Product classification
HS code for Maize: 1005.90
Cereals, maize (corn), other than seed.
Classification of maize under HS 1005.90
Maize, or corn, is classified under HS code 1005.90 when it is traded as a bulk commodity for food, feed, or industrial processing. Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System is reserved for cereals, and heading 1005 is the dedicated home for maize. The structure of this heading is split between 1005.10, which is strictly for seed intended for sowing, and 1005.90, which covers all other maize. To be classified under 1005.90, the maize must be in the form of whole grains, not yet processed into flour, meal, or starch. This includes various types of corn such as dent corn, flint corn, and popcorn in its unpopped, whole-grain state. The classification remains in 1005.90 even if the maize has been dried or treated for preservation, provided it has not undergone any milling or further processing that would move it to Chapter 11. It is also distinct from sweet corn, which is often classified as a vegetable in Chapter 7. The distinction between seed maize (1005.10) and other maize (1005.90) is often enforced by customs authorities through the requirement of phytosanitary certificates or proof of intended use, as seed maize often carries different duty rates and regulatory requirements. This code is one of the most significant in global agricultural trade, covering millions of tons of grain used for livestock feed and ethanol production.
- Covers
- Yellow maize (corn)
- White maize (corn)
- Unpopped popcorn kernels
- Flint corn
- Dent corn
- Maize for animal feed
- Also under 1005.90
- Cargill Corn
- ADM Corn
- Bunge Corn
- Louis Dreyfus Corn
Codes often confused with 1005.90
Common mistake. Maize is often misclassified under 1005.10 if the importer does not specify that it is not for sowing. Another common error involves sweet corn; fresh or chilled sweet corn is classified under 0709.99, while frozen sweet corn falls under 0710.40. If the maize has been ground into flour, it must be classified under 1102.20, and if it has been made into groats or meal, it falls under 1103.13. It is vital to distinguish between the raw cereal grain (Chapter 10) and the products of the milling industry (Chapter 11).
Top exporters and importers of HS 100590 (the code used for maize), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100590 (the code used for maize) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 9.0% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 100590, not only maize.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $18.6B 42% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $8.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $5.9B 13% of world exports
World total: $44.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $4.0B 9.0% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $2.9B 6.6% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $2.8B 6.3% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $44.2B 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 codes for maize
Brazil splits HS 1005.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1005.90.10Maize (corn) in grain, not for sowing
- 1005.90.90Other maize (corn), not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about maize
What is the HS code for Maize?
The HS code for Maize is 100590 (Cereals; maize (corn), other than seed). The HS code for maize (other than seed) is 1005.90. Seed maize is classified under 1005.10.
How do I classify Maize for customs?
Maize is classified under HS code 100590 — Cereals; maize (corn), other than seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 1005.90 include popcorn?
Yes, unpopped popcorn kernels are classified as maize under 1005.90. However, once popped, it is classified as a prepared food under heading 1904.
Which countries are the top exporters of maize (HS 100590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100590 (the code used for maize) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18.6B, 42% of world exports), Brazil ($8.5B) and Argentina ($5.9B). World exports came to about $44.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of maize (HS 100590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100590 (the code used for maize) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.0B, 9.0% of world imports), Egypt ($2.9B) and South Korea ($2.8B). World imports came to about $44.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Maize the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100590 for Maize 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for maize depends on the product's details: 1005.90.10 (Maize (corn) in grain, not for sowing), 1005.90.90 (Other maize (corn), not for sowing).