Product classification
HS code for Potato starch: 1108.13
Starch, potato.
Classification of potato starch under HS 1108.13
Potato starch is classified under HS code 1108.13, which falls within Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers products of the milling industry, including starches and inulin. The classification is determined by the botanical origin of the starch. Since this product is derived specifically from potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), it is assigned to the specific subheading 1108.13. This code applies to native potato starch that has not been chemically modified. The starch is typically produced by crushing the tubers, which releases the starch grains from the destroyed cells. The starch is then washed out and dried to form a fine, white powder. This classification remains consistent regardless of whether the starch is intended for food use, pharmaceutical applications, or industrial purposes, provided it retains its character as a basic starch. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied to reach this specific subheading, as the text of the heading 1108 explicitly mentions starches and the subheading 1108.13 explicitly mentions potato. It is important to note that the moisture content and purity levels do not typically change this classification, as long as the product remains starch and not a further processed food preparation.
- Covers
- Native potato starch
- Food-grade potato starch powder
- Industrial-grade potato starch
- Unmodified potato flour (starch)
- Potato starch used as a thickener
- Also under 1108.13
- Avebe Solanic Potato Starch
- Roquette Potato Starch
- Emsland Group Potato Starch
- Cargill Potato Starch
Codes often confused with 1108.13
Common mistake. Potato starch is frequently confused with modified starches classified under HS code 3505.10. If the potato starch has been pre-gelatinized, roasted, or chemically treated (such as etherified or esterified), it moves from Chapter 11 to Chapter 35. Additionally, if the starch is mixed with other ingredients like flavorings or leavening agents, it may be classified under HS code 1901.90 as a food preparation. It is also distinct from potato flour or meal containing fiber and protein, which might be classified under 1105.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110813 (the code used for potato starch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110813 (the code used for potato starch) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 110813, not only potato starch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $315M 39% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $225M 28% of world exports
- 3 Poland $101M 12% of world exports
World total: $818M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $169M 14% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $99M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $87M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for potato starch
Brazil classifies potato starch under NCM 1108.13.00: HS 1108.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potato starch
What is the HS code for Potato starch?
The HS code for Potato starch is 110813 (Starch; potato). The HS code for native, unmodified potato starch is 1108.13.
How do I classify Potato starch for customs?
Potato starch is classified under HS code 110813 — Starch; potato. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 1108 and HS 3505?
HS code 1108 is reserved for natural or native starches that have not undergone chemical modification. HS code 3505 covers starches that have been modified by heat, chemicals, or enzymes, such as dextrins and soluble starches.
Which countries are the top exporters of potato starch (HS 110813)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110813 (the code used for potato starch) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($315M, 39% of world exports), the Netherlands ($225M) and Poland ($101M). World exports came to about $818M, 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 starch (HS 110813)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110813 (the code used for potato starch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($169M, 14% of world imports), South Korea ($99M) and the United Kingdom ($87M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Potato starch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110813 for Potato starch 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 starch in Brazil?
In Brazil, potato starch (HS 110813) is classified under NCM 1108.13.00.