Chapter 11 covers products of the milling industry, including flour, groats, meal, starch, inulin, and gluten. Goods in this chapter have been milled or processed but not further prepared into food products. It involves processed products from grains such as wheat, corn, rice, and tubers such as potatoes and cassava. The core is powder or granular form, but excludes baked goods, ready-to-eat foods, etc. Heading 1103 covers cereal groats, meal, and pellets. Groats are granular products obtained by coarse grinding of cereals, while meal is finer. Pellets are obtained by extrusion or pelletizing of meal. This heading includes groats and meal of cereals such as corn, wheat, rice, but excludes fine flour (1101, 1102) and starch (1108). The first 2 digits 11 represent Chapter 11 'Products of the milling industry'. The 3rd-4th digits 03 represent heading 1103 'Cereal groats, meal and pellets'. The 5th-6th digits 13 are the subheading, specifically referring to 'Groats and meal of corn (maize)'. Among these, subheading 1103.13 refers only to corn groats, while corn meal is classified under 1103.13? In the actual HS, 1103.13 is corn groats and meal, but this code 110313 specifically refers to corn groats. Note: 1103.13 includes groats and meal, but according to subheading notes, groats and meal are different. Code 110313 is explicitly corn groats. Corn groats are granules obtained by coarse grinding of corn, not reaching the fineness of meal, and not further processed. They are classified under 1103 rather than 1101 (wheat flour) or 1102 (other cereal flours), because 1102 is fine flour while 1103 is groats/meal. They are also not 1104 (otherwise worked cereals), because they have not been flaked or pelletized.
Chapter
Chapter 11 covers products of the milling industry, including flour, groats, meal, starch, inulin, and gluten. Goods in this chapter have been milled or processed but not further prepared into food products. It involves processed products from grains such as wheat, corn, rice, and tubers such as potatoes and cassava. The core is powder or granular form, but excludes baked goods, ready-to-eat foods, etc.
Heading
Heading 1103 covers cereal groats, meal, and pellets. Groats are granular products obtained by coarse grinding of cereals, while meal is finer. Pellets are obtained by extrusion or pelletizing of meal. This heading includes groats and meal of cereals such as corn, wheat, rice, but excludes fine flour (1101, 1102) and starch (1108).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 11 represent Chapter 11 'Products of the milling industry'. The 3rd-4th digits 03 represent heading 1103 'Cereal groats, meal and pellets'. The 5th-6th digits 13 are the subheading, specifically referring to 'Groats and meal of corn (maize)'. Among these, subheading 1103.13 refers only to corn groats, while corn meal is classified under 1103.13? In the actual HS, 1103.13 is corn groats and meal, but this code 110313 specifically refers to corn groats. Note: 1103.13 includes groats and meal, but according to subheading notes, groats and meal are different. Code 110313 is explicitly corn groats.
Classification Basis
Corn groats are granules obtained by coarse grinding of corn, not reaching the fineness of meal, and not further processed. They are classified under 1103 rather than 1101 (wheat flour) or 1102 (other cereal flours), because 1102 is fine flour while 1103 is groats/meal. They are also not 1104 (otherwise worked cereals), because they have not been flaked or pelletized.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the commodity name, which should be specifically 'corn groats', avoiding vague terms like 'corn flour' or 'corn products'. Raw material: Indicate the raw material is corn, whether it is genetically modified, and the corn variety (e.g., yellow corn, white corn). Processing method: Describe the processing method, such as 'coarse grinding', 'crushing', 'sifting', etc., to demonstrate its groats characteristics. Particle size: Provide the particle size range, such as 'passing through XX mesh sieve', to distinguish groats from meal. Composition content: Indicate main components such as starch, protein, moisture content, and whether other substances are added. Packaging specifications: Describe the packaging form, such as bagged, bulk, and net weight, affecting customs value and regulation. Use: Indicate the use, such as for food, feed, industrial use; different uses may involve different regulations. Product name: Corn groats; Raw material: Yellow corn (non-GMO); Processing method: Coarse grinding, sifting; Particle size: Passing through 8 mesh sieve, retained on 16 mesh sieve; Composition: Starch 75%, Protein 8%, Moisture 12%; Packaging: 25 kg/bag; Use: For brewing beer. Misreporting corn groats as corn flour, leading to classification under 1102 instead of 1103. Failure to indicate GMO status, possibly affecting quarantine approval. Unclear particle size description, unable to distinguish groats from meal. False declaration of use, such as reporting as food when actually feed, may violate regulations.
Product name
Declare the commodity name, which should be specifically 'corn groats', avoiding vague terms like 'corn flour' or 'corn products'.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'corn flour' or 'corn grits', leading to classification errors.
Raw material
Indicate the raw material is corn, whether it is genetically modified, and the corn variety (e.g., yellow corn, white corn).
⚠️ Failure to indicate GMO status, affecting subsequent regulatory conditions.
Processing method
Describe the processing method, such as 'coarse grinding', 'crushing', 'sifting', etc., to demonstrate its groats characteristics.
⚠️ Describing as 'fine grinding' or 'milling', which may be misclassified as meal.
Particle size
Provide the particle size range, such as 'passing through XX mesh sieve', to distinguish groats from meal.
⚠️ Failure to provide particle size, making it impossible to determine groats or meal.
Composition content
Indicate main components such as starch, protein, moisture content, and whether other substances are added.
⚠️ Failure to state whether additives are present; if added, may be classified under other headings.
Packaging specifications
Describe the packaging form, such as bagged, bulk, and net weight, affecting customs value and regulation.
⚠️ Unclear packaging description, leading to inability to verify during inspection.
Use
Indicate the use, such as for food, feed, industrial use; different uses may involve different regulations.
⚠️ Vague use, such as 'food processing', without distinguishing direct consumption or further processing.
Example： Product name: Corn groats; Raw material: Yellow corn (non-GMO); Processing method: Coarse grinding, sifting; Particle size: Passing through 8 mesh sieve, retained on 16 mesh sieve; Composition: Starch 75%, Protein 8%, Moisture 12%; Packaging: 25 kg/bag; Use: For brewing beer.
Common Mistakes：
Misreporting corn groats as corn flour, leading to classification under 1102 instead of 1103.
Failure to indicate GMO status, possibly affecting quarantine approval.
Unclear particle size description, unable to distinguish groats from meal.
False declaration of use, such as reporting as food when actually feed, may violate regulations.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the degree of processing and particle size of the commodity. Corn groats are granules obtained by coarse grinding of corn, not reaching the fineness of meal, and not further processed. According to HS notes, 1103 includes cereal groats and meal, but the distinction between groats and meal lies in particle size. Generally, groats are obtained by coarse grinding and sifting, with coarser particles; meal is finer. If the product is further processed (e.g., flaked, pelletized), it is classified under 1104. If it is fine flour, it is classified under 1102. 110220 Corn flour: Corn flour is a finer powder, usually entirely passing through a fine sieve, while corn groats are granular with coarser particle size. 110313 Corn groats and meal: 110313 actually covers corn groats and meal, but this code 110313 specifically refers to groats? Note: In HS, 1103.13 is corn groats and meal, and there is no further subdivision under 1103.13, so 110313 is corn groats and meal. However, in this task, 110313 is corn groats, possibly for simplification. In practice, groats and meal should be distinguished, but the code is the same. 110423 Worked corn kernels: 110423 refers to corn kernels that have been hulled, flaked, pelletized, etc., while 110313 is only coarse ground, without changing the particle structure. 110419 Other worked cereals: 110419 includes cereals that have been flaked, pelletized, etc., while 110313 is only coarse ground, not further formed. 230210 Corn bran, sharps and other residues: 230210 is residues from corn processing, while 110313 is corn groats, a raw material for food or industrial use. Is it coarse ground rather than fine ground? Are the particles significantly larger than fine flour? Are no other substances added? Has it not been flaked or pelletized? Is it for food or industrial use rather than feed residues?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the degree of processing and particle size of the commodity. Corn groats are granules obtained by coarse grinding of corn, not reaching the fineness of meal, and not further processed. According to HS notes, 1103 includes cereal groats and meal, but the distinction between groats and meal lies in particle size. Generally, groats are obtained by coarse grinding and sifting, with coarser particles; meal is finer. If the product is further processed (e.g., flaked, pelletized), it is classified under 1104. If it is fine flour, it is classified under 1102.
Confused Codes：
110220 - Corn flour
Corn flour is a finer powder, usually entirely passing through a fine sieve, while corn groats are granular with coarser particle size.
110313 - Corn groats and meal
110313 actually covers corn groats and meal, but this code 110313 specifically refers to groats? Note: In HS, 1103.13 is corn groats and meal, and there is no further subdivision under 1103.13, so 110313 is corn groats and meal. However, in this task, 110313 is corn groats, possibly for simplification. In practice, groats and meal should be distinguished, but the code is the same.
110423 - Worked corn kernels
110423 refers to corn kernels that have been hulled, flaked, pelletized, etc., while 110313 is only coarse ground, without changing the particle structure.
110419 - Other worked cereals
110419 includes cereals that have been flaked, pelletized, etc., while 110313 is only coarse ground, not further formed.
230210 - Corn bran, sharps and other residues
230210 is residues from corn processing, while 110313 is corn groats, a raw material for food or industrial use.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it coarse ground rather than fine ground?
✓ Are the particles significantly larger than fine flour?
✓ Are no other substances added?
✓ Has it not been flaked or pelletized?
✓ Is it for food or industrial use rather than feed residues?
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for corn groats? You can use the General Administration of Customs website or HS code query platforms, enter the keyword 'corn groats' or 'corn grits', and the system will show 110313. You can also consult Chapter 11 of the 'Import and Export Tariff'. What is the difference in HS codes between corn groats and corn flour? Corn groats are classified under 110313, and corn flour under 110220. The difference lies in particle size: groats are granular, flour is powdery. Particle size proof is required for declaration. What is the import tariff rate for corn groats? Rates change, so consult the latest 'Import and Export Tariff'. Usually, MFN rates and general rates differ; follow Customs announcements or consult a customs broker. What regulatory conditions are required for declaring corn groats? It may involve animal and plant quarantine permits, GMO approval, etc. Specifics depend on the country of origin and use. It is advisable to consult Customs in advance. Can corn groats enjoy preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements? If the country of origin has an FTA with China and meets rules of origin, preferential rates can be applied for. A certificate of origin is required. What are the consequences of misreporting corn groats as corn flour? It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and may even be deemed false declaration, facing back taxes, fines, and other penalties. How to fill in the 'processing method' in the declaration elements for corn groats? It should be specifically described as 'coarse grinding', 'sifting', etc., avoiding confusing terms like 'fine grinding' or 'milling'. What should be noted when selling corn groats through cross-border e-commerce? Confirm whether the product is on the positive list for cross-border e-commerce retail imports and comply with relevant quality and safety standards. Also, accurately declare the HS code and elements.
Q: How to query the HS code for corn groats?
A: You can use the General Administration of Customs website or HS code query platforms, enter the keyword 'corn groats' or 'corn grits', and the system will show 110313. You can also consult Chapter 11 of the 'Import and Export Tariff'.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between corn groats and corn flour?
A: Corn groats are classified under 110313, and corn flour under 110220. The difference lies in particle size: groats are granular, flour is powdery. Particle size proof is required for declaration.
Q: What is the import tariff rate for corn groats?
A: Rates change, so consult the latest 'Import and Export Tariff'. Usually, MFN rates and general rates differ; follow Customs announcements or consult a customs broker.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for declaring corn groats?
A: It may involve animal and plant quarantine permits, GMO approval, etc. Specifics depend on the country of origin and use. It is advisable to consult Customs in advance.
Q: Can corn groats enjoy preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements?
A: If the country of origin has an FTA with China and meets rules of origin, preferential rates can be applied for. A certificate of origin is required.
Q: What are the consequences of misreporting corn groats as corn flour?
A: It may lead to classification errors, affecting tariff rates and regulatory conditions, and may even be deemed false declaration, facing back taxes, fines, and other penalties.
Q: How to fill in the 'processing method' in the declaration elements for corn groats?
A: It should be specifically described as 'coarse grinding', 'sifting', etc., avoiding confusing terms like 'fine grinding' or 'milling'.
Q: What should be noted when selling corn groats through cross-border e-commerce?
A: Confirm whether the product is on the positive list for cross-border e-commerce retail imports and comply with relevant quality and safety standards. Also, accurately declare the HS code and elements.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.