Product classification
HS code for Malt extract: 1901.90
Food preparations, of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901.
Classification of malt extract under HS 1901.90
Malt extract is classified under HS code 1901.90 as a food preparation of malt extract. This classification is based on the product being derived from the evaporation of an aqueous extract of malted grains, typically barley. The Harmonized System logic follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), where the product is identified as a preparation of Chapter 11 products (malt) but processed further into a concentrated liquid or dried powder form. Heading 1901 covers food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch, or malt extract, provided they do not contain cocoa or contain less than 40% by weight of cocoa on a totally defatted basis. Since malt extract is a primary ingredient in various food manufacturing processes, including brewing, baking, and the production of breakfast cereals, its classification depends on its concentration and the absence of significant cocoa content. It is the processing beyond simple milling that moves it from Chapter 11 to Chapter 19.
- Covers
- Liquid malt extract (LME) for home brewing
- Dried malt extract (DME) powder
- Malted milk preparations for beverages
- Malt-based food supplements for infants
- Concentrated malt syrups for industrial baking
- Also under 1901.90
- Ensure Original Nutrition Shake
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
- Coffee-Mate Powder Creamer
- Jell-O Instant Pudding
- Ovaltine Malt Drink Mix
Codes often confused with 1901.90
Common mistake. Malt extract is often misclassified under HS code 1107.10, which is reserved for raw malted barley that has not been processed into an extract. It may also be confused with 1806.90 if the preparation contains more than 40% cocoa, or 2106.90, which is a residual category for food preparations not elsewhere specified. The key to correct classification is identifying the percentage of malt extract and the presence of other additives like cocoa or sugar.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190190 (the code used for malt extract), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190190 (the code used for malt extract) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.5% 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 190190, not only malt extract.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.2B 11% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $1.1B 11% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $1.0B 9.7% of world exports
World total: $10.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $804M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $476M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $452M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $10.7B 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 malt extract
Brazil splits HS 1901.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1901.90.10Malt extract
- 1901.90.20Caramelised milk spread (milk jam)
- 1901.90.90Other flour, starch or milk food preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about malt extract
What is the HS code for Malt extract?
The HS code for Malt extract is 190190 (Food preparations; of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901). The HS code for malt extract is 1901.90, covering food preparations of malt extract not containing significant cocoa.
How do I classify Malt extract for customs?
Malt extract is classified under HS code 190190 — Food preparations; of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is malted barley classified under the same code?
No, raw malted barley is classified under HS code 1107.10, as it is a product of the milling industry rather than a food preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of malt extract (HS 190190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190190 (the code used for malt extract) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 11% of world exports), Ireland ($1.1B) and Malaysia ($1.0B). World exports came to about $10.8B, 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 malt extract (HS 190190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190190 (the code used for malt extract) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($804M, 7.5% of world imports), Germany ($476M) and the Netherlands ($452M). World imports came to about $10.7B, 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 Malt extract the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190190 for Malt extract 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 malt extract in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 190190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for malt extract depends on the product's details: 1901.90.10 (Malt extract), 1901.90.20 (Caramelised milk spread (milk jam)), 1901.90.90 (Other flour, starch or milk food preparations).