Chapter 21 is the 'Miscellaneous Edible Preparations' chapter of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, covering a wide range of products including extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea and maté, and preparations with a basis of these products, yeasts, baking powders, sauces and mixed condiments, soups and instant soups, ice cream and other edible ice, as well as food preparations permitted by the notes to this chapter. Goods in this chapter are mostly intermediate products that have undergone complex processing and are directly edible or used in the food industry, and are clearly distinguished from Chapter 20 (preparations of vegetables and fruit) and Chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). Heading 2101 covers 'Extracts, essences and concentrates, of coffee, tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or maté; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof'. This heading mainly targets coffee substitutes and processed preparations of coffee/tea/maté, including roasted chicory, roasted dandelion root, etc. These goods are usually used as coffee substitutes or flavor enhancers, and their processing method (roasting) is the key classification characteristic. The first 2 digits '21' represent Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous Edible Preparations), a major category in the HS classification system covering various processed foods. The 3rd-4th digits '01' represent heading 2101, i.e., extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea or maté and preparations thereof, as well as roasted chicory and other coffee substitutes. The 5th-6th digits '30' represent subheading 210130, specifically 'Roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof'. Note: Subheading 210130 is parallel to 210120 (extracts, essences and concentrates of tea or maté and preparations thereof) and 210110 (extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee and preparations thereof), and the key distinction is whether the basis is coffee, tea or maté. Roasted chicory is classified under 210130 because it is not real coffee but a coffee substitute that has undergone roasting. It does not meet the fresh or unroasted state of Chapter 09 (coffee, tea, spices), nor does it belong to Chapter 20 (preparations of vegetables), because chicory root after roasting has lost its vegetable characteristics and become a coffee substitute with a specific flavor. At the same time, it is not classified under 210120 (tea preparations) or 210110 (coffee preparations), because its basis is not coffee, tea or maté.
Chapter
Chapter 21 is the 'Miscellaneous Edible Preparations' chapter of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, covering a wide range of products including extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea and maté, and preparations with a basis of these products, yeasts, baking powders, sauces and mixed condiments, soups and instant soups, ice cream and other edible ice, as well as food preparations permitted by the notes to this chapter. Goods in this chapter are mostly intermediate products that have undergone complex processing and are directly edible or used in the food industry, and are clearly distinguished from Chapter 20 (preparations of vegetables and fruit) and Chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar).
Heading
Heading 2101 covers 'Extracts, essences and concentrates, of coffee, tea or maté, and preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or maté; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof'. This heading mainly targets coffee substitutes and processed preparations of coffee/tea/maté, including roasted chicory, roasted dandelion root, etc. These goods are usually used as coffee substitutes or flavor enhancers, and their processing method (roasting) is the key classification characteristic.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '21' represent Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous Edible Preparations), a major category in the HS classification system covering various processed foods. The 3rd-4th digits '01' represent heading 2101, i.e., extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea or maté and preparations thereof, as well as roasted chicory and other coffee substitutes. The 5th-6th digits '30' represent subheading 210130, specifically 'Roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof'. Note: Subheading 210130 is parallel to 210120 (extracts, essences and concentrates of tea or maté and preparations thereof) and 210110 (extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee and preparations thereof), and the key distinction is whether the basis is coffee, tea or maté.
Classification Basis
Roasted chicory is classified under 210130 because it is not real coffee but a coffee substitute that has undergone roasting. It does not meet the fresh or unroasted state of Chapter 09 (coffee, tea, spices), nor does it belong to Chapter 20 (preparations of vegetables), because chicory root after roasting has lost its vegetable characteristics and become a coffee substitute with a specific flavor. At the same time, it is not classified under 210120 (tea preparations) or 210110 (coffee preparations), because its basis is not coffee, tea or maté.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use the standard Chinese or English product name, such as 'Roasted chicory' or '烘焙菊苣'. Ingredients: List the main ingredients of the commodity, such as chicory root, possibly added maltodextrin, etc., and the proportion of each ingredient must be indicated. Processing Method: Describe the processing technique, such as 'roasting, grinding'; for extracts, essences and concentrates, indicate 'extraction, concentration'. Packaging Specifications: Indicate the packaging form and net weight, such as '25 kg/bag' or '200 g/bottle', which affects classification and regulatory conditions. Brand: Declare the brand of the commodity (if any); if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'. Use: Describe the use of the commodity, such as 'for blending coffee beverages' or 'as a food ingredient'. Roast Level: For roasted chicory, indicate the roast level (such as light roast, dark roast), which affects flavor and classification. Product Name: Roasted chicory; Ingredients: 100% chicory root; Processing Method: cleaning, slicing, roasting, grinding; Packaging Specifications: 20 kg/bag; Brand: no brand; Use: for blending coffee beverages; Roast Level: dark roast; Origin: France. Mistakenly classifying roasted chicory under Chapter 09 coffee, ignoring its nature as a coffee substitute. Failing to distinguish roasted chicory from unroasted chicory, the latter of which may be classified under Chapter 06 or Chapter 12. Ignoring the impact of added ingredients; if coffee ingredients are added, classification may change to 210110.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use the standard Chinese or English product name, such as 'Roasted chicory' or '烘焙菊苣'.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as 'chicory powder' or 'coffee substitute', without specifying the roasted state.
Ingredients
List the main ingredients of the commodity, such as chicory root, possibly added maltodextrin, etc., and the proportion of each ingredient must be indicated.
⚠️ Only writing 'chicory' without stating whether other substances are added, or concealing added ingredients.
Processing Method
Describe the processing technique, such as 'roasting, grinding'; for extracts, essences and concentrates, indicate 'extraction, concentration'.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'processing' without distinguishing key processes such as roasting and extraction.
Packaging Specifications
Indicate the packaging form and net weight, such as '25 kg/bag' or '200 g/bottle', which affects classification and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Omitting net weight or packaging unit, making it impossible to determine whether it is retail packaging.
Brand
Declare the brand of the commodity (if any); if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or failing to provide the foreign-language brand name.
Use
Describe the use of the commodity, such as 'for blending coffee beverages' or 'as a food ingredient'.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as 'edible', without reflecting the specific application scenario.
Roast Level
For roasted chicory, indicate the roast level (such as light roast, dark roast), which affects flavor and classification.
⚠️ Failing to provide the roast level, or confusing it with coffee roast level.
Example： Product Name: Roasted chicory; Ingredients: 100% chicory root; Processing Method: cleaning, slicing, roasting, grinding; Packaging Specifications: 20 kg/bag; Brand: no brand; Use: for blending coffee beverages; Roast Level: dark roast; Origin: France.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying roasted chicory under Chapter 09 coffee, ignoring its nature as a coffee substitute.
Failing to distinguish roasted chicory from unroasted chicory, the latter of which may be classified under Chapter 06 or Chapter 12.
Ignoring the impact of added ingredients; if coffee ingredients are added, classification may change to 210110.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 21 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the text of heading 2101. Roasted chicory must have undergone roasting and have chicory root as the main ingredient. If the commodity is unroasted chicory, it belongs to Chapter 06 (live plants) or Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits). If the commodity is chicory extract, essence or concentrate, it is still classified under 210130. If coffee, tea or maté ingredients are added, whether it is classified under 210110 or 210120 is determined based on the basis. In addition, whether it is retail packaging does not affect subheading classification, but may affect regulatory conditions. 210110 Extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee and preparations thereof: 210110 has coffee as the basis, while 210130 has chicory and other coffee substitutes as the basis, containing no coffee or coffee only as a minor ingredient. 210120 Extracts, essences and concentrates of tea or maté and preparations thereof: 210120 has tea or maté as the basis, while 210130 has non-tea plants such as chicory as the basis. 090190 Other coffee preparations: 090190 covers roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, etc. containing coffee, while 210130 is coffee substitutes containing no coffee. 121190 Other vegetable products: 121190 covers unroasted plant roots and stems, etc., while 210130 specifically refers to roasted chicory and other coffee substitutes. 200599 Other vegetable preparations: 200599 covers vegetables prepared with vinegar or acetic acid, while 210130 is roasted coffee substitutes, with a different processing method. Has the commodity been roasted? Is the main ingredient chicory or other coffee substitutes? Does it contain coffee, tea or maté ingredients? Is it used as a coffee substitute? Is it classified under Chapter 21 rather than Chapter 09 or Chapter 20?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 21 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the text of heading 2101. Roasted chicory must have undergone roasting and have chicory root as the main ingredient. If the commodity is unroasted chicory, it belongs to Chapter 06 (live plants) or Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits). If the commodity is chicory extract, essence or concentrate, it is still classified under 210130. If coffee, tea or maté ingredients are added, whether it is classified under 210110 or 210120 is determined based on the basis. In addition, whether it is retail packaging does not affect subheading classification, but may affect regulatory conditions.
Confused Codes：
210110 - Extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee and preparations thereof
210110 has coffee as the basis, while 210130 has chicory and other coffee substitutes as the basis, containing no coffee or coffee only as a minor ingredient.
210120 - Extracts, essences and concentrates of tea or maté and preparations thereof
210120 has tea or maté as the basis, while 210130 has non-tea plants such as chicory as the basis.
090190 - Other coffee preparations
090190 covers roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, etc. containing coffee, while 210130 is coffee substitutes containing no coffee.
121190 - Other vegetable products
121190 covers unroasted plant roots and stems, etc., while 210130 specifically refers to roasted chicory and other coffee substitutes.
200599 - Other vegetable preparations
200599 covers vegetables prepared with vinegar or acetic acid, while 210130 is roasted coffee substitutes, with a different processing method.
Self-Check：
✓ Has the commodity been roasted?
✓ Is the main ingredient chicory or other coffee substitutes?
✓ Does it contain coffee, tea or maté ingredients?
✓ Is it used as a coffee substitute?
✓ Is it classified under Chapter 21 rather than Chapter 09 or Chapter 20?
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for roasted chicory? The HS code for roasted chicory is 210130, belonging to Chapter 21 Miscellaneous Edible Preparations, a subheading under heading 2101, covering roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof. How to distinguish roasted chicory from coffee? Roasted chicory is made by roasting chicory root, contains no caffeine, and has a flavor similar to coffee but milder; coffee comes from coffee beans. In classification, coffee is classified under Chapter 09 or 210110, while roasted chicory is classified under 210130. What are the declaration elements for roasted chicory? Declaration elements include product name, ingredients, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, use, roast level, etc. It is necessary to ensure that the ingredients and processing method are accurate for correct classification. If roasted chicory is mixed with coffee, how is it classified? If after mixing the basis is coffee, it should be classified under 210110; if the basis is chicory, it is still classified under 210130. It must be determined based on the main ingredient. Are extracts, essences and concentrates of roasted chicory also classified under 210130? Yes, 210130 explicitly includes extracts, essences and concentrates of roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes. However, attention must be paid to the processing method of the extract; if it is an extract, it is still classified under this code. How is unroasted chicory classified? Unroasted chicory root is generally classified under Chapter 06 (live plants) or Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits), depending on its state and use. After roasting, it is classified under 210130. How to check the import tariff rate for 210130? The import tariff rate must be checked according to the origin and trade agreements. You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' to check the most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc. Rates change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest announcement. What should be noted when selling roasted chicory through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to ensure that the commodity complies with China's food safety standards and to provide accurate HS codes and declaration elements when declaring. If it is retail packaging, attention must be paid to labeling requirements. At the same time, pay attention to whether the list of cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods includes this code.
Q: What is the HS code for roasted chicory?
A: The HS code for roasted chicory is 210130, belonging to Chapter 21 Miscellaneous Edible Preparations, a subheading under heading 2101, covering roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof.
Q: How to distinguish roasted chicory from coffee?
A: Roasted chicory is made by roasting chicory root, contains no caffeine, and has a flavor similar to coffee but milder; coffee comes from coffee beans. In classification, coffee is classified under Chapter 09 or 210110, while roasted chicory is classified under 210130.
Q: What are the declaration elements for roasted chicory?
A: Declaration elements include product name, ingredients, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, use, roast level, etc. It is necessary to ensure that the ingredients and processing method are accurate for correct classification.
Q: If roasted chicory is mixed with coffee, how is it classified?
A: If after mixing the basis is coffee, it should be classified under 210110; if the basis is chicory, it is still classified under 210130. It must be determined based on the main ingredient.
Q: Are extracts, essences and concentrates of roasted chicory also classified under 210130?
A: Yes, 210130 explicitly includes extracts, essences and concentrates of roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes. However, attention must be paid to the processing method of the extract; if it is an extract, it is still classified under this code.
Q: How is unroasted chicory classified?
A: Unroasted chicory root is generally classified under Chapter 06 (live plants) or Chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits), depending on its state and use. After roasting, it is classified under 210130.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 210130?
A: The import tariff rate must be checked according to the origin and trade agreements. You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China' to check the most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc. Rates change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest announcement.
Q: What should be noted when selling roasted chicory through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the commodity complies with China's food safety standards and to provide accurate HS codes and declaration elements when declaring. If it is retail packaging, attention must be paid to labeling requirements. At the same time, pay attention to whether the list of cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods includes this code.
⚠️ 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.