Product classification
HS code for Prepared sweetcorn: 2005.80
Vegetable preparations, sweetcorn (zea mays var. saccharata), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen.
Classification of prepared sweetcorn under HS 2005.80
The classification of prepared sweetcorn under HS code 2005.80 is determined by its processing state and botanical variety. Sweetcorn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is unique in the Harmonized System because it is treated as a vegetable when intended for human consumption in its succulent state, whereas other types of maize are classified as cereals in Chapter 10. Heading 2005 covers vegetables prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, provided they are not frozen. For sweetcorn to be classified here, it must have undergone a preservation process such as canning, vacuum-packing, or being submerged in brine. This processing must be sufficient to ensure the product is no longer fresh or chilled as defined in Chapter 07. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that the specific subheading 2005.80 takes precedence over more general vegetable classifications. This code is vital for international trade as it distinguishes processed sweetcorn from both raw agricultural products and those preserved in acidic media. The preparation often involves heat treatment to ensure shelf stability, which is a key characteristic of products falling under Chapter 20. Whether the corn is in whole kernels or creamed, as long as it is not frozen and not in vinegar, 2005.80 is the correct designation for this specific variety of maize.
- Covers
- Canned sweetcorn kernels in brine or water
- Creamed sweetcorn (crushed kernels in a liquid base)
- Vacuum-packed sweetcorn kernels, heat-sterilized
- Sweetcorn on the cob, pre-cooked and vacuum-sealed (not frozen)
- Canned baby corn (if not in vinegar)
- Also under 2005.80
- Green Giant Canned Whole Kernel Corn
- Del Monte Canned Cream Style Corn
- Libby's Canned Sweet Peas & Carrots (if corn is primary)
- S&W Canned Sweet Corn
Codes often confused with 2005.80
Common mistake. Sweetcorn is frequently misclassified under HS code 0710.40, which is reserved for sweetcorn that has been simply frozen. Another common error is using HS code 1005.90, which applies to maize (corn) as a cereal grain; however, the Explanatory Notes clarify that sweetcorn is excluded from Chapter 10. Additionally, if the sweetcorn is preserved in vinegar or acetic acid, it must be classified under HS code 2001.90. Importers often confuse these codes based on the packaging rather than the preservation method.
Top exporters and importers of HS 200580 (the code used for prepared sweetcorn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200580 (the code used for prepared sweetcorn) in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 200580, not only prepared sweetcorn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hungary $244M 20% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $231M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $226M 19% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $150M 12% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $107M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Japan $96M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 sweetcorn
Brazil classifies prepared sweetcorn under NCM 2005.80.00: HS 2005.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prepared sweetcorn
What is the HS code for Prepared sweetcorn?
The HS code for Prepared sweetcorn is 200580 (Vegetable preparations; sweetcorn (zea mays var. saccharata), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen). The HS code for prepared or preserved sweetcorn, not in vinegar and not frozen, is 2005.80.
How do I classify Prepared sweetcorn for customs?
Prepared sweetcorn is classified under HS code 200580 — Vegetable preparations; sweetcorn (zea mays var. saccharata), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is baby corn classified under this same HS code?
Yes, baby corn that has been prepared or preserved (e.g., canned in brine) and is not in vinegar is typically classified under 2005.80, as it is a variety of sweetcorn harvested early.
Which countries are the top exporters of prepared sweetcorn (HS 200580)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200580 (the code used for prepared sweetcorn) in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($244M, 20% of world exports), Thailand ($231M) and France ($226M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of prepared sweetcorn (HS 200580)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 200580 (the code used for prepared sweetcorn) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($150M, 12% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($107M) and Japan ($96M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 sweetcorn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 200580 for Prepared sweetcorn 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 sweetcorn in Brazil?
In Brazil, prepared sweetcorn (HS 200580) is classified under NCM 2005.80.00.