HS 121299 Other
Quick Answer: Products imported under HS 121299 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 5.80% ad valorem, and the US at rates including free, 4.4¢/kg, and 1.5¢/kg. This residual classification, "Other," applies to vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included, such as certain seeds, flours, and powders derived from plants, which do not fit into more specific headings within Chapter 12. Importers and customs brokers must carefully review the specific product's characteristics and intended use to ensure it correctly falls under this broad category, as misclassification can lead to penalties. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the need for precise documentation to support the classification.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212990000 | — | — | — |
| 1212994100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1212994900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1212999500 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1212999510 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212990000 | — | — | — |
| 1212994100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1212994900 | 5.80 % | — | — |
| 1212999500 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1212999510 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1212992000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 121299 | — | — | — |
| 1212993000 | 1.5¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 1212999200 | Free | — | ["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 1212.99?
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 121299 cover?
This subheading covers "Other" products within Heading 1212, which pertains to "Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, for human or animal food, whether or not ground, but not elsewhere specified or included." Specifically, HS 121299 encompasses plant materials not elsewhere specified in Heading 1212, such as certain dried herbs, plant seeds for non-food purposes (like ornamental plants), and specific plant extracts not classified under more specific headings. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System provide further guidance on the scope of this residual category, emphasizing its role for items not fitting into more precise classifications within the heading.
What falls outside HS 121299?
The following products are excluded from HS 121299: items specifically enumerated in other subheadings of Heading 1212, such as locust beans, sugar beet, and sugar cane. Additionally, products that are primarily for medicinal purposes, even if derived from plants, are typically classified under Chapter 30. Processed food products, such as flours or meals derived from these plant materials, may also be classified elsewhere depending on their degree of processing and intended use, often falling under Chapter 11 or Chapter 21. For instance, ground seaweed intended for human consumption as a food ingredient would likely be classified under a more specific foodstuff heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121299?
A common error is misclassifying products that have a primary use other than as food or animal feed, or those that have undergone significant processing. For example, plant materials intended for extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients should not be classified under 121299 but rather under Chapter 30. Furthermore, according to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may incorrectly assign items to 121299 when a more specific subheading within Heading 1212 or another chapter accurately describes the product's nature and intended use.
How should importers classify products under HS 121299?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121299 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, form, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must first consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database. If the product is a plant material not specifically listed in other subheadings of Heading 1212 and is not primarily intended for medicinal, industrial, or other specific uses covered by different chapters, then 121299 may be appropriate. Verification with national customs authorities or a customs broker is recommended for complex cases.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121299?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of dried, ground chicory roots, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value ($500 USD × 5.0% = $25.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 1212999000, which is a more specific code within the broader 121299 category for the United States. The specific duty rate can vary significantly by country.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121299?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121299, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) also allows for reduced or duty-free entry for eligible originating goods from designated developing countries, such as India or Indonesia. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically required, while for GSP, a GSP Form A or a self-certified origin statement may be necessary, depending on the importing country's regulations.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 121299, and how can I find preferential rates?
HS code 121299, classified as 'Other' under 'Other' vegetable products, has varied duty rates depending on the importing country. For example, the US Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often 0.00%. However, preferential rates under trade agreements can differ significantly. To find specific rates and preferential treatment, consult the official tariff database of the importing country. For the US, this is the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule. For the EU, it's the TARIC database. For the UK, it's the UK Trade Tariff. These resources will detail standard duties, preferential duties under agreements like USMCA, EU Free Trade Agreements, or UK Free Trade Agreements, and any applicable quotas or special provisions.
What specific criteria determine if a product falls under HS code 121299 ('Other')?
HS code 121299 is a residual category. It applies to vegetable products, whether or not mixed together, not elsewhere specified or included in Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. This means that if a vegetable product (e.g., roots, tubers, seeds, fruits, algae, mosses) is not specifically listed under other headings within Chapter 12 (such as 1201-121291), it is classified under 121299. Common examples include certain types of seaweed, specific plant seeds not for sowing, or processed vegetable materials not covered by more specific headings. The key is to exhaust all other more specific HS codes before resorting to 121299.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 121299?
Standard import documentation for HS code 121299 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the specific product and the importing country's regulations, additional documents may be necessary. These could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, phytosanitary certificates if the product is a plant or part thereof to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases, or specific import permits if the product is subject to import controls (e.g., certain food ingredients, or products derived from endangered species if applicable, though less common for this code). Always verify the specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 121299 if it's not an ad valorem rate, using a specific example?
Some countries may apply specific duties or compound duties to HS code 121299. For instance, if a country applies a specific duty of 4.4¢/kg and the importer brings in 10,000 kg of a product classified under 121299, the calculation would be: 10,000 kg * $0.044/kg = $440.00 in duties. If a compound duty applies, such as 1.5% ad valorem plus 2.2¢/kg, and the value of the shipment is $5,000 (equivalent to 10,000 kg at $0.50/kg), the duty would be calculated as (0.015 * $5,000) + (10,000 kg * $0.022/kg) = $75 + $220 = $295.00. Always confirm the exact duty calculation method and rates with the official tariff schedule of the importing country.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer reduced or free trade duties for products classified under HS code 121299?
Products classified under HS code 121299 may benefit from reduced or free trade duties under various trade agreements. For imports into the United States, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) might offer preferential treatment for eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with numerous countries often provides duty reductions or eliminations on a wide range of goods, including those under 121299, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, the UK has FTAs with many countries post-Brexit that could impact duties. To determine eligibility, importers must consult the specific text of the relevant trade agreement and ensure their goods meet the stipulated rules of origin, typically requiring a Certificate of Origin.