Product classification
HS code for Prepared pears: 2008.40
Fruit, pears, prepared or preserved in ways n.e.c. in heading no. 2007, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit.
Classification of prepared pears under HS 2008.40
The classification of prepared pears under HS code 2008.40 is determined by the specific processing the fruit undergoes. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) for the Harmonized System, Chapter 20 covers preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants. Heading 2008 specifically addresses fruit that has been prepared or preserved in ways not specified in other headings, such as 2007 (jams and jellies). This includes pears that have been peeled, cored, and then preserved in syrup, water, or even with added alcohol. The key factor is that the pears have been processed beyond the simple drying or temporary preservation methods allowed in Chapter 08. For instance, canned pears are heat-treated to ensure shelf stability, which necessitates their placement in Chapter 20. The presence of added sugar or other sweetening matter is common in these preparations, but it does not change the classification unless the product becomes a jam or purée. Furthermore, the pears can be whole, halves, or pieces, provided they are not mashed into a homogenized preparation.
- Covers
- Canned pear halves in heavy or light syrup
- Pears preserved in brandy or other spirits
- Sliced pears in natural fruit juice
- Pears cooked and vacuum-sealed for retail sale
- Diced pears in plastic cups for snack use
- Also under 2008.40
- Del Monte Canned Pears
- Dole Canned Pears
- Libby's Canned Pears
- Great Value Canned Pears
Codes often confused with 2008.40
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying prepared pears under HS code 0808.30, which is reserved strictly for fresh pears. Another common mistake involves HS code 2007.99, which covers fruit purées and jams. If the pears have been cooked into a thick, spreadable paste, 2007.99 is correct; however, if the fruit pieces remain distinct, 2008.40 is the appropriate code. Additionally, pear juice is classified under 2009.89, provided it is unfermented and does not contain added spirit. Confusing these codes can lead to significant issues with customs duties and import regulations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 200840 (the code used for prepared pears), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200840 (the code used for prepared pears) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 200840, not only prepared pears.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $52M 32% of world exports
- 2 Italy $22M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $21M 13% of world exports
World total: $160M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $44M 23% of world imports
- 2 France $37M 20% of world imports
- 3 Germany $16M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $186M 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 codes for prepared pears
Brazil splits HS 2008.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2008.40.10Pears in syrup or sweetened water
- 2008.40.90Other prepared or preserved pears
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared pears
What is the HS code for Prepared pears?
The HS code for Prepared pears is 200840 (Fruit; pears, prepared or preserved in ways n.e.c. in heading no. 2007, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit). The HS code for prepared or preserved pears is 2008.40, which includes canned and bottled varieties.
How do I classify Prepared pears for customs?
Prepared pears is classified under HS code 200840 — Fruit; pears, prepared or preserved in ways n.e.c. in heading no. 2007, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the addition of sugar change the HS code?
No, HS code 2008.40 specifically allows for the addition of sugar or other sweetening matter, as well as the addition of spirits, without changing the classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared pears (HS 200840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200840 (the code used for prepared pears) in UN Comtrade data were China ($52M, 32% of world exports), Italy ($22M) and South Africa ($21M). World exports came to about $160M, 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 prepared pears (HS 200840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 200840 (the code used for prepared pears) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 23% of world imports), France ($37M) and Germany ($16M). World imports came to about $186M, 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 Prepared pears the same in all countries?
The base HS code 200840 for Prepared pears 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 prepared pears in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 200840 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for prepared pears depends on the product's details: 2008.40.10 (Pears in syrup or sweetened water), 2008.40.90 (Other prepared or preserved pears).