HS 121120 Ginseng roots
Quick Answer: Ginseng roots imported under HS 121120 enter the UK and EU duty-free, while the US applies a 6% ad valorem duty rate under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff. This HS code specifically covers ginseng roots, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, or even crushed or powdered, intended for use in traditional medicine, as a food supplement, or for other purposes. Importers should be aware of potential phytosanitary requirements and import restrictions that may apply in certain jurisdictions, in addition to the duty rates. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1211200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12112010 | Free | — | — |
| 1211201090 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 121120 | — | — | [] |
| 1211201020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 1211201500 | 6% | 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 1211.20?
Imports of Ginseng roots 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, GSP, and 14 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 121120 cover?
This subheading covers ginseng roots, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, or even powdered, intended for use in perfumery, in pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes the roots of plants of the genus *Panax*. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification is specific to the root of the ginseng plant, excluding other parts of the plant.
What falls outside HS 121120?
The following products are excluded from HS 121120: ginseng seeds, ginseng seedlings, and other parts of the ginseng plant such as leaves or stems, which are typically classified under other headings within Chapter 12, such as 121190 for "Other" plants, or even Chapter 06 if they are live plants for planting. Processed ginseng products, such as ginseng extracts or preparations for direct consumption as food or beverages, are also excluded and would be classified based on their specific form and intended use, often in Chapters 21 or 29.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121120?
A common error is the misclassification of ginseng extracts or highly processed ginseng products as raw ginseng roots under HS 121120. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 6 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product is a preparation or extract, it generally falls under a more specific heading than raw roots, often in Chapter 29 for chemically defined compounds or Chapter 21 for miscellaneous edible preparations.
How should importers classify products under HS 121120?
The correct procedure for classifying ginseng roots involves consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. Importers and customs brokers must examine the product's form (fresh, dried, powdered), its botanical origin (genus *Panax*), and its intended use. Cross-referencing with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and any specific national rulings or decisions is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121120?
A shipment of 100 kg of dried American ginseng roots, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.07 = $350.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 121120.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121120?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121120, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can offer "Free" entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also receive preferential duty rates, potentially "Free." To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 121120 (Ginseng roots) in major markets?
Import duty rates for HS code 121120 (Ginseng roots) vary by country. For example:
- United States: The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) lists a duty rate of Free for most origins under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status. However, specific preferential rates may apply under trade agreements.
- European Union: The TARIC database typically shows a duty rate of 0.00% ad valorem for ginseng roots from most countries. Preferential rates might be available under specific trade agreements.
- United Kingdom: The UK Trade Tariff also generally lists a duty rate of Free for ginseng roots.
Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their country of origin and destination by consulting the relevant national tariff schedule or customs authority.
How is HS code 121120 (Ginseng roots) classified, and what are the key criteria?
HS code 121120 specifically covers 'Ginseng roots, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered; root of siler, lovage, angelica, asarum, codonopsis and other similar plants of the family Apiaceae or Araliaceae.' The primary classification criterion is the botanical origin and the form of the product. It must be the root of the ginseng plant (Panax species) or specific other plants listed in the heading, and it can be in various physical states (fresh, dried, powdered, etc.). Products that are not roots, or are not from the specified plants, would be classified elsewhere. For instance, ginseng leaves or stems would not fall under this code.
What documentation is typically required for importing HS code 121120 (Ginseng roots)?
When importing ginseng roots (HS 121120), standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations and the intended use of the ginseng (e.g., for medicinal or food purposes), specific certifications may be necessary. These could include:
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to certify that the goods are free from pests and diseases.
- Certificate of Origin: To claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements.
- Health Certificates or Food Safety Declarations: Especially if imported for human consumption or as a pharmaceutical ingredient.
It is crucial for importers and customs brokers to consult the specific import requirements of the destination country to ensure all necessary documents are provided.
How are import duties calculated for HS code 121120, and can you provide an example?
The calculation of import duties for HS code 121120 depends on the specific duty rate applied by the importing country, which can be ad valorem (a percentage of the value), specific (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. Since many countries offer a Free (0.00%) duty rate for this code, duties may not be applicable. However, if a duty were applicable, for example, a 5% ad valorem rate on a shipment valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as follows:
Calculation: Duty Amount = Value of Goods × Duty Rate Example: $10,000 USD × 5% = $500 USD.
If a specific duty applied, such as $0.50 per kilogram, and the shipment weighed 200 kg, the duty would be:
Calculation: Duty Amount = Quantity × Specific Duty Rate Example: 200 kg × $0.50/kg = $100 USD.
Importers must confirm the applicable duty basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) and rate from the destination country's official tariff schedule.
Do trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 121120 (Ginseng roots)?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 121120. Many countries offer preferential duty rates, often Free (0.00%), for goods originating from countries with which they have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade arrangements. For instance, if ginseng roots are exported from a country that is part of an FTA with the United States, the EU, or the UK, they might qualify for duty-free entry even if the standard MFN rate is not Free. To benefit from these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin demonstrating that the ginseng roots meet the rules of origin stipulated in the trade agreement. It is essential to check the specific provisions of any applicable trade agreement and ensure compliance with its requirements.