HS Code 12.06 – Sunflower seeds; whether or not broken

HS code 1206 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sunflower seeds; whether or not broken. Heading 1206 specifically covers "Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken" within the Harmonized System. This classification encompasses the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus) in their raw, unprocessed state, whether whole or mechanically broken. It explicitly excludes roasted, salted, flavored, or otherwise prepared sunflower seeds (which fall under Chapter 20) and also excludes extracted sunflower oil (Chapter 15) or sunflower oil cake/meal (Chapter 23). The scope includes two primary types: oil-type sunflower seeds, characterized by black hulls and high oil content, and confectionery-type (striped) sunflower seeds, which are larger and primarily used for direct human consumption. Key sub-categories are not formally defined but distinguish between these types based on their intended use. Accurate classification under 1206 is crucial for trade compliance, as it determines applicable tariffs, quotas, and phytosanitary regulations. Given their widespread use as a source of edible oil and as a snack food, sunflower seeds are subject to stringent quality controls, including specifications for oil content, moisture, and absence of contaminants. Historically, sunflowers originated in the Americas and have become a globally significant crop, celebrated for both its oil and its seeds. This heading is an integral part of Chapter 12, focusing on unprocessed oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, underscoring its role as a raw agricultural commodity destined for industrial processing or direct raw consumption.

Whole black sunflower seeds, whole striped sunflower seeds, broken sunflower kernels, raw sunflower seeds for oil extraction, confectionery-grade sunflower seeds, oil-type sunflower seeds, organic sunflower seeds, conventional sunflower seeds, bulk sunflower seeds, industrial sunflower seeds, food-grade sunflower seeds, export-grade sunflower seeds, import-grade sunflower seeds, unhulled sunflower seeds, cleaned sunflower seeds, unprocessed sunflower seeds, dried sunflower seeds, natural sunflower seeds, agricultural sunflower seeds, raw sunflower seeds for bird feed, unroasted sunflower seeds, unflavored sunflower seeds, raw sunflower kernels, hulled raw sunflower seeds.

A common misclassification for sunflower seeds arises when traders confuse the raw seeds (1206) with prepared products. Roasted, salted, or flavored sunflower seeds (e.g., snack packs) should be classified under Chapter 20 (e.g., 2008), not 1206, as they have undergone significant processing beyond simple drying or breaking. Similarly, sunflower oil (1512) and sunflower oil cake/meal (2306) are derivatives and belong to their respective chapters. The key distinction for 1206 is that the sunflower seeds must be in their raw, unprocessed state, whether whole, shelled, or simply broken, primarily for oil extraction, planting, or raw consumption.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1206 in UN Comtrade data were China ($937M, 18% of world exports), Romania ($930M) and Bulgaria ($758M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1206 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($886M, 17% of world imports), Romania ($322M) and Bulgaria ($321M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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.

HS code 1206 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.