Product classification
HS code for Pistachios: 0802.52
Nuts, edible, pistachios, fresh or dried, shelled.
Classification of pistachios under HS 0802.52
The classification of pistachios under HS code 0802.52 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 8 of the Nomenclature covers edible fruit and nuts, as well as peel of citrus fruit or melons. Within this chapter, heading 0802 is reserved for "Other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled." The specific subheading 0802.52 is designated for pistachios that have been shelled. This classification applies to the raw kernels of the pistachio nut, which have had their hard outer shell removed but have not undergone further preparation such as roasting or seasoning. The Harmonized System distinguishes between nuts in-shell (0802.51) and those that are shelled (0802.52) to facilitate accurate trade statistics and tariff application. For a product to remain within Chapter 8, it must generally be in a fresh or dried state. If the pistachios are further processed beyond simple drying or shelling—for instance, by being roasted, salted, or preserved in sugar—they move out of Chapter 8 and into Chapter 20, which covers preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants. Specifically, roasted pistachios are often classified under 2008.19. The distinction is critical because Chapter 8 products often face different sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations compared to the processed food products in Chapter 20. Additionally, the classification 0802.52 includes kernels that may be whole, halved, or broken, provided they have not been further prepared. The presence of the thin skin (pellicle) on the kernel does not exclude it from being classified as shelled.
- Covers
- Shelled pistachio kernels
- Blanched pistachios (skin removed)
- Halved or broken pistachio kernels
- Dried pistachio kernels without shells
- Raw pistachio meats
- Also under 0802.52
- Wonderful Pistachios (shelled kernels)
- Setton Farms Shelled Pistachios
- Bronte Pistachios (shelled)
- Iranian Shelled Pistachios
Codes often confused with 0802.52
Common mistake. Pistachios are frequently misclassified under 0802.51, which is specifically for pistachios in-shell. Another common error is using 2008.19, which applies to roasted, salted, or otherwise prepared nuts. If the pistachios have been sweetened or preserved in syrup, they may fall under 2008.11 or other subheadings within Chapter 20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 080252 (the code used for pistachios), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 080252 (the code used for pistachios) in UN Comtrade data was Iran, with about 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 23% 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 080252, not only pistachios.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Iran* ~$376M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Türkiye $352M 21% of world exports
- 3 United States $252M 15% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $409M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $284M 16% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $190M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 pistachios
Brazil classifies pistachios under NCM 0802.52.00: HS 0802.52 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pistachios
What is the HS code for Pistachios?
The HS code for Pistachios is 080252 (Nuts, edible; pistachios, fresh or dried, shelled). The HS code for shelled pistachios is 0802.52, while in-shell pistachios are classified under 0802.51.
How do I classify Pistachios for customs?
Pistachios is classified under HS code 080252 — Nuts, edible; pistachios, fresh or dried, shelled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are roasted pistachios classified under 0802.52?
No, roasted or salted pistachios are classified under heading 2008 as prepared nuts, rather than fresh or dried nuts.
Which countries are the top exporters of pistachios (HS 080252)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 080252 (the code used for pistachios) in UN Comtrade data were Iran (about $376M, 23% of world exports), Türkiye ($352M) and the United States ($252M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 pistachios (HS 080252)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 080252 (the code used for pistachios) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($409M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($284M) and Türkiye ($190M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Pistachios the same in all countries?
The base HS code 080252 for Pistachios 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 pistachios in Brazil?
In Brazil, pistachios (HS 080252) is classified under NCM 0802.52.00.