Barley|HTS Code

Barley harmonized system code

Product Overview Barley classified under HTS 1003.90 is cereal grain in its raw grain form, excluding seed for sowing and processed cereal products. It comprises hulled or unhulled kernels of Hordeum vulgare intended for feed, malting, or further industrial processing. Key characteristics include kernel integrity, test weight, moisture content and protein range: typical contractual specifications are moisture 12.0–14.5% (w/w), protein 8–14% (dry basis) depending on end-use, test weight commonly 48–56 lb/bu (approx. 600–720 g/L), and maximum foreign matter/dockage often ≤2–3% by weight. Processing levels covered by this subheading are un-milled whole grain; grains that are pearled, milled, flaked, malted, or ground are classified elsewhere. Product classifications within HTS 1003.90 commonly distinguish by intended use (feed vs. malting), moisture and purity grades, and presence of treatments (e.g., cleaned, dried, or fumigated). Commercial applications include animal feed, commercial malting and brewing, starch and sweetener feedstock, and industrial processing for food ingredients and brewing adjuncts. HTS Code Classification & Trade Specifications HTS 1003.90 is the six-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule entry: Chapter 10 (Chapter title: Cereals), Heading 1003 (Barley) and Subheading 1003.90 (other barley). The subheading covers barley presented as whole grain (hulled or unhulled) that is not seed for sowing and not subject to further industrial milling or processing; products transformed into flours, groats, pearled barley, malt or otherwise processed are classified under different headings. Classification rationale rests on botanical origin (Hordeum spp.), presentation (whole grain), and absence of milling or cooking. Trade considerations for importers and brokers include typical packaging (bulk (loose), 25–50 kg woven polypropylene sacks, FIBC), containerization practices, stowage factor (~1.3–1.5 m3/ton), and preservation controls (moisture ≤14.5%, cleaned, ventilation, fumigation where required—documented by phytosanitary and fumigation certificates). Required documentation and quality standards commonly referenced are the U.S. Grain Standards (USDA FGIS), commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, export inspection certificate, and any importing-country phytosanitary or maximum residue limit (MRL) compliance certificates.

Barley Chapter Note

1.- (A) The products specified in the headings of this Chapter are to be classified in those headings only if grains are present, whether or not in the ear or on the stalk. (B) The Chapter does not cover grains which have been hulled or otherwise worked. However, rice, husked, milled, polished, glazed, parboiled or broken remains classified in heading 10.06. Similarly, quinoa from which the pericarp has been wholly or partly removed in order to separate the saponin, but which has not undergone any other processes, remains classified in heading 10.08. 2.- Heading 10.05 does not cover sweet corn (Chapter 7). Subheading Note. 1.- The term “durum wheat” means wheat of the Triticum durum species and the hybrids derived from the inter-specific crossing of Triticum durum which have the same number (28) of chromosomes as that species