodles are a minor component of a liquid-based preparation.
- Covers
- Fried instant ramen noodle packs
- Air-dried instant noodles
- Cup or bowl noodles with seasoning packets
- Pre-cooked udon or soba noodles in vacuum packs
- Instant rice noodles (if prepared similarly)
- Also under 1902.30
- Heinz Spaghetti Hoops
- Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta
- Nissin Cup Noodles
- Knorr Pasta Sides
Codes often confused with 1902.30
Common mistake. Instant noodles are frequently misclassified under 1902.11 or 1902.19, which are for uncooked pasta. Since instant noodles are steamed or fried during production, they are considered prepared. They are also sometimes misclassified under 2104.10 (soups and broths). However, if the product is primarily noodles to which water is added, 1902.30 is the correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190230 (the code used for instant noodles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190230 (the code used for instant noodles) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 190230, not only instant noodles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.6B 25% of world exports
- 2 China $1.0B 16% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $437M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $624M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $499M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $468M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 noodles
Brazil classifies instant noodles under NCM 1902.30.00: HS 1902.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about instant noodles
What is the HS code for Instant noodles?
The HS code for Instant noodles is 190230 (Food preparations; pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise prepared). The HS code for instant noodles, which are considered prepared pasta, is 1902.30.
How do I classify Instant noodles for customs?
Instant noodles is classified under HS code 190230 — Food preparations; pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise prepared. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if it includes a flavor packet?
No, as long as the noodles are the primary component, the entire kit is classified under 1902.30 as a set put up for retail sale.
Which countries are the top exporters of instant noodles (HS 190230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190230 (the code used for instant noodles) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.6B, 25% of world exports), China ($1.0B) and Indonesia ($437M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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 noodles (HS 190230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190230 (the code used for instant noodles) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($624M, 10% of world imports), China ($499M) and Germany ($468M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Instant noodles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190230 for Instant noodles 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 noodles in Brazil?
In Brazil, instant noodles (HS 190230) is classified under NCM 1902.30.00.