Product classification
HS code for Spinach: 0709.70
Vegetables, spinach, New Zealand spinach and orache spinach (garden spinach), fresh or chilled.
Classification of spinach under HS 0709.70
Spinach is classified under HS code 0709.70 according to the nomenclature of Chapter 7, which encompasses edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0709 is reserved for "Other vegetables, fresh or chilled," which serves as a category for vegetables that do not have their own specific heading earlier in the chapter (such as potatoes in 0701 or tomatoes in 0702). Subheading 0709.70 specifically identifies spinach, New Zealand spinach, and orache spinach (garden spinach). The classification requires the product to be in a fresh or chilled state. Chilling refers to the process where the temperature of the product is reduced, generally to around 0°C, without the product being frozen. If the spinach undergoes any significant processing beyond simple cleaning, cooling, or packaging, it may move to a different chapter or heading. For standard agricultural trade of fresh leaves, 0709.70 is the definitive code. The classification remains consistent whether the spinach is sold in bulk crates or pre-packaged bags for retail, provided it has not been cooked or preserved in a way that changes its character as a fresh vegetable.
- Covers
- Fresh baby spinach leaves
- Chilled mature spinach
- New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides)
- Orache spinach (Atriplex hortensis)
- Fresh spinach bunches with roots attached
- Washed and bagged fresh spinach
- Also under 0709.70
- Earthbound Farm Organic Spinach
- Dole Fresh Spinach
- Taylor Farms Spinach
- Fresh Express Spinach
Codes often confused with 0709.70
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between fresh spinach (0709.70) and frozen spinach, which must be classified under 0710.30. Another common error involves dried spinach, which falls under 0712.90. If the spinach has been prepared or preserved (for example, canned or pickled), it moves to Chapter 20, specifically 2005.99. Importers also occasionally confuse spinach with other leafy greens like kale or cabbage, which are classified under 0704.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070970 (the code used for spinach), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070970 (the code used for spinach) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 070970, not only spinach.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $181M 26% of world exports
- 2 Italy $136M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $121M 17% of world exports
World total: $708M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $89M 16% of world imports
- 2 Canada $86M 16% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $74M 14% of world imports
World total: $541M 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 spinach
Brazil classifies spinach under NCM 0709.70.00: HS 0709.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spinach
What is the HS code for Spinach?
The HS code for Spinach is 070970 (Vegetables; spinach, New Zealand spinach and orache spinach (garden spinach), fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled spinach is 0709.70.
How do I classify Spinach for customs?
Spinach is classified under HS code 070970 — Vegetables; spinach, New Zealand spinach and orache spinach (garden spinach), fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include frozen spinach?
No, frozen spinach is classified under HS code 0710.30. HS code 0709.70 is strictly for fresh or chilled products.
Which countries are the top exporters of spinach (HS 070970)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070970 (the code used for spinach) in UN Comtrade data were China ($181M, 26% of world exports), Italy ($136M) and the United States ($121M). World exports came to about $708M, 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 spinach (HS 070970)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070970 (the code used for spinach) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($89M, 16% of world imports), Canada ($86M) and the United Kingdom ($74M). World imports came to about $541M, 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 Spinach the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070970 for Spinach 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 spinach in Brazil?
In Brazil, spinach (HS 070970) is classified under NCM 0709.70.00.