HS 121490 Other
Quick Answer: Other fodder plants, not elsewhere specified, imported under HS 121490 enter the UK at rates up to 4.00%, the EU duty-free, and the US duty-free. This residual classification applies to fodder plants not specifically listed in preceding HS codes within Chapter 12, such as certain types of roots, leaves, and stems used for animal feed. Importers should verify specific product descriptions against the detailed tariff schedules of their destination country, as the "Other" designation can lead to varied interpretations. According to CustomTariffs data, while many major markets offer duty-free entry, specific national interpretations or additional duties may apply.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1214900000 | — | — | — |
| 1214901000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 1214909000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1214909020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1214909090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1214900000 | — | — | — |
| 1214909000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1214909020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1214909090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1214901000 | 5.80 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12149000 | Free | — | — |
| 1214900018 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 1214900030 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 1214900010 | — | — | ["t"] |
| 1214900025 | — | — | ["t"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 121490 cover?
This subheading covers "other" forage products of a kind not specified or included in heading 1214. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, heading 1214 specifically enumerates products like swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, clover, sainfoin, alfalfa, lupins, vetches, and similar forage products, whether or not dried or in pellets. Therefore, HS 121490 acts as a residual category for forage products that do not fit the more specific descriptions within heading 1214, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this agricultural sector.
What falls outside HS 121490?
The following products are excluded from HS 121490: any forage products specifically enumerated in heading 1214, such as clover, sainfoin, alfalfa, lupins, and vetches, whether dried or in pellets. Additionally, products primarily intended for human consumption, even if they could be used as animal feed, would be classified elsewhere. For instance, grains like corn or wheat, or root vegetables like potatoes and carrots intended for human food, are not covered by this subheading and would fall under different HS chapters.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 121490?
A common error is misclassifying products that are very similar to those in heading 1214 but have a slightly different primary use or processing. For example, if a product is processed into a form that makes it primarily suitable for human consumption, it would not fall under HS 121490, even if it originates from a forage crop. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such mistakes.
How should importers classify products under HS 121490?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 121490 involves a thorough examination of the product's nature, its intended use, and its physical characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must first consult the explanatory notes for heading 1214 to determine if the product is specifically listed. If it is not, and it is a forage product not otherwise specified, then HS 121490 is the appropriate classification. Verification against national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, is essential for definitive classification and duty assessment.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 121490?
A shipment of dried lupin seeds, weighing 10,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.00. This is because the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 121490 in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is 0% ad valorem. The calculation is 0% × $5,000 USD = $0.00. This reflects the duty-free status often granted to such agricultural commodities under the USITC HTS, specifically under subheading 1214.90.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 121490?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 121490, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) also offers duty-free treatment for eligible originating goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically need to provide a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical duty rates for HS code 121490, and how do preferential rates apply?
HS code 121490, designated for 'Other' forage products not elsewhere specified, often carries a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem in the United States. However, many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, offer preferential duty rates, often 0.00% or Free, under various trade agreements or generalized systems of preference (GSP). For instance, imports from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US may qualify for duty-free entry if they meet the rules of origin. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment, often requiring a Certificate of Origin.
What specific forage products fall under HS code 121490, and what are the classification criteria?
HS code 121490 is a residual category for forage products of a kind used for animal feed that are not specifically classified under other headings within Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. This includes items like dried or dehydrated grasses, clovers, vetches, and other forage plants not covered by more specific codes (e.g., 1214.10 for lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets). The classification hinges on the product being primarily intended for animal feed and not fitting into more specific descriptions. For example, if a product is a mixture of various forage plants not otherwise specified, it would likely be classified here. Verification often involves reviewing product specifications and intended use.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 121490?
Standard import documentation for HS code 121490 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documents may be required. This can include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates, phytosanitary certificates to ensure the health and safety of agricultural products, and potentially laboratory analysis reports to confirm product composition and suitability for animal feed. Importers should always verify the specific requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
How is the import duty for HS code 121490 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 121490 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 4.00% and the declared value of a shipment of 'other' forage products is $10,000 USD, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 4.00% (Duty Rate) = $400.00 USD. Some countries may also have specific quantity-based duties (e.g., per metric ton), but for 121490, ad valorem is most common. If a specific trade agreement grants duty-free entry (0.00%), the duty would be $0.00.
Which major trade agreements commonly affect duty rates for HS code 121490?
Several trade agreements can significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 121490. For imports into the United States, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer preferential rates for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Other FTAs, such as those with Australia or Singapore, could also provide reduced or zero duties. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries like the UK (post-Brexit), Switzerland, or various ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) nations can alter duty liabilities. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) also allows many developing countries to export certain goods, including forage products, to developed nations at reduced or zero duty rates. Verification of origin and compliance with rules of origin are crucial for claiming benefits under these agreements.