Rye (Secale cereale) is classified specifically under heading 1002, separate from wheat (1001) and from triticale, which falls under a different heading in the same chapter. Classification is based on the botanical species of the grain, so accurate species identification on shipping documents is essential to avoid misclassification.

US rye imports support craft distilling (rye whiskey), specialty bread baking, and to a lesser extent animal feed. Demand from the craft spirits sector has grown, and importers should ensure that grain specifications — particularly moisture content and falling number — match the buyer's processing requirements.