Product classification
HS code for Lentils: 0708.90
Vegetables, leguminous, (other than peas and beans), shelled or unshelled, fresh or chilled.
Classification of lentils under HS 0708.90
Lentils, when presented in a fresh or chilled state, are classified under HS code 0708.90. This code is situated within Chapter 7, which covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0708 specifically addresses leguminous vegetables, whether shelled or unshelled, provided they are fresh or chilled. While the most common international trade of lentils occurs in a dried state, the fresh variant falls under the 'other' category of 0708, as 0708.10 is reserved for peas and 0708.20 for beans. The classification relies on the moisture content and the state of the vegetable at the time of import. Fresh lentils are those that have not been dried to ensure preservation; they may be imported in the pod or shelled. Under GRI 1, the legal text of heading 0708 dictates that only fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables are included. This distinction is vital because the tariff rates and regulatory requirements for fresh produce often differ significantly from those for shelf-stable dried legumes. Fresh lentils are subject to stricter cold-chain requirements and faster customs clearance processes due to their perishable nature.
- Covers
- Fresh lentils in the pod
- Fresh shelled lentils
- Chilled lentils (not frozen)
- Fresh green lentils
- Fresh red lentils
- Also under 0708.90
- Melissa's Produce Fresh Chickpeas
- Specialty Produce Fresh Lentils
- Farmers Market Fresh Lupins
Codes often confused with 0708.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for lentils is HS code 0713.40. Code 0713.40 is specifically for dried lentils, which is the form most commonly found in global commerce. If the lentils have been frozen, they must be classified under 0710.29. Additionally, if the lentils are prepared or preserved (e.g., canned), they fall under Chapter 20, specifically 2005.59.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070890 (the code used for lentils), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070890 (the code used for lentils) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 18% 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 070890, not only lentils.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $36M 24% of world exports
- 2 Spain $33M 22% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $16M 11% of world exports
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $23M 18% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $19M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $13M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $131M 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 lentils
Brazil classifies lentils under NCM 0708.90.00: HS 0708.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lentils
What is the HS code for Lentils?
The HS code for Lentils is 070890 (Vegetables, leguminous; (other than peas and beans), shelled or unshelled, fresh or chilled).
How do I classify Lentils for customs?
Lentils is classified under HS code 070890 — Vegetables, leguminous; (other than peas and beans), shelled or unshelled, fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for fresh lentils?
Fresh or chilled lentils are classified under HS code 0708.90.
How are dried lentils classified differently?
Dried lentils, which are shelled and often used for long-term storage, are classified under HS code 0713.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of lentils (HS 070890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070890 (the code used for lentils) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($36M, 24% of world exports), Spain ($33M) and the Netherlands ($16M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 lentils (HS 070890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070890 (the code used for lentils) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($23M, 18% of world imports), the Netherlands ($19M) and the United States ($13M). World imports came to about $131M, 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 Lentils the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070890 for Lentils 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 lentils in Brazil?
In Brazil, lentils (HS 070890) is classified under NCM 0708.90.00.