HS 120991 Other
Quick Answer: Seeds for sowing, not otherwise specified, imported under HS 120991 enter the UK at rates up to 8.00%, the EU at rates up to 8.30%, and the US with a significant number of duty-free provisions under various trade agreements, alongside specific ad valorem and per kilogram rates. This classification is a residual category for seeds intended for planting that do not fit into more specific HS headings within Chapter 12. Importers and customs brokers should carefully review the specific seed type and the destination country's tariff schedule to determine the precise duty liability, as rates can vary considerably. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1209910000 | — | — | — |
| 1209913000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
| 1209918000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 1209918010 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 1209918090 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1209918000 | 3.00 % | — | — |
| 1209910000 | — | — | — |
| 1209913000 | 8.30 % | — | — |
| 1209918010 | 3.00 % | — | — |
| 1209918090 | 3.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1209911000 | 5.9¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 120991 | — | — | — |
| 1209912000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 1209914000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 1209915000 | 0.68¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["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 1209.91?
Imports of Other 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 16 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 120991 cover?
This subheading covers seeds of a kind used for sowing, specifically those not elsewhere specified within heading 1209. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes seeds of herbaceous plants, other than those for sowing, which are not explicitly listed in preceding subheadings of 1209. For instance, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) defines this category broadly to encompass seeds of ornamental plants, certain types of grass seeds not intended for pasture, and other miscellaneous seeds for planting purposes that do not fit more specific classifications.
What falls outside HS 120991?
The following products are excluded from HS 120991: seeds of a kind used for sowing that are specifically enumerated in other subheadings of heading 1209, such as seeds of forage plants (e.g., clover, alfalfa) or seeds of vegetables. Additionally, seeds not intended for sowing, such as those used for food (e.g., sunflower seeds for consumption) or industrial purposes, are classified elsewhere. For example, oilseeds like soybeans or rapeseed, even if they could technically be sown, are classified under Chapter 12 based on their primary use or specific enumeration, not under this "other" category.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 120991?
A common error is misclassifying seeds intended for consumption or industrial use under this subheading, which is strictly for seeds used for sowing. This often occurs when the intended use is not clearly documented or understood. For instance, seeds that are primarily traded for their oil content or as food ingredients are not covered by heading 1209. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, which prioritizes Section and Chapter Notes and then specific headings and subheadings, is crucial to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 120991?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 120991 involves a thorough examination of the product's intended use and its specific botanical characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC database, to determine if the seeds are specifically listed in a preceding subheading. If the seeds are indeed for sowing and are not otherwise specified, then HS 120991 is the appropriate classification, requiring careful documentation of the "for sowing" purpose.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 120991?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of ornamental grass seeds for sowing, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $50.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 10% of $500 USD = $50.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTS subheading 1209.91.9000, which is the most specific classification for "Other" seeds for sowing.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 120991?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 120991, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, seeds for sowing originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a valid USMCA certification of origin. Additionally, depending on the origin country, other preferential schemes like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) might offer reduced or free entry, requiring a GSP Form A. For imports into the EU or UK, specific bilateral agreements might apply, potentially requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 120991 (Other seeds and oleaginous fruits, for sowing, not elsewhere specified)?
Import duty rates for HS code 120991 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often 3.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under trade agreements can be lower or even free. For instance, goods from Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from reduced or zero duties depending on specific product eligibility and origin documentation. Always consult the latest tariff schedule of the importing country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 120991 if it has a specific rate per kilogram?
When a duty rate is expressed as a specific amount per unit of weight (e.g., cents per kilogram), the calculation is straightforward. For instance, if a country imposes a duty of 5.9¢/kg on imports under HS 120991, and an importer brings in 1,000 kilograms of goods, the total duty would be 1,000 kg * 5.9¢/kg = 5,900¢, which is equivalent to $59.00. This is in addition to any ad valorem duties that might also apply.
What are the classification criteria for HS code 120991?
HS code 120991 covers 'Other seeds and oleaginous fruits, for sowing, not elsewhere specified'. This means the goods must be seeds or fruits of plants primarily intended for planting or propagation, and not specifically listed under other headings within Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System (e.g., seeds of cereals, oil seeds, or vegetables). The key criterion is the intended use: for sowing. Evidence of this intent, such as phytosanitary certificates or supplier declarations, may be required by customs authorities.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 120991?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 120991. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) that may offer reduced or free entry for eligible goods. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and its Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with various developing countries also offer preferential treatment. Importers should verify the specific origin requirements and product eligibility under the relevant trade agreement to claim these benefits.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 120991?
Beyond standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, importing seeds and oleaginous fruits for sowing under HS 120991 often requires specific certifications. These may include a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the exporting country's plant protection organization to ensure the goods are free from pests and diseases. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific type of seed, a Certificate of Origin might be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. Some countries may also require a declaration of seed viability or purity.