Product classification

HS code for Prepared potatoes: 2005.20

Vegetable preparations, potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen.

Classification of prepared potatoes under HS 2005.20

HS code 2005.20 is utilized for potatoes that have been prepared or preserved by methods other than vinegar or acetic acid and are not frozen. This classification falls under Chapter 20, which deals with preparations of vegetables. The primary distinction for 2005.20 is the state of the product (non-frozen) and the processing method. This code is most frequently used for potato chips (crisps) and canned potatoes. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 2005 includes vegetables that have been prepared or preserved by processes not provided for in Chapter 07 (fresh, chilled, or frozen) or in headings 2001 or 2004. For potatoes, this means they have typically been sliced and fried in oil (chips) or cooked and sealed in airtight containers (canned). It is important to note that if the potatoes were prepared and then frozen (such as pre-cooked French fries), they would move to heading 2004. The classification also excludes potato flour, meal, or flakes, which are classified in Chapter 11, unless they have been further prepared into a food product.

Covers
  • Potato chips (crisps) fried in oil
  • Canned whole or sliced potatoes in brine
  • Potato sticks or straws (non-frozen)
  • Pre-cooked potato salads (without vinegar)
  • Vacuum-packed cooked potatoes
Also under 2005.20
  • Del Monte Canned Diced Potatoes
  • Idahoan Instant Mashed Potatoes
  • S&W Canned Whole Potatoes
  • Knorr Potato Flakes

Codes often confused with 2005.20

Common mistake. Potatoes are frequently misclassified under 0701.90, which is for fresh or chilled potatoes. Another major area of confusion is 2004.10, which covers prepared potatoes that are frozen (like most commercial French fries). If the potatoes are preserved in vinegar, they must be classified under 2001.90. Additionally, dehydrated potato products like flakes or granules are classified under 1105.10, not 2005.20, unless they have been seasoned and prepared as a finished snack like certain types of reformed chips.

0701.90Vegetables; potatoes (other than seed), fresh or chilled2004.10Vegetable preparations; potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, frozen2001.90Vegetable preparations; vegetables, fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid (excluding cucumbers and gherkins)1105.10Flour, meal and powder; of potatoes

Top exporters and importers of HS 200520 (the code used for prepared potatoes), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200520 (the code used for prepared potatoes) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 200520, not only prepared potatoes.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $607M
  2. 2 United States $356M
  3. 3 Belgium $335M

World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $420M
  2. 2 France $369M
  3. 3 Germany $332M

World total: $3.9B 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 prepared potatoes

Brazil classifies prepared potatoes under NCM 2005.20.00: HS 2005.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about prepared potatoes

What is the HS code for Prepared potatoes?

The HS code for Prepared potatoes is 200520 (Vegetable preparations; potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen). The HS code for prepared or preserved potatoes (not frozen and not in vinegar) is 2005.20.

How do I classify Prepared potatoes for customs?

Prepared potatoes is classified under HS code 200520 — Vegetable preparations; potatoes, prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are potato chips classified under this code?

Yes, standard potato chips (crisps) are classified under HS code 2005.20 as they are a prepared vegetable product that is not frozen.

Which countries are the top exporters of prepared potatoes (HS 200520)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200520 (the code used for prepared potatoes) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($607M, 16% of world exports), the United States ($356M) and Belgium ($335M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 potatoes (HS 200520)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 200520 (the code used for prepared potatoes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($420M, 11% of world imports), France ($369M) and Germany ($332M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 potatoes the same in all countries?

The base HS code 200520 for Prepared potatoes 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 potatoes in Brazil?

In Brazil, prepared potatoes (HS 200520) is classified under NCM 2005.20.00.