HS 120922 Clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds
Quick Answer: Clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds imported under HS 120922 enter the UK and EU duty-free, while the US applies rates that can include 1.6¢/kg or 13¢/kg, with certain trade agreements allowing for duty-free entry. This HS code specifically covers seeds of clover, a forage crop. Importers should be aware of potential phytosanitary requirements and country-specific preferential duty rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1209220000 | — | — | — |
| 1209221000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1209228000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1209220000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1209221000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1209228000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120922 | — | — | — |
| 1209222000 | 1.6¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 12092240 | Free | — | — |
| 1209224020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 1209224030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 1209.22?
Imports of Clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 120922 cover?
This subheading covers seeds of clover (Trifolium spp.) specifically intended for sowing. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 1209 encompasses seeds, fruit, and spores, of a kind used for sowing. Subheading 1209.22 specifically isolates clover seeds, distinguishing them from other forage plant seeds under 1209.29. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this specific classification for agricultural purposes.
What falls outside HS 120922?
The following products are excluded from HS 120922: clover seeds that have been processed for human or animal consumption, such as milled or otherwise prepared clover for feed. Also excluded are clover plants or parts thereof not intended for sowing, and clover seeds that are not specifically identified as Trifolium spp. For instance, clover used as a green manure crop that is tilled into the soil without being harvested as seed would not fall under this code. Seeds of other forage plants, like alfalfa or grass, are classified under different subheadings within 1209.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 120922?
A common error is misclassifying clover seeds based on their end-use without proper verification. For example, if clover seeds are intended for ornamental purposes rather than sowing as forage, they might be incorrectly classified. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also mistakenly classify mixed forage seeds containing clover under 1209.22 instead of a more appropriate subheading for mixtures, if available.
How should importers classify products under HS 120922?
The correct procedure for classifying clover seeds under HS 120922 involves confirming the botanical identity of the seeds as Trifolium spp. and verifying that they are intended for sowing. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to confirm the exact wording of the subheading. Reviewing product documentation, including seed certificates and supplier declarations, is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 120922?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of certified red clover (Trifolium pratense) seeds, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.00% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 7.00% × $500 USD = $35.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 1209.22.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 120922?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 120922, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating clover seeds from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA country of origin certification statement on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin is required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free entry for originating goods from certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds (HS 120922)?
Import duty rates for HS code 120922, 'Clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds', vary by country. For example, the United States' Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. The European Union's TARIC system often applies a rate of 1.6 cents per kilogram. The United Kingdom's Trade Tariff lists a rate of 13 cents per kilogram. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the duty calculated for clover seeds if a per-kilogram rate applies?
When a duty is calculated on a per-kilogram basis, the total duty is the rate multiplied by the net weight of the imported clover seeds in kilograms. For instance, if the duty rate is 1.6¢/kg and you import 1,000 kg of clover seeds, the duty would be 1,000 kg * 1.6¢/kg = 1,600 cents, or $16.00. This is a specific example; the actual rate must be verified from the importing country's tariff schedule.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 120922?
HS code 120922 specifically covers seeds of clover, belonging to the genus Trifolium. To be classified under this code, the goods must be seeds intended for sowing. This excludes clover hay, dried clover, or other parts of the clover plant not intended for propagation. The purity and germination rate of the seeds are typically important for agricultural regulations but do not alter the HS classification itself, provided they are indeed seeds for sowing.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for clover seeds (HS 120922)?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for clover seeds. For example, under the US tariff schedule, rates are listed as 'Free' for countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), Mexico (MX), and South Korea (KR) under specific preferential programs. The EU's TARIC system also has reduced or free rates for goods originating from countries with which it has free trade agreements. Importers must verify the rules of origin and eligibility under the relevant trade agreement for the specific country of export.
What documentation is typically required when importing clover seeds under HS 120922?
In addition to standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, importing clover seeds (HS 120922) often requires specific agricultural certifications. This may include a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country, confirming the seeds are free from pests and diseases. Some countries may also require a seed analysis certificate detailing purity and germination rates. It is crucial to consult the importing country's agricultural and customs authorities for precise documentation requirements to avoid delays or penalties.