Product classification
HS code for Witlof: 0705.21
Vegetables, witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled.
Classification of witlof under HS 0705.21
Witlof, also known as Witloof chicory or Belgian endive, is classified under HS code 0705.21. This classification is found within Chapter 7, which covers edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers. Heading 0705 specifically includes lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and chicory (Cichorium spp.), fresh or chilled. The subheading 0705.21 is dedicated exclusively to Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum). This variety is characterized by its small, creamy-white, tightly packed heads, which are typically grown in the dark to prevent chlorophyll development and bitterness. The classification is straightforward based on the botanical name and the physical state of the product (fresh or chilled). If the product were frozen, dried, or otherwise preserved, it would move to different headings within Chapter 7 (such as 0710 or 0712). The precision of the subheading 0705.21 ensures that this specific variety of chicory is tracked separately from other chicory types.
- Covers
- Fresh Witloof chicory
- Chilled Belgian endive
- French endive (fresh)
- Witlof heads
- Cichorium intybus var. foliosum
- Also under 0705.21
- Frieda's Specialty Produce Witloof
- Melissa's Produce Belgian Endive
- Rungis Market Witloof
Codes often confused with 0705.21
Common mistake. Witlof is sometimes misclassified under 0705.29, which covers "other" chicory. However, 0705.29 is intended for varieties like radicchio or escarole that do not meet the definition of Witloof chicory. Another error is classifying it under 0705.11 or 0705.19 as a type of lettuce. While Witlof is often used in salads like lettuce, it is botanically a chicory and must be classified under the chicory subheadings. Additionally, if the chicory roots are intended for coffee substitutes, they are classified under 1212.94.
Top exporters and importers of HS 070521 (the code used for witlof), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 070521 (the code used for witlof) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% 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 070521, not only witlof.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $67M 54% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $20M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $17M 14% of world exports
World total: $124M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $23M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $13M 12% of world imports
World total: $108M 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 witlof
Brazil classifies witlof under NCM 0705.21.00: HS 0705.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about witlof
What is the HS code for Witlof?
The HS code for Witlof is 070521 (Vegetables; witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled). The HS code for fresh or chilled witlof (Witloof chicory) is 0705.21.
How do I classify Witlof for customs?
Witlof is classified under HS code 070521 — Vegetables; witloff chicory (cichorium intybus var. foliosum), fresh or chilled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is witlof classified as a lettuce or a chicory?
Witlof is botanically a chicory (Cichorium intybus) and is classified under the chicory section of heading 0705, specifically subheading 0705.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of witlof (HS 070521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 070521 (the code used for witlof) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($67M, 54% of world exports), Belgium ($20M) and France ($17M). World exports came to about $124M, 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 witlof (HS 070521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 070521 (the code used for witlof) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($23M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and Belgium ($13M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 Witlof the same in all countries?
The base HS code 070521 for Witlof 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 witlof in Brazil?
In Brazil, witlof (HS 070521) is classified under NCM 0705.21.00.