Product classification
HS code for Prunus africana bark: 1211.60
Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered.
Classification of prunus africana bark under HS 1211.60
Prunus africana bark is classified under HS code 1211.60. This classification falls under Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, and miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, specifically including plants and parts of plants used in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal and fungicidal purposes. Prunus africana, commonly known as the African cherry, is a tree whose bark is harvested for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating prostate-related conditions. The HS code 1211.60 was specifically created to monitor the trade of this bark due to its conservation status. The classification applies to the bark in its raw state, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and regardless of whether it has been cut, crushed, or ground into a powder. As long as the product remains a 'part of a plant' and has not undergone chemical extraction or been prepared as a finished medicament, it remains in this category.
- Covers
- Dried bark of the African cherry (Prunus africana)
- Crushed or ground Prunus africana bark
- Fresh bark for pharmaceutical processing
- Powdered bark used in traditional medicine
- Bark chips for herbal infusions
- Also under 1211.60
- Indena S.p.A. (botanical extracts)
- Naturex (natural ingredients)
- Euromed S.A. (standardized extracts)
- various traditional African medicine suppliers.
Codes often confused with 1211.60
Common mistake. Prunus africana bark is often misclassified under HS code 1302.19, which covers vegetable saps and extracts. However, 1302 is only appropriate if the active ingredients have been extracted from the bark using a solvent. If the physical structure of the bark (even as a powder) remains, 1211.60 is correct. Another common error is 3004.90 (medicaments), which only applies if the bark is put up in measured doses or in forms/packings for retail sale with specific therapeutic claims.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121160 (the code used for prunus africana bark), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121160 (the code used for prunus africana bark) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 45% 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 121160, not only prunus africana bark.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $744K 44% of world exports
- 2 Luxembourg $383K 23% of world exports
- 3 Italy $220K 13% of world exports
World total: $1.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $1.7M 45% of world imports
- 2 Luxembourg $1.2M 32% of world imports
- 3 Germany $332K 8.9% of world imports
World total: $3.7M 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 prunus africana bark
Brazil classifies prunus africana bark under NCM 1211.60.00: HS 1211.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prunus africana bark
What is the HS code for Prunus africana bark?
The HS code for Prunus africana bark is 121160 (Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana); of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered). The specific HS code for Prunus africana bark is 1211.60.
How do I classify Prunus africana bark for customs?
Prunus africana bark is classified under HS code 121160 — Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana); of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this product require CITES permits?
Yes, Prunus africana is listed under CITES Appendix II. While the HS code is 1211.60, importers must also provide valid CITES export permits from the country of origin to clear customs legally.
Which countries are the top exporters of prunus africana bark (HS 121160)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121160 (the code used for prunus africana bark) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($744K, 44% of world exports), Luxembourg ($383K) and Italy ($220K). World exports came to about $1.7M, 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 prunus africana bark (HS 121160)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121160 (the code used for prunus africana bark) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($1.7M, 45% of world imports), Luxembourg ($1.2M) and Germany ($332K). World imports came to about $3.7M, 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 Prunus africana bark the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121160 for Prunus africana bark 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 prunus africana bark in Brazil?
In Brazil, prunus africana bark (HS 121160) is classified under NCM 1211.60.00.