Chapter 10 covers cereals, including wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, quinoa, etc. Cereals in this chapter mainly refer to grains that are unhusked or, after husking, still retain the basic characteristics of the grain, used for food, feed, or industrial raw materials. Note: This chapter does not include processed cereal products (such as flour, husked rice, oatmeal, etc.), which fall under Chapter 11. Heading 1008 covers other cereals, i.e., cereals not named elsewhere in Chapter 10, including buckwheat, quinoa, millet, canary grass seeds, etc. Cereals under this heading are usually unprocessed or only simply processed grains, such as husked, cleaned, etc. Quinoa, as the seed of an Amaranthaceae plant, although not a grass, is classified under this heading because its nutrition and uses are similar to cereals. The first 2 digits 10 represent Chapter 10 (Cereals); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 1008 (Other cereals); digits 5-6, 40, represent subheading 100840 (Quinoa). Therefore, 100840 is a 6-digit HS code used to specifically identify quinoa. In more detailed 8-digit or 10-digit codes, different varieties or uses may be further distinguished, but the 6-digit code is sufficient for international general use. Quinoa is classified under 100840 rather than other cereal codes because it is not one of the specifically named cereals such as wheat, maize, or rice, and its botanical classification is Amaranthaceae, but according to HS notes, quinoa, as a seed used as a cereal, is classified under 1008. It cannot be classified under 1001-1007 because those codes target specific cereals. It also cannot be classified under Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) because quinoa is mainly used as food.

Product name: Declare the Chinese and foreign-language names of the commodity, and it should be accurately filled in as “藜麦” or “Quinoa”; avoid using colloquial names or trade names. Whether husked: State whether the quinoa has undergone husking treatment. Quinoa usually has a layer of bitter saponin and needs to be husked or washed; the status should be indicated at declaration. Whether for sowing: Declare whether the quinoa is for sowing. Quinoa for sowing may be classified under a different subheading or be subject to different regulatory conditions. Packaging specifications: Fill in the packaging method and net weight per package, such as “25 kg/bag”, “1 kg/retail package”, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in “None”. Origin: Fill in the country or region of origin of the quinoa, such as Peru, Bolivia, etc. Processing method: Briefly describe the processing method, such as “cleaning, husking, drying”, etc., which helps determine classification. Product name: Quinoa (Quinoa); Whether husked: Husked; Whether for sowing: No; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag; Brand: None; Origin: Peru; Processing method: Cleaning, husking, drying. Mistakenly classifying quinoa under a residual subheading of other cereals under 1008 while ignoring the specific subheading 100840. Failure to declare whether husked, resulting in classification disputes or inability to enjoy preferential tariff rates. Confusing quinoa with quinoa seeds under Chapter 12, the latter of which may be used for planting.

The core basis for classification is the notes to HS Chapter 10 and the subheading structure. Although quinoa is not a grass, because it is used as a cereal, according to the classification opinion of the World Customs Organization, it is classified under 1008. It is necessary to confirm that the commodity is unprocessed or lightly processed grains; if it has been made into flour, flakes, pellets, etc., it is classified under Chapter 11. At the same time, it is necessary to distinguish whether it is for sowing; quinoa for sowing may be classified under 1008.40.10 (for sowing), while that for food is classified under 1008.40.90. 100890 Other cereals: 100890 is the residual subheading for other cereals; if quinoa were not specifically named, it would be classified here, but 100840 specifically names it, so it should preferentially be classified under 100840. 120799 Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits: Quinoa is not an oil seed; its fat content is low, and it is mainly used as food, so it is not classified under Chapter 12. 110429 Flour made from other cereals by processing: If quinoa has been ground into flour, it is classified under Chapter 11, not Chapter 10. 100810 Buckwheat: Buckwheat is similar to quinoa, but buckwheat has the specific subheading 100810, while quinoa is 100840; the two must not be confused. Has it been confirmed that the commodity is quinoa grains rather than quinoa flour? Is it clear whether it is husked? Has whether it is for sowing been declared? Have the packaging specifications been checked? Has the country of origin been confirmed?

Quinoa's HS code is 100840, but why can't I find 100840 in the customs tariff? 100840 is a 6-digit HS code and is internationally general. National customs tariffs may refine it into 8 or 10 digits; for example, in China's tariff it may be 1008401000 (for sowing) and 1008409000 (other). Please check the specific number of digits according to your national tariff. Which HS code should quinoa flour be classified under? Quinoa flour should be classified under Chapter 11, specifically 1102 (Flour of other cereals) or 1103 (Cereal groats, meal and pellets), not 100840. This is because Chapter 10 only covers unprocessed cereal grains. What declaration elements are required for importing quinoa? Usually product name, whether husked, whether for sowing, packaging specifications, brand, origin, processing method, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to consult the “Catalog of Standard Declaration Elements for Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China” in advance. Is there a difference in classification between quinoa and quinoa seeds? Yes. Quinoa for sowing is classified under 1008401000 (for sowing), while quinoa for food is classified under 1008409000 (other). Quinoa for sowing requires a seed quarantine certificate and may enjoy different tariff treatment. Why is quinoa not classified under Chapter 12? Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, industrial or medicinal plants, etc. Quinoa is mainly used as food; its fat content is low and it does not meet the definition of oil seeds, so it is classified under Chapter 10. If quinoa has already been cooked or seasoned, will the HS code change? Yes. Cooked or seasoned quinoa is a processed food and is usually classified under Chapter 19 (preparations of cereals) or Chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations), not 100840. How is the origin of quinoa determined? Origin usually refers to the place where the quinoa was grown and harvested. If it has been processed in multiple countries, it must be determined according to rules of origin. At declaration, a certificate of origin should be provided, such as official certificates from major producing countries such as Peru and Bolivia. Where can I check the tariff rate for quinoa? Tariff rates change; it is recommended to check the latest national customs tariff or query through the customs official website or the international trade single window. You may also consult a professional customs broker or customs consultant.