Product classification
HS code for Potato flakes: 1105.20
Flakes, granules and pellets, of potatoes.
Classification of potato flakes under HS 1105.20
Potato flakes are classified under HS code 1105.20. Chapter 11 covers products of the milling industry, malt, starches, inulin, and wheat gluten. Heading 1105 is specifically designated for flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules, and pellets of potatoes. The subheading 1105.20 distinguishes flakes, granules, and pellets from the finer flour and meal found in 1105.10. Potato flakes are produced through a rigorous industrial process of washing, peeling, cooking, mashing, and drying potatoes on a drum drier. The resulting thin sheet of dried potato is then broken into small, lightweight flakes. This mechanical processing does not involve the addition of other ingredients or further cooking that would classify it as a prepared food under Chapter 20. The classification is governed by GRI 1 and 6, as the product description matches the subheading text exactly. These flakes are primarily used in the food industry for the production of instant mashed potatoes or as a primary ingredient in the manufacturing of fabricated potato chips and other snacks. The moisture content and physical structure are the primary factors that distinguish flakes from flour, though both fall under the same heading 1105.
- Covers
- Dehydrated potato flakes
- Potato granules
- Potato pellets used for snack manufacturing
- Instant mashed potato flakes (without additives)
- Dried potato aggregates
- Also under 1105.20
- Idahoan Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Pringles (base ingredient)
- Lay's Stax (base ingredient)
- Knorr Mashed Potato Mix
Codes often confused with 1105.20
Common mistake. Potato flakes are often misclassified under 1105.10, which is reserved for potato flour and meal. The distinction lies in the texture and the manufacturing process; flakes are larger and produced via drum drying. Another common error is 2005.20, which covers potatoes prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid. If the flakes contain added milk powder, seasonings, or emulsifiers, they may be moved to Chapter 20 or 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110520 (the code used for potato flakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110520 (the code used for potato flakes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.5% 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 110520, not only potato flakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $309M 31% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $180M 18% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $166M 17% of world exports
World total: $991M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $104M 9.5% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $94M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 France $74M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 code for potato flakes
Brazil classifies potato flakes under NCM 1105.20.00: HS 1105.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potato flakes
What is the HS code for Potato flakes?
The HS code for Potato flakes is 110520 (Flakes, granules and pellets; of potatoes). The HS code for potato flakes is 1105.20, which covers flakes, granules, and pellets of potatoes.
How do I classify Potato flakes for customs?
Potato flakes is classified under HS code 110520 — Flakes, granules and pellets; of potatoes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are potato flakes the same as potato starch?
No, potato starch is classified under 1108.13. Flakes are made from the whole potato, while starch is an extracted carbohydrate.
Which countries are the top exporters of potato flakes (HS 110520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110520 (the code used for potato flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($309M, 31% of world exports), the Netherlands ($180M) and Belgium ($166M). World exports came to about $991M, 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 potato flakes (HS 110520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110520 (the code used for potato flakes) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($104M, 9.5% of world imports), Malaysia ($94M) and France ($74M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Potato flakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110520 for Potato flakes 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 potato flakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, potato flakes (HS 110520) is classified under NCM 1105.20.00.