HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1201.90 – Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken
HS code 1201.90 is the 6-digit subheading for soya beans, other than seed, whether or not broken. It is used for raw soybeans, crushing soybeans, feed-grade soybeans, food-grade soybeans (for tofu, soy milk) and non-GMO soybeans.
What HS 1201.90 covers
This HS code covers the vast majority of internationally traded soybeans, which are primarily destined for crushing to produce soybean oil and soybean meal. Soybean oil is a key ingredient in food products and biofuels, while soybean meal is a critical protein source for animal feed globally. This commodity is a cornerstone of global agriculture, with massive volumes traded by large agricultural corporations. Major exporters are countries with extensive soybean cultivation, while importers are typically nations with large livestock industries or food processing sectors. The 'EUDR' tag highlights the increasing scrutiny on sustainable sourcing and deforestation-free supply chains for this high-volume commodity.
- Covers
- Raw soybeans
- Crushing soybeans
- Feed-grade soybeans
- Food-grade soybeans (for tofu, soy milk)
- Non-GMO soybeans
- GMO soybeans
- Organic soybeans
- Examples
- Cargill Soybeans
- Bunge Soybeans
- ADM Soybeans
- Louis Dreyfus Company Soybeans
Codes often confused with 1201.90
Common mistake. The key distinction from 120110 is the end-use; these are not for planting. Confusion with other oilseeds like rapeseed (1205) or sunflower seeds (1206) is possible if not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120190 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world imports. Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $43.5B 59% of world exports
- 2 United States $16.4B 22% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $4.7B 6.3% of world exports
World total: $74.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $50.4B 63% of world imports
- 2 Argentina $2.2B 2.8% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $2.2B 2.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $79.5B 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 1201.90
Brazil does not split HS 1201.90: its NCM code is 1201.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 1201.90
What is HS code 120190?
HS code 120190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken. This HS code covers the vast majority of internationally traded soybeans, which are primarily destined for crushing to produce soybean oil and soybean meal. Soybean oil is a key ingredient in food products and biofuels, while soybean meal is a critical protein source for animal feed globally. This commodity is a cornerstone of global agriculture, with massive volumes traded by large agricultural corporations. Major exporters are countries with extensive soybean cultivation, while importers are typically nations with large livestock industries or food processing sectors. The 'EUDR' tag highlights the increasing scrutiny on sustainable sourcing and deforestation-free supply chains for this high-volume commodity.
What products fall under HS code 120190?
Raw soybeans, Crushing soybeans, Feed-grade soybeans, Food-grade soybeans (for tofu, soy milk), Non-GMO soybeans, GMO soybeans, Organic soybeans
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120190?
The key distinction from 120110 is the end-use; these are not for planting. Confusion with other oilseeds like rapeseed (1205) or sunflower seeds (1206) is possible if not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120190 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($43.5B, 59% of world exports), the United States ($16.4B) and Argentina ($4.7B). World exports came to about $74.3B, 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 120190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120190 in UN Comtrade data were China ($50.4B, 63% of world imports), Argentina ($2.2B) and Egypt ($2.2B). World imports came to about $79.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 120190 structured?
HS code 120190 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120190?
In Brazil, HS code 120190 is NCM 1201.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.