Product classification
HS code for Maize flour: 1102.20
Cereal flour, of maize (corn).
Classification of maize flour under HS 1102.20
Maize flour is classified under HS code 1102.20, which falls within Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to products of the milling industry, malt, starches, inulin, and wheat gluten. To be classified as flour under heading 1102, the product must be obtained from the milling of cereals, specifically maize in this instance. A critical technical requirement for classification under 1102 is the particle size. According to the Chapter 11 notes, at least 95% by weight of the product must pass through a woven metal wire cloth sieve with an aperture of 2 mm. If the maize product has a coarser texture, it may be classified as groats or meal. Furthermore, the fat content and ash content are often analyzed by customs authorities to ensure the product meets the specific definition of cereal flour rather than residues or prepared foods. Maize flour is distinct from maize starch, which is classified under heading 1108, as flour contains the protein and fiber components of the grain, whereas starch is a chemically isolated carbohydrate. Classification is governed by General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, ensuring the product is identified by its constituent material and processing level.
- Covers
- Fine maize flour
- Degermed maize flour
- Whole grain maize flour
- Enriched maize flour for human consumption
- Yellow and white corn flour
- Also under 1102.20
- Maseca Masa Harina
- Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal
- Quaker Corn Meal
- Goya Masa Harina
Codes often confused with 1102.20
Common mistake. Maize flour is frequently confused with maize meal or groats, which are classified under HS code 1103.13. The distinction is based entirely on particle size; if less than 95% passes through a 2mm sieve, it is meal, not flour. It is also often misclassified under 1901.20 when it has been mixed with other ingredients like sugar or leavening agents for use as a baking mix. Additionally, maize starch (1108.12) is a common error, though starch is a pure carbohydrate extract rather than a whole-milled grain product. Finally, maize bran or residues used for animal feed are classified under 2302.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110220 (the code used for maize flour), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110220 (the code used for maize flour) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 110220, not only maize flour.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $190M 26% of world exports
- 2 Italy $69M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 United States $58M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $729M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $209M 25% of world imports
- 2 Mozambique $66M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 DR Congo* ~$59M 7.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $849M 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 maize flour
Brazil classifies maize flour under NCM 1102.20.00: HS 1102.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about maize flour
What is the HS code for Maize flour?
The HS code for Maize flour is 110220 (Cereal flour; of maize (corn)). The primary HS code for maize flour is 1102.20.
How do I classify Maize flour for customs?
Maize flour is classified under HS code 110220 — Cereal flour; of maize (corn). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is maize flour distinguished from maize starch in customs?
Maize flour (1102.20) is produced by grinding the whole or degermed grain and contains proteins and fats, whereas maize starch (1108.12) is an isolated polysaccharide extracted through a wet-milling process.
Which countries are the top exporters of maize flour (HS 110220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110220 (the code used for maize flour) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($190M, 26% of world exports), Italy ($69M) and the United States ($58M). World exports came to about $729M, 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 maize flour (HS 110220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110220 (the code used for maize flour) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($209M, 25% of world imports), Mozambique ($66M) and the DR Congo (about $59M). World imports came to about $849M, 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 Maize flour the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110220 for Maize flour 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 maize flour in Brazil?
In Brazil, maize flour (HS 110220) is classified under NCM 1102.20.00.