Product classification

HS code for Inulin powder: 1108.20

Inulin.

Classification of inulin powder under HS 1108.20

Inulin is a naturally occurring carbohydrate belonging to a class of compounds known as fructans. Under the Harmonized System, inulin is specifically categorized under HS code 1108.20. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically Rule 1, which directs products to be classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 11 covers products of the milling industry, starches, and inulin. Unlike starches, which are polymers of glucose, inulin is a polymer of fructose. Because it is a naturally occurring polysaccharide extracted from plant sources like chicory root or Jerusalem artichoke, and it has not been chemically modified into a specific sugar or medicament, it remains within the scope of heading 1108. The classification applies to inulin in its primary powder or granular form, regardless of its intended use in food production, dietary supplements, or industrial applications.

Covers
  • Chicory root inulin powder
  • Jerusalem artichoke inulin
  • Agave inulin powder
  • High-solubility inulin
  • Long-chain inulin granules
  • Native inulin extract
Also under 1108.20
  • Orafti Inulin (Beneo)
  • Frutafit Inulin (Sensus)
  • Cargill Inulin
  • NOW Foods Inulin Powder

Codes often confused with 1108.20

Common mistake. Inulin is frequently confused with HS code 1702.90, which covers other sugars and sugar syrups. While inulin is a carbohydrate, it is not classified as a sugar in the HS nomenclature unless it has been hydrolyzed into fructose. It may also be misclassified under 2940.00 if it is mistaken for a chemically pure sugar. However, 1108.20 is the specific and primary heading for inulin regardless of its degree of purity, provided it retains its character as a polysaccharide.

1702.90Sugars; n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of fructose2940.00Sugars, chemically pure, other than sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose and fructose; sugar ethers, sugar acetals and sugar esters, and their salts, other than the products of heading 29.37, 29.38, or 29.39

Top exporters and importers of HS 110820 (the code used for inulin powder), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110820 (the code used for inulin powder) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 110820, not only inulin powder.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Belgium $153M
  2. 2 Netherlands $64M
  3. 3 Chile $61M

World total: $336M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $94M
  2. 2 Germany $19M
  3. 3 Italy $19M

World total: $336M 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 inulin powder

Brazil classifies inulin powder under NCM 1108.20.00: HS 1108.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about inulin powder

What is the HS code for Inulin powder?

The HS code for Inulin powder is 110820 (Inulin). The HS code for inulin powder is 1108.20.

How do I classify Inulin powder for customs?

Inulin powder is classified under HS code 110820 — Inulin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is inulin classified as a dietary fiber or a starch?

While nutritionally considered a dietary fiber, for customs purposes, it is classified under heading 1108 alongside starches because of its chemical structure as a polysaccharide.

Which countries are the top exporters of inulin powder (HS 110820)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110820 (the code used for inulin powder) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($153M, 45% of world exports), the Netherlands ($64M) and Chile ($61M). World exports came to about $336M, 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 inulin powder (HS 110820)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 110820 (the code used for inulin powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($94M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and Italy ($19M). World imports came to about $336M, 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 Inulin powder the same in all countries?

The base HS code 110820 for Inulin powder 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 inulin powder in Brazil?

In Brazil, inulin powder (HS 110820) is classified under NCM 1108.20.00.