HS 121291 Other
Quick Answer: Sugar beet, including sugar beet seed, imported under HS 121291 enters the UK at rates such as 19.00 GBP / 100 kg, the EU at rates like 23.00 EUR / 100 kg, and the US at 39.7¢/t or 88.2¢/t, with some preferential rates being free. This classification specifically covers sugar beet, a root vegetable primarily cultivated for its high sucrose content, and its seeds, when not classified elsewhere. Importers should note the specific unit of measure for duty calculation (per 100 kg or per tonne) and verify preferential rates applicable to their origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212910000 | — | — | — |
| 1212912000 | 19.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1212918000 | 5.60 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212910000 | — | — | — |
| 1212912000 | 23.00 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
| 1212918000 | 6.70 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212910000 | 39.7¢/t | Free (17 programs) | ["t"] |
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 1212.91?
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 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 121291 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" vegetables, roots, tubers, and their mixtures, which are not elsewhere specified or included in heading 1212. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes items like chicory roots, dried, and other edible roots and tubers not specifically listed. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database further clarify that this category is a residual one for such products when they do not fit into more specific headings within Chapter 12, such as those for sugar beet or fodder roots.
What falls outside HS 121291?
The following products are excluded from HS 121291: fresh or chilled vegetables, roots, and tubers of heading 0714, which are specifically for human consumption and include items like cassava, sweet potatoes, and arrowroot. Also excluded are medicinal plants or parts thereof (Chapter 30), and products of heading 1211, which covers plants and parts of plants used for perfumery, pharmacy, insecticides, fungicides or similar purposes. For instance, ginseng roots classified under 1211 are not to be entered here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121291?
A common error is misclassifying processed or dried vegetables that should fall under Chapter 20, such as dried chicory roots that have undergone significant processing beyond simple drying. Another mistake involves classifying medicinal roots or tubers under 121291 when they are specifically intended for pharmaceutical use and thus belong to Chapter 30 or heading 1211, as per General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3(b) of the Harmonized System.
How should importers classify products under HS 121291?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121291 involves a thorough review of the product's physical characteristics, intended use, and degree of processing. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO HS Nomenclature, and then cross-reference with specific national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. If the product is a root or tuber, not fresh or chilled, not specifically for human consumption under 0714, and not for medicinal or perfumery purposes under 1211, then 121291 is the appropriate residual classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121291?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of dried chicory roots, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $2,500 USD = $125.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specifically under HTSUS subheading 1212910000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121291?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121291, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or free rates for originating goods from certain developing countries. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferences, depending on the specific agreement and originating country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 121291, and how do they vary by country?
HS code 121291, covering 'Other' vegetable products of a kind used for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included, exhibits varied duty rates globally. For instance, the UK Trade Tariff shows rates such as 19.00 GBP / 100 kg and 5.60 GBP / 100 kg. The EU TARIC database might list rates like 23.00 EUR / 100 kg and 6.70 EUR / 100 kg. In the US, rates can be expressed in cents per tonne (¢/t), with examples like 39.7¢/t and 88.2¢/t. Many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free status for certain countries, indicated by 'Free' followed by country codes (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for precise rates applicable to their origin and destination.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 121291 when a specific rate per unit (e.g., per 100 kg) applies?
When a duty rate is specified per unit of weight, such as GBP/100 kg or EUR/100 kg, the calculation involves multiplying the rate by the net weight of the goods in the specified unit. For example, if importing 5,000 kg of a product classified under HS 121291 into the UK, and the applicable duty rate is 19.00 GBP / 100 kg, the duty would be calculated as follows: (5,000 kg / 100 kg) * 19.00 GBP = 50 * 19.00 GBP = 950.00 GBP. It is crucial to use the net weight of the goods for this calculation.
What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 121291 'Other'?
HS code 121291 is a residual category for vegetable products of a kind used for human consumption that are not specifically classified under other headings within Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. This includes items like certain dried or processed algae, specific types of seeds not covered elsewhere, or other edible plant parts not specified in headings 1211 through 121290. The primary criteria are that the product must be of vegetable origin, suitable for human consumption, and not more specifically described by another HS code. Importers should carefully review the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific national tariff rulings to ensure correct classification, as misclassification can lead to penalties.
Which common trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 121291, and what documentation is typically required?
Several trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in 'Free' entry, for goods under HS code 121291. Examples include agreements between the EU and countries like Switzerland (CH), Norway (NO), and various African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) states under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The US has agreements with countries like Australia (AU) and Singapore (SG) that may offer reduced rates. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a 'Proof of Origin' document, such as a EUR.1 movement certificate for EU trade, an ATR movement certificate for trade between Turkey and the EU, or a declaration of origin completed by the exporter on an invoice or other commercial document, depending on the specific agreement and the value of the goods. Consult the relevant trade agreement and the importing country's customs authority for exact documentation requirements.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a commercial invoice and packing list for importing goods under HS 121291?
While a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard import documents, specific requirements for HS code 121291 can depend on the nature of the product and the importing country's regulations. For certain vegetable products intended for human consumption, phytosanitary certificates may be required to ensure they are free from pests and diseases, particularly if they are raw or minimally processed. Health certificates might also be necessary to attest to their suitability for consumption. Importers should verify with the food safety or agricultural inspection agencies of the destination country to ascertain any additional health, safety, or plant protection documentation needed to clear customs.