HS Code for Puffed cereals

Puffed cereals are classified under HS code 190410. This code is situated within Chapter 19, which covers preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk, and pastrycooks' products. Heading 1904 specifically addresses prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal products (for example, corn flakes). The classification 190410 is dedicated to these puffed or roasted products. The process of "puffing" involves heating the grain under pressure and then rapidly releasing that pressure, or roasting the grain until it expands. This mechanical and thermal transformation changes the product from a raw agricultural commodity (Chapter 10) into a prepared food product, which is why it is classified in Chapter 19. This applies regardless of whether the cereal is intended to be eaten with milk as a breakfast food or as a dry snack.

Products Included

• Puffed rice (ready to eat)
• Corn flakes
• Puffed wheat
• Toasted oat cereals
• Roasted grain breakfast cereals

Common Misclassification

Puffed cereals are often misclassified under HS code 1006 (for rice) or 1005 (for corn) in their raw forms. However, once the grain has been puffed or roasted, it must move to 1904. Another common error is confusing 190410 with 190420. While 190410 is for puffed or roasted cereals, 190420 is for prepared foods obtained from unroasted cereal flakes or from mixtures of unroasted cereal flakes and roasted cereal flakes (like certain types of muesli). If the product is coated in chocolate, it may even be diverted to Chapter 18 (1806) depending on the cocoa content.

FAQ

What is the HS code for puffed cereals?

The HS code for puffed or roasted breakfast cereals is 190410.

Are granola bars classified under this code?

Generally no; granola bars are often classified under 190420 or 190490 depending on their composition and whether the cereals are roasted or unroasted.