White Cornmeal (Food Grade)
White cornmeal is a finely milled meal produced from white maize varieties, with at least 95% of the product passing through a 2 mm sieve. It is commonly used in tortillas, polenta, and gluten-free baking. This product qualifies for tariff item 1103.13.00 as a maize meal, provided it meets the starch and ash content requirements of Chapter 11.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the maize is flaked or otherwise processed
Worked grains, such as flakes, are classified in heading 11.04 rather than as meal.
If the product fails the starch or ash content tests
Milling residues of maize that do not meet Chapter 11 criteria are classified under heading 23.02.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Confirm the ash content (after deducting added minerals) does not exceed 2% and starch content exceeds 45% to avoid reclassification to heading 23.02
• Include a certificate of analysis from the mill in your import documentation
• Check if the cornmeal is for human consumption, which may require a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) import declaration
Related Products under Tariff item 1103.13.00
Arepa Flour Base
Arepa flour base is a pre-ground cornmeal made from dry-milled maize, fragmented to meet the 2 mm sieve standard of Chapter 11. It is a staple for making Venezuelan arepas and requires cooking before consumption. This product is classified under tariff item 1103.13.00 as a maize meal, provided it meets the starch and ash content thresholds.
Blue Cornmeal
Blue cornmeal is ground from heirloom blue maize, meeting the cornmeal sieve requirements of tariff item 1103.13.00. It is popular for naturally colored tortillas and health foods, and the blue variety does not affect classification.
Brewers Corn Grits
Brewers corn grits are coarsely ground, degermed corn kernels used as an adjunct in beer brewing. They meet the Chapter 11 definition of groats or meal, with at least 95% by weight passing through a 2 mm sieve, and are classified under tariff item 1103.13.00 as cereal groats and meal of maize.
Corn Bran Meal
Corn bran meal is a finely ground product derived from the outer layers of maize kernels, milled to meet the sieve and ash content specifications of Chapter 11. It is used as a high-fibre baking ingredient. This product falls under tariff item 1103.13.00 as a maize meal, provided it meets the starch content threshold of 45% and ash content not exceeding 2%.
Corn Grits
Corn grits are produced by grinding dried corn kernels into coarse particles, with at least 95% by weight passing through a 2 mm sieve. They are classified under tariff item 1103.13.00 as cereal groats and meal of maize, commonly used in breakfast cereals and side dishes.
Cornmeal (Fine Grind)
Fine cornmeal is fragmented corn grain that meets the Chapter 11 definition of groats or meal, with at least 95% by weight passing through a 2 mm sieve. It is classified under tariff item 1103.13.00 and is used for cornbread, tortillas, and other baked goods.