Product classification
HS code for Prepared string beans: 2005.59
Vegetable preparations, beans, (not shelled), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen.
Classification of prepared string beans under HS 2005.59
Prepared string beans are classified under HS code 2005.59, which falls within Chapter 20 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants. Heading 2005 is specifically reserved for vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, and which are not frozen. The subheading 2005.59 specifically identifies beans that are not shelled, commonly known as string beans, green beans, or snap beans. To qualify for this classification, the beans must have undergone a preservation process such as heat treatment (canning), or being preserved in brine or other media, provided that vinegar is not the primary preservative. If the beans were frozen, they would be excluded from this heading and moved to Chapter 07 or heading 2004. The classification ensures that processed legumes that are ready for consumption or require minimal heating are distinguished from fresh or simply chilled agricultural produce. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) require that the product be evaluated based on its state at the time of import; if the string beans are in an airtight container and have been sterilized by heat, they are almost certainly under 2005.59. This code is vital for customs authorities to apply the correct tariff rates, which often differ significantly between fresh produce and processed vegetable preparations.
- Covers
- Canned green beans (string beans) in brine
- Wax beans, not shelled, preserved in water or salt solution
- Pre-cooked string beans in vacuum-sealed retail packaging
- String beans prepared with small amounts of seasonings, provided they remain primarily a vegetable dish
- Canned French-style sliced green beans
- Also under 2005.59
- Del Monte Canned Green Beans
- Libby's Cut Green Beans
- Green Giant Canned French Style Green Beans
- S&W Canned Wax Beans
Codes often confused with 2005.59
Common mistake. String beans are often misclassified under HS code 0708.20, which is only for fresh or chilled beans. Another common mistake is using HS code 0710.22, which is for frozen beans (not shelled). If the beans are preserved in vinegar or acetic acid, they must be classified under HS code 2001.90. Furthermore, if the beans have been shelled (removed from the pod), they would move to HS code 2005.51, which is specifically for shelled beans.
Top exporters and importers of HS 200559 (the code used for prepared string beans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200559 (the code used for prepared string beans) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 22% 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 200559, not only prepared string beans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $67M 16% of world exports
- 2 Guatemala $44M 11% of world exports
- 3 Madagascar $36M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $408M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $96M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $65M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $38M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $439M 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 string beans
Brazil classifies prepared string beans under NCM 2005.59.00: HS 2005.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared string beans
What is the HS code for Prepared string beans?
The HS code for Prepared string beans is 200559 (Vegetable preparations; beans, (not shelled), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen). The HS code for string beans (not shelled) that are prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar and are not frozen is 2005.59.
How do I classify Prepared string beans for customs?
Prepared string beans is classified under HS code 200559 — Vegetable preparations; beans, (not shelled), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are frozen green beans included in HS code 2005.59?
No, frozen green beans are classified under HS code 0710.22 if they are simply frozen, or 2004.90 if they are prepared (like a frozen meal component).
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared string beans (HS 200559)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200559 (the code used for prepared string beans) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($67M, 16% of world exports), Guatemala ($44M) and Madagascar ($36M). World exports came to about $408M, 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 string beans (HS 200559)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 200559 (the code used for prepared string beans) in UN Comtrade data were France ($96M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($65M) and the United States ($38M). World imports came to about $439M, 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 string beans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 200559 for Prepared string beans 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 string beans in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared string beans (HS 200559) is classified under NCM 2005.59.00.