Product classification
HS code for Lupulin: 1210.20
Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets, lupulin.
Classification of lupulin under HS 1210.20
Lupulin is classified under HS code 1210.20. This classification is determined by its nature as a specific part of the hop plant. Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System covers oil seeds, industrial plants, and medicinal plants. Heading 1210 specifically addresses hop cones, whether fresh or dried, and lupulin. Lupulin is the yellow resinous powder found on the scales of hop cones, containing the essential oils and resins used in brewing to provide bitterness and aroma. Because it is a primary agricultural product that has undergone minimal processing—specifically the mechanical separation from the cone—it remains within Chapter 12 rather than being classified as a vegetable extract in Chapter 13. The classification follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
- Covers
- Lupulin powder
- Separated hop glands
- Yellow resinous hop dust
- Enriched hop pellets with high lupulin content
- Also under 1210.20
- Yakima Chief Hops (pellets, Cryo Hops)
- BarthHaas (pellets, extracts)
- BSG CraftBrewing (pellets)
- Hopsteiner (pellets)
Codes often confused with 1210.20
Common mistake. Lupulin is often misclassified under HS code 1302.13, which covers vegetable saps and extracts of hops. The distinction is that 1302.13 refers to products obtained by solvent extraction or other chemical processes, whereas lupulin (1210.20) is the physical powder separated from the plant. Another common error is using 1210.10, which is strictly for hop cones that have not been ground, powdered, or converted into lupulin. Importers must distinguish between the whole cone and the concentrated powder to ensure correct duty application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121020 (the code used for lupulin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121020 (the code used for lupulin) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 121020, not only lupulin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $289M 39% of world exports
- 2 United States $253M 34% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $75M 10% of world exports
World total: $739M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $78M 11% of world imports
- 2 Japan $59M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $59M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $708M 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 codes for lupulin
Brazil splits HS 1210.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1210.20.10Hop cones, ground, powdered or pelletised
- 1210.20.20Lupulin
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lupulin
What is the HS code for Lupulin?
The HS code for Lupulin is 121020 (Hop cones; ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin). The HS code for lupulin is 1210.20, which covers hop cones that are ground, powdered, or in the form of pellets, as well as lupulin itself.
How do I classify Lupulin for customs?
Lupulin is classified under HS code 121020 — Hop cones; ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is lupulin considered a vegetable extract?
No, for customs purposes, lupulin is classified as a plant part under 1210.20. Chemical extracts of hops are classified under 1302.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of lupulin (HS 121020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121020 (the code used for lupulin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($289M, 39% of world exports), the United States ($253M) and Czechia ($75M). World exports came to about $739M, 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 lupulin (HS 121020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121020 (the code used for lupulin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($78M, 11% of world imports), Japan ($59M) and Belgium ($59M). World imports came to about $708M, 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 Lupulin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121020 for Lupulin 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 lupulin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 121020 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lupulin depends on the product's details: 1210.20.10 (Hop cones, ground, powdered or pelletised), 1210.20.20 (Lupulin).