11031100
PRODUCTS OF THE MILLING INDUSTRY; MALT; STARCHES; INULIN; WHEAT GLUTEN›Cereal groats, meal and pellets
Groats and meal - Of wheat
Classification of wheat groats and meal CN 1103 11
CN code 1103 11 covers groats and meal of wheat, being milling products with coarser particle size than flour. Chapter 11 of the CN classifies products of the cereal milling industry, and heading 1103 covers cereal groats, meal, and pellets. Wheat semolina is a key product for pasta, couscous, and baked goods manufacture. The distinction between flour (1101) and groats (1103 11) is based on granulometric criteria set out in the Notes to Chapter 11: the product must not pass through a sieve of specified mesh size at the required weight percentage. Importers should hold a granulometric analysis certificate. Bulgur wheat, as a heat-treated wheat product, may require separate classification. Classification follows the GIR, Rules 1 and 6.
Import requirements for wheat groats CN 1103 11
Importing wheat groats and meal into the EU requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). Products are subject to food safety legislation (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), mycotoxin controls (deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A), and pesticide residues (Regulation (EC) No 396/2005). Labelling must comply with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, with mandatory gluten allergen declaration. Imports may be subject to the licensing system. Customs documentation includes the commercial invoice, transport document, quality certificate with granulometric analysis, and EORI number. Phytosanitary inspection may be required. Organic products require certification under Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Durum wheat semolina is a premium raw material for the pasta industry.
Trade in wheat groats and tariff preferences CN 1103 11
Duty rates for wheat groats and meal under CN 1103 11 should be verified in TARIC. Processed wheat products are subject to a tariff system with an agricultural component. Durum wheat semolina is a key raw material in pasta production, and its import has strategic importance for the European food industry. Major exporters include Turkey, Maghreb countries (couscous tradition), and Canada (durum wheat). Preferential rates are available under EU trade agreements and tariff rate quotas. Imports from sanctioned countries face restrictions. VAT is charged upon import. Semolina quality (protein content, granulation, colour) affects commercial price but not tariff classification at the 6-digit level. Current trade measures should be verified in TARIC.
Industrial uses of wheat groats in the EU
Wheat groats and meal under CN 1103 11 have wide industrial applications in the EU food sector. Semolina (durum wheat meal) is the key raw material for pasta and couscous production. Wheat groats are used in breakfast cereals, food preparations and bakery products. Importers should pay attention to classification - products with different particle sizes may attract different duty rates. Durum wheat meal is classified separately from common wheat products.
Frequently asked questions
How does wheat semolina differ from wheat flour in CN classification?
Wheat semolina under CN 1103 11 has a coarser particle size than flour under CN 1101 00. The distinction is based on granulometric criteria: flour must pass through a sieve of specified mesh size; semolina does not. The Notes to Chapter 11 of the CN specify granulometric thresholds. Sieve analysis is key to correct classification.
Is couscous classified under CN 1103 11?
No, couscous is a further processed product (semolina granules steamed) and is classified under heading 1902 40 (couscous). Raw semolina (durum wheat groats) used as a raw material for couscous production is classified under 1103 11. The distinction is based on the degree of processing per the Notes to Chapters 11 and 19.
What documents are required for importing wheat semolina into the EU?
For importing groats under CN 1103 11, the following are required: commercial invoice, transport document, EORI number, quality certificate with granulometric analysis, possibly an import licence, and a proof of origin for preferential rates. Organic products require a conformity certificate. Current requirements should be verified in TARIC.
What is the difference between groats and meal in CN 1103 11?
Groats and meal under CN 1103 11 differ in particle size - meal is coarser, groats finer. Both are classified together under the same tariff subheading and attract the same duty rate.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
Duty & VAT CalculatorCalculate customs duty and VAT for "Groats and meal - Of wheat" 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 "Groats and meal - Of wheat" with all costs included.
Related glossary terms