Product classification
HS code for Lemons: 0805.50
Fruit, edible, lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum), limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia), fresh or dried.
Classification of lemons under HS 0805.50
Lemons are classified under HS code 0805.50, which falls within Chapter 8 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to edible fruit and nuts, as well as the peel of citrus fruit or melons. Heading 0805 specifically covers citrus fruit, whether fresh or dried. The classification of lemons (Citrus limon and Citrus limonum) is determined by the botanical nature of the product and its state of preservation. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since lemons are explicitly named in the subheading 0805.50, they are categorized here regardless of their intended use, such as direct culinary consumption, industrial juice extraction, or essential oil production. This code encompasses the fruit in its natural state or after being dried, provided no further processing like cooking or preservation in sugar has occurred. The inclusion of both lemons and limes under this specific subheading reflects their similar botanical characteristics and trade patterns. Proper classification is essential for adhering to phytosanitary regulations and agricultural trade quotas that often target citrus imports to prevent the spread of pests like citrus canker.
- Covers
- Fresh lemons (Citrus limon)
- Dried lemons (whole or sliced)
- Fresh limes (Citrus aurantifolia)
- Fresh Persian limes (Citrus latifolia)
- Dried limes used for culinary seasoning
- Also under 0805.50
- Sunkist lemons
- Limoneira lemons
- Mexican limes
- Dole limes
Codes often confused with 0805.50
Common mistake. Lemons are frequently misclassified under HS code 0811.90, which covers fruit that has been frozen. If lemons are chilled but not frozen, they remain in 0805.50. Another common error is using 0814.00 for whole lemons, whereas 0814.00 is strictly for the peel of citrus fruits. Furthermore, processed lemon products like lemon juice are classified under 2009.31 or 2009.39, depending on the Brix value, rather than the fresh fruit code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 080550 (the code used for lemons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 080550 (the code used for lemons) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 080550, not only lemons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $1.0B 22% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $732M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $531M 11% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.0B 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $531M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $401M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $5.2B 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 lemons
Brazil classifies lemons under NCM 0805.50.00: HS 0805.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lemons
What is the HS code for Lemons?
The HS code for Lemons is 080550 (Fruit, edible; lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum), limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia), fresh or dried). The HS code for fresh or dried lemons is 0805.50.
How do I classify Lemons for customs?
Lemons is classified under HS code 080550 — Fruit, edible; lemons (Citrus limon, Citrus limonum), limes (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus latifolia), fresh or dried. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include lemon zest or peel?
No, lemon peel, whether fresh, frozen, or dried, is classified under HS code 0814.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of lemons (HS 080550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 080550 (the code used for lemons) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.0B, 22% of world exports), Mexico ($732M) and South Africa ($531M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of lemons (HS 080550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 080550 (the code used for lemons) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($531M) and the Netherlands ($401M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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 Lemons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 080550 for Lemons 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 lemons in Brazil?
In Brazil, lemons (HS 080550) is classified under NCM 0805.50.00.