Product classification

HS code for Kola nuts: 0802.70

Nuts, edible, kola nuts (Cola spp.), fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled.

Classification of kola nuts under HS 0802.70

Kola nuts are the seeds of plants belonging to the genus Cola, primarily Cola nitida and Cola acuminata. Under the Harmonized System, these are classified within Chapter 8, which covers edible fruit and nuts. Specifically, heading 0802 is designated for "Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled." The subheading 0802.70 was established to provide a specific classification for kola nuts, recognizing their unique trade volume and use. The classification is determined by the product's botanical nature as a nut and its primary state of preparation. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is dictated by the terms of the headings. Since kola nuts are explicitly named in the 0802.70 subheading, this code takes precedence. The nuts must be in a raw, dried, or minimally processed state (shelled or peeled) to remain in this category. If the nuts are roasted, ground into a powder for flavoring, or processed into a chemical extract, they may be redirected to other chapters such as Chapter 20 or 21. However, for the bulk of international trade involving the raw seeds used in traditional practices or as a raw material for the beverage industry, 0802.70 is the definitive code.

Covers
  • Fresh kola nuts
  • Dried kola nuts
  • Shelled kola nuts
  • Peeled kola nuts
  • Whole kola seeds for planting or consumption
Also under 0802.70
  • Coca-Cola (historically)
  • Pepsi (historically)
  • various traditional African markets
  • herbal supplement brands

Codes often confused with 0802.70

Common mistake. Kola nuts are frequently misclassified under HS code 1211.90, which covers plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal purposes. While kola nuts contain caffeine and are used for their stimulant properties, the specific mention of "Kola nuts" in heading 0802.70 overrides the general description in Chapter 12. Another common error is using 2106.90 for food preparations; this should only be used if the nuts have been significantly processed into a compound or extract.

1211.90Plants and parts (including seeds and fruits) n.e.c. in heading no. 1211, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

Top exporters and importers of HS 080270 (the code used for kola nuts), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 080270 (the code used for kola nuts) in UN Comtrade data was Côte d'Ivoire, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 43% 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 080270, not only kola nuts.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Côte d'Ivoire $3.1M
  2. 2 Jamaica $2.0M
  3. 3 Cameroon* ~$776K

World total: $7.8M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $10M
  2. 2 France $7.3M
  3. 3 Burkina Faso* ~$1.2M

World total: $23M 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 code for kola nuts

Brazil classifies kola nuts under NCM 0802.70.00: HS 0802.70 with 00 added.

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

Questions about kola nuts

What is the HS code for Kola nuts?

The HS code for Kola nuts is 080270 (Nuts, edible; kola nuts (Cola spp.), fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled). The specific HS code for kola nuts, whether fresh or dried and whether or not shelled or peeled, is 0802.70.

How do I classify Kola nuts for customs?

Kola nuts is classified under HS code 080270 — Nuts, edible; kola nuts (Cola spp.), fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to kola nut powder?

No, if the kola nuts are ground into a fine powder for use as a food preparation or flavoring, they are typically classified under heading 2106.

Which countries are the top exporters of kola nuts (HS 080270)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 080270 (the code used for kola nuts) in UN Comtrade data were Côte d'Ivoire ($3.1M, 40% of world exports), Jamaica ($2.0M) and Cameroon (about $776K). World exports came to about $7.8M, 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 kola nuts (HS 080270)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 080270 (the code used for kola nuts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10M, 43% of world imports), France ($7.3M) and Burkina Faso (about $1.2M). World imports came to about $23M, 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 Kola nuts the same in all countries?

The base HS code 080270 for Kola nuts 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 kola nuts in Brazil?

In Brazil, kola nuts (HS 080270) is classified under NCM 0802.70.00.