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19
Tariff Chapter 19
Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing less than 40 % by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included; food preparations of goods of headings 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing less than 5 % by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included
What does heading 1901 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 1901 covers malt extract, food preparations of flour, groats, starch. Cereal and pasta preparations constitute a significant part of international food trade, covering a wide range of finished and semi-finished products. Import of cereal preparations into the EU is subject to duty rates from approximately 6% to 19%, with frequent application of specific duties based on cereal and sugar components. Phytosanitary certificates and compliance with EU food safety standards, including mycotoxin and GMO limits, are required. Heading 1901 is part of Chapter 19 (fats, processed food, beverages and tobacco) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 1901 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 1901 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 1901
Import of cereal preparations into the EU is subject to duty rates from approximately 6% to 19%, with frequent application of specific duties based on cereal and sugar components. Phytosanitary certificates and compliance with EU food safety standards, including mycotoxin and GMO limits, are required. Duty rates often include cereal and sugar components calculated on ingredient content. Products must meet EU standards for mycotoxins, GMOs and labelling. Labelling must include allergen information (gluten, eggs, milk) under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Check whether the product benefits from tariff preferences under EU trade agreements. When importing goods under heading 1901 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 1901 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system).
Classification of goods under heading 1901 - key considerations
Heading 1901 covers malt extract, preparations of flour/starch. Key classification factors are the degree of processing, composition and intended use of the product. CN subheadings divide goods in detail. Common mistake: odżywki dla niemowląt - tutaj. The boundary with neighbouring headings (1904/2106) depends on the preservation or processing method. Section and chapter notes must be considered as they define the precise scope of each heading.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU duty rates for importing malt extract and flour preparations under heading 1901?
Duty rates for heading 1901 products range from 0% to 12.8% ad valorem, with frequent application of additional specific duties based on cereal and sugar components. Malt extract is subject to a duty comprising an ad valorem element plus additional charges for starch and sugar content. Flour preparations (e.g. cake mixes, infant preparations, malt beverages) have varying rates depending on composition. Infant food preparations from cereal flour may benefit from reduced rates. Accurate classification requires detailed analysis of raw material composition. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required to import cereal preparations under heading 1901 into the EU?
Importing heading 1901 products into the EU requires a phytosanitary certificate and compliance with EU food safety standards. A customs declaration and EORI number are mandatory. Products must meet limits for mycotoxins, pesticides, and contaminants. Products containing dairy ingredients are subject to additional veterinary requirements. Labelling must include full ingredient lists, allergens (gluten, milk), nutritional values, and GMO information as required by EU regulation. Infant food preparations must comply with specific composition and labelling requirements under Directive 2006/141/EC. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply to imports of malt extract and flour preparations - inspections, composition, GMO?
Heading 1901 products undergo phytosanitary and food safety controls at the EU border. Particular attention is paid to the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - cereal products must comply with Regulation (EC) 1829/2003. Precise determination of product composition is critical, as duty rates depend on cereal, sugar, and milk fat content. Packaging must provide adequate moisture protection. Infant food preparations are subject to enhanced quality controls. Products should be transported in dry containers maintaining manufacturer-specified conditions. Importers should provide detailed product specifications. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing less than 40 % by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included; food preparations of goods of headings 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing less than 5 % by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included" and see the full import cost.Excise Duty CalculatorCheck if your goods are subject to excise duty and calculate the tax amount.Import Profitability CalculatorCheck the import profitability of "Malt extract; food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing less than 40 % by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included; food preparations of goods of headings 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing less than 5 % by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included" with all costs included.
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