HS Code for Oats

Oats that are not intended for sowing are classified under HS code 1004.90. This code is found in Chapter 10 (Cereals) under heading 1004. The .90 subheading, often labeled as "other," covers the majority of the global trade in oats, including those used for animal fodder, industrial milling, and human food production. This classification applies to the raw cereal grain in its natural state. While the oats can be cleaned, dried, or screened, they must remain as whole grains to stay within Chapter 10. Once the oats undergo more intensive mechanical processing, such as hulling (removing the outer husk), rolling, flaking, or pearling, they are no longer classified under 1004.90. Instead, they are moved to Chapter 11, which covers products of the milling industry. For example, rolled or flaked oats are classified under 1104.12. Accurate classification under 1004.90 is essential for the application of agricultural levies, as many regions have specific price supports or import protections for bulk grains. Additionally, because these oats are often used in the food supply chain, they are subject to different sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations compared to seeds for sowing.

Products Included

• Bulk oats for animal feed
• Milling-grade oats for flour production
• Whole grain oats for human consumption
• Unprocessed oat grains in bulk containers
• Oats with husks intact (not for sowing)

Common Misclassification

Oats are frequently misclassified under 1004.10 if they are mistakenly declared as seeds for sowing. More commonly, they are misclassified under 1104.22 (hulled oats) or 1104.12 (rolled oats) if the importer fails to distinguish between the raw grain and the processed product.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Oats?

The HS code for oats (other than those for sowing) is 1004.90.

Are rolled oats or oatmeal classified under 1004.90?

No, rolled oats and oatmeal are processed products and are classified under heading 1104, specifically 1104.12 for rolled or flaked oats.