HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1005.10 – Cereals; maize (corn), seed
HS code 1005.10 is the 6-digit subheading for cereals, maize (corn), seed. It is used for hybrid corn seeds, genetically modified corn seeds, open-pollinated corn seeds, sweet corn seeds and popcorn seeds.
What HS 1005.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers maize (corn) intended for sowing, representing a crucial segment of the agricultural input market. The trade in seed corn is highly specialized, involving genetically improved varieties designed for specific growing conditions, disease resistance, and yield potential. Major exporters are typically countries with advanced agricultural research and development capabilities, such as the United States, Brazil, and France, where large seed companies operate. Importers include agricultural nations globally, from developing economies seeking to enhance food security to developed countries aiming for higher crop efficiency. Key aspects of this trade involve intellectual property rights for hybrid varieties, strict phytosanitary certifications to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and detailed labeling requirements. The value of seed corn is significantly higher than commodity corn due to the research investment and specialized processing involved, making it a high-value agricultural product.
- Covers
- Hybrid corn seeds
- Genetically modified corn seeds
- Open-pollinated corn seeds
- Sweet corn seeds
- Popcorn seeds
- Dent corn seeds
- Flint corn seeds
- Examples
- Pioneer Brand Seeds
- Dekalb Corn Seeds
- Syngenta Corn Seeds
- Bayer Crop Science Corn Seeds
Codes often confused with 1005.10
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 100590 (Maize, other than seed) if the end-use is not clearly specified, as the physical appearance can be similar but the trade value and regulations differ significantly. It's crucial to distinguish between planting material and commodity grain.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 100510, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 100510 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.2% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $923M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $302M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $286M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $342M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 France $221M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $211M 5.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 1005.10
Brazil does not split HS 1005.10: its NCM code is 1005.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 10.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1005.10
What is HS code 100510?
HS code 100510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cereals; maize (corn), seed. This HS code specifically covers maize (corn) intended for sowing, representing a crucial segment of the agricultural input market. The trade in seed corn is highly specialized, involving genetically improved varieties designed for specific growing conditions, disease resistance, and yield potential. Major exporters are typically countries with advanced agricultural research and development capabilities, such as the United States, Brazil, and France, where large seed companies operate. Importers include agricultural nations globally, from developing economies seeking to enhance food security to developed countries aiming for higher crop efficiency. Key aspects of this trade involve intellectual property rights for hybrid varieties, strict phytosanitary certifications to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and detailed labeling requirements. The value of seed corn is significantly higher than commodity corn due to the research investment and specialized processing involved, making it a high-value agricultural product.
What products fall under HS code 100510?
Hybrid corn seeds, Genetically modified corn seeds, Open-pollinated corn seeds, Sweet corn seeds, Popcorn seeds, Dent corn seeds, Flint corn seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 100510?
This code is often confused with 100590 (Maize, other than seed) if the end-use is not clearly specified, as the physical appearance can be similar but the trade value and regulations differ significantly. It's crucial to distinguish between planting material and commodity grain.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 100510?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 100510 in UN Comtrade data were France ($923M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($302M) and Hungary ($286M). World exports came to about $3.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 100510?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 100510 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($342M, 9.2% of world imports), France ($221M) and Italy ($211M). World imports came to about $3.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 100510 structured?
HS code 100510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (10) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 100510?
In Brazil, HS code 100510 is NCM 1005.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.