Product classification
HS code for Walnuts in shell: 0802.31
Nuts, edible, walnuts, fresh or dried, in shell.
Classification of walnuts in shell under HS 0802.31
Walnuts in shell are classified under HS code 0802.31. This classification falls within Chapter 8, which covers edible fruit and nuts. The code is specific to walnuts (Juglans spp.) that are presented in their natural, hard outer shell. Classification under this heading requires that the nuts be fresh or dried but otherwise unprocessed. According to the General Rules for Interpretation, the state of the product (in shell vs. shelled) is the primary determinant for the six-digit subheading. This code is used by customs authorities to monitor agricultural trade, enforce phytosanitary regulations, and apply specific tariffs that often differ significantly from those applied to shelled nuts. The nuts must not be roasted, salted, or otherwise prepared, as such processes would move the product into a different chapter of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Fresh walnuts with the hard shell intact
- Dried walnuts in shell
- Whole walnuts for human consumption
- In-shell walnuts for the snack food industry
- Raw walnuts in shell for oil extraction
- Also under 0802.31
- California Walnuts (in shell)
- Chilean Walnuts (in shell)
- Chinese Walnuts (in shell)
- local farmers' market walnuts
Codes often confused with 0802.31
Common mistake. Walnuts in shell are often confused with shelled walnuts, which are classified under HS code 0802.32. Another common misclassification occurs when walnuts are roasted or salted; in such cases, they are no longer classified in Chapter 8 but move to HS code 2008.19 as prepared nuts. Additionally, walnuts intended for sowing (seeds) might be confused with edible nuts, though they generally remain in Chapter 8 unless specifically prepared as seeds.
Top exporters and importers of HS 080231 (the code used for walnuts in shell), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 080231 (the code used for walnuts in shell) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 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 080231, not only walnuts in shell.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $457M 35% of world exports
- 2 Chile $323M 25% of world exports
- 3 United States $300M 23% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$220M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Türkiye $209M 18% of world imports
- 3 Italy $134M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for walnuts in shell
Brazil classifies walnuts in shell under NCM 0802.31.00: HS 0802.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about walnuts in shell
What is the HS code for Walnuts in shell?
The HS code for Walnuts in shell is 080231 (Nuts, edible; walnuts, fresh or dried, in shell). The HS code for fresh or dried walnuts in shell is 0802.31.
How do I classify Walnuts in shell for customs?
Walnuts in shell is classified under HS code 080231 — Nuts, edible; walnuts, fresh or dried, in shell. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are black walnuts and English walnuts classified the same?
Yes, both varieties of the genus Juglans are classified under 0802.31 as long as they are presented in their shells and are unprocessed.
Which countries are the top exporters of walnuts in shell (HS 080231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 080231 (the code used for walnuts in shell) in UN Comtrade data were China ($457M, 35% of world exports), Chile ($323M) and the United States ($300M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 walnuts in shell (HS 080231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 080231 (the code used for walnuts in shell) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $220M, 19% of world imports), Türkiye ($209M) and Italy ($134M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Walnuts in shell the same in all countries?
The base HS code 080231 for Walnuts in shell 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 walnuts in shell in Brazil?
In Brazil, walnuts in shell (HS 080231) is classified under NCM 0802.31.00.