Product classification
HS code for Preserved olives: 0711.20
Vegetables, olives, provisionally preserved but unsuitable in that state for immediate consumption.
Classification of preserved olives under HS 0711.20
The classification of preserved olives under HS code 071120 is strictly governed by the state of the product at the time of customs entry. This code is situated within Chapter 7, which covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0711 specifically addresses vegetables that have been provisionally preserved—for instance, by sulfur dioxide gas, in brine, in sulfur water, or in other preservative solutions—but are in a condition that makes them unsuitable for immediate consumption. This is a critical distinction in the Harmonized System. These olives are typically bulk-shipped to processing facilities where they undergo further treatment, such as washing, de-salting, or stone removal, before being packaged for retail or used as ingredients. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, relying on the heading text. If the olives were prepared or preserved in a manner that made them ready to eat, such as being pickled in vinegar or preserved in oil, they would instead be classified under Chapter 20. The provisional nature of the preservation in 071120 is intended only to prevent spoilage during long-distance transport or seasonal storage, and the high salt or chemical content usually renders them unpalatable without secondary processing.
- Covers
- Olives provisionally preserved in brine
- Olives in sulfur water
- Olives kept in other preservative solutions for transport
- Bulk olives intended for the pickling industry
- Also under 0711.20
- Olives from Kalamata (for processing)
- Manzanilla olives (for brining)
- Moroccan Beldi olives (provisionally preserved)
- Turkish Gemlik olives (pre-cured)
- Greek Conservolea olives (in brine)
Codes often confused with 0711.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 200570, which covers olives prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid, not frozen. The distinction lies in whether the olives are ready for immediate consumption. If the olives are seasoned, stuffed, or packed in a light brine for retail sale, they belong in 200570. Code 071120 is reserved only for those in a provisional state.
Top exporters and importers of HS 071120 (the code used for preserved olives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 071120 (the code used for preserved olives) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 16% 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 071120, not only preserved olives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $57M 36% of world exports
- 2 Egypt $35M 22% of world exports
- 3 Greece $24M 15% of world exports
World total: $156M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $35M 16% of world imports
- 2 Poland $24M 11% of world imports
- 3 Spain $23M 10% of world imports
World total: $220M 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 preserved olives
Brazil splits HS 0711.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0711.20.10Olives provisionally preserved in salt water
- 0711.20.20Olives in sulphur water or with other additives
- 0711.20.90Other provisionally preserved olives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about preserved olives
What is the HS code for Preserved olives?
The HS code for Preserved olives is 071120 (Vegetables; olives, provisionally preserved but unsuitable in that state for immediate consumption). The HS code for provisionally preserved olives that are unsuitable for immediate consumption is 071120.
How do I classify Preserved olives for customs?
Preserved olives is classified under HS code 071120 — Vegetables; olives, provisionally preserved but unsuitable in that state for immediate consumption. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these olives be eaten directly from the container?
No, products under HS code 071120 are specifically defined as being unsuitable for immediate consumption due to the high concentration of preservative agents like salt or sulfur.
Which countries are the top exporters of preserved olives (HS 071120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 071120 (the code used for preserved olives) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($57M, 36% of world exports), Egypt ($35M) and Greece ($24M). World exports came to about $156M, 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 preserved olives (HS 071120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 071120 (the code used for preserved olives) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($35M, 16% of world imports), Poland ($24M) and Spain ($23M). World imports came to about $220M, 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 Preserved olives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 071120 for Preserved olives 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 preserved olives in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 071120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for preserved olives depends on the product's details: 0711.20.10 (Olives provisionally preserved in salt water), 0711.20.20 (Olives in sulphur water or with other additives), 0711.20.90 (Other provisionally preserved olives).