Product classification
HS code for Romaine lettuce: 0705.19
Vegetables, lettuce (lactuca sativa), (other than cabbage lettuce), fresh or chilled.
Classification of romaine lettuce under HS 0705.19
Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) is classified under HS code 0705.19. This code is situated within Chapter 07, which covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0705 specifically addresses lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.). The heading is further divided into cabbage lettuce (head lettuce like Iceberg) and 'other' lettuce. Because Romaine lettuce grows in an elongated head with sturdy leaves rather than a tight, round cabbage-like ball, it is classified under the 'other' subheading, 0705.19. This classification applies to the product in its fresh or chilled state. The Harmonized System requires that the product be recognizable as fresh produce; if the lettuce were cooked, frozen, or preserved in vinegar, it would be classified under different headings within Chapter 07 or Chapter 20.
- Covers
- Fresh Romaine lettuce heads
- Chilled Romaine lettuce
- Romaine lettuce hearts (trimmed)
- Cos lettuce (alternative name for Romaine)
- Fresh Romaine leaves in retail packaging
- Also under 0705.19
- Little Gem Romaine
- Red Salad Bowl
- Black Seeded Simpson
- Grand Rapids
Codes often confused with 0705.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for Romaine lettuce is HS code 0705.11, which is strictly for cabbage (head) lettuce such as Iceberg. While both are Lactuca sativa, the botanical variety and physical shape dictate the split between 0705.11 and 0705.19. Another error involves misclassifying Romaine as 'other vegetables' under 0709.99. However, because heading 0705 specifically names lettuce, the rules of specificity (GRI 3a) require it to be placed there. Finally, if the lettuce is part of a pre-mixed salad bag containing other vegetables, it might be classified under 0709.99 depending on the proportions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070519 (the code used for romaine lettuce), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070519 (the code used for romaine lettuce) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 19% 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 070519, not only romaine lettuce.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $491M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $476M 24% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $285M 14% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $401M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $372M 17% of world imports
- 3 United States $362M 17% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 romaine lettuce
Brazil classifies romaine lettuce under NCM 0705.19.00: HS 0705.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about romaine lettuce
What is the HS code for Romaine lettuce?
The HS code for Romaine lettuce is 070519 (Vegetables; lettuce (lactuca sativa), (other than cabbage lettuce), fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled Romaine lettuce is 0705.19.
How do I classify Romaine lettuce for customs?
Romaine lettuce is classified under HS code 070519 — Vegetables; lettuce (lactuca sativa), (other than cabbage lettuce), fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code change if the lettuce is sold as 'hearts'?
No, Romaine lettuce hearts are still classified under 0705.19, as they are simply trimmed versions of the fresh vegetable.
Which countries are the top exporters of romaine lettuce (HS 070519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070519 (the code used for romaine lettuce) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($491M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($476M) and Mexico ($285M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 romaine lettuce (HS 070519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070519 (the code used for romaine lettuce) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($401M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($372M) and the United States ($362M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Romaine lettuce the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070519 for Romaine lettuce 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 romaine lettuce in Brazil?
In Brazil, romaine lettuce (HS 070519) is classified under NCM 0705.19.00.