Product classification
HS code for Quinoa: 1008.50
Cereals, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa).
Classification of quinoa under HS 1008.50
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is classified under HS code 1008.50. This classification is situated within Chapter 10, which covers cereals. Although quinoa is botanically a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal grain like wheat or rice, the Harmonized System treats it as a cereal for trade purposes. In the 2012 and 2017 revisions of the HS nomenclature, quinoa was granted its own specific subheading (1008.50) to better track its increasing global trade volume. The classification applies to the grain in its raw state. This includes quinoa that has had the bitter saponin coating removed through washing or mechanical abrasion, as this process is considered a standard treatment for making the grain edible and does not constitute "processing" into a different product category.
- Covers
- Raw white, red, and black quinoa grains
- Saponin-free quinoa grains
- Organic quinoa in bulk or retail packaging
- Polished quinoa grains
- Also under 1008.50
- Ancient Harvest Quinoa
- Bob's Red Mill Quinoa
- Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa
- Andean Naturals
Codes often confused with 1008.50
Common mistake. Quinoa is frequently misclassified under 1008.90, which is the residual category for "other cereals." Before the specific 1008.50 code was widely adopted, this was common, but it is now an error. Another frequent mistake is classifying quinoa under heading 1104 if it has been further processed, such as being rolled, flaked, or pearled. If the quinoa is ground into flour, it must be classified under heading 1102 (Cereal flours). Additionally, pre-cooked or puffed quinoa products ready for consumption are classified under heading 1904, which covers prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100850 (the code used for quinoa), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100850 (the code used for quinoa) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 100850, not only quinoa.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$163M 46% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bolivia $93M 26% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $15M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $353M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 31% of world imports
- 2 Canada $32M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $22M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $352M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 quinoa
Brazil splits HS 1008.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1008.50.10Quinoa seed for sowing
- 1008.50.90Quinoa, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about quinoa
What is the HS code for Quinoa?
The HS code for Quinoa is 100850 (Cereals; quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)). The international HS code for quinoa is 1008.50.
How do I classify Quinoa for customs?
Quinoa is classified under HS code 100850 — Cereals; quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is quinoa flour classified under the same code?
No, quinoa flour is classified under HS code 1102.90 as a cereal flour.
Which countries are the top exporters of quinoa (HS 100850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100850 (the code used for quinoa) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $163M, 46% of world exports), Bolivia ($93M) and the Netherlands ($15M). World exports came to about $353M, 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 quinoa (HS 100850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100850 (the code used for quinoa) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 31% of world imports), Canada ($32M) and Germany ($22M). World imports came to about $352M, 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 Quinoa the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100850 for Quinoa 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 quinoa in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100850 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for quinoa depends on the product's details: 1008.50.10 (Quinoa seed for sowing), 1008.50.90 (Quinoa, not for sowing).