HS Code for Pre-cooked cereals

Pre-cooked cereals are classified under HS code 190490. This code belongs to Chapter 19, which covers preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk, and pastrycooks' products. Heading 1904 specifically includes prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal products, as well as cereals (other than maize) in grain form that have been pre-cooked or otherwise prepared. Subheading 190490 is a residual category for these prepared grains that do not fit into the more specific categories of puffed or roasted cereals or preparations from unroasted cereal flakes. This classification applies to grains that have undergone a cooking process, such as steaming, parboiling, or boiling, to make them ready for consumption or to significantly reduce final preparation time for the consumer. The key factor for this classification is that the cereal remains in grain form rather than being ground into flour or meal, and it must be more than just simply dried or cleaned.

Products Included

• Pre-cooked rice (not puffed or roasted)
• Parboiled grains ready for quick preparation
• Ready-to-eat grain mixes (e.g., quinoa or farro)
• Pre-cooked bulgur wheat preparations
• Cereals in grain form, steamed and dried

Common Misclassification

Pre-cooked cereals are often misclassified under HS code 190410, which is specifically for puffed or roasted cereals like corn flakes. Another common error is using Chapter 10 codes, such as 100630 for rice, which applies only to raw, semi-milled, or wholly milled rice that has not been cooked. If the product is a complex food preparation containing other ingredients like meat or large amounts of vegetables, it might be misclassified under 210690 (food preparations not elsewhere specified), though 190490 remains the primary code for prepared grains.

FAQ

What is the HS code for pre-cooked cereals?

The HS code for pre-cooked cereals in grain form (excluding maize) is 190490.

Is raw parboiled rice under this code?

No, parboiled rice that is not further prepared or pre-cooked is generally classified under heading 1006; 190490 is for rice that has been further prepared for quick consumption.