HS Code Subheading

Oil seeds; sunflower seeds, whether or not broken

1206.00 Subheading
Section II — Vegetable products

About HS Code 120600

Sunflower seeds, whether in their shell or shelled, are a globally traded commodity under this HS code, valued for their oil, snack food potential, and animal feed applications. The trade involves both confectionery-type seeds (for direct consumption) and oil-type seeds (for oil extraction). Major exporters include Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, and the European Union, while significant importers are often countries with large snack food industries or high demand for edible oils, such as Turkey, China, and various European nations. The market is highly sensitive to harvest yields, global edible oil prices, and consumer trends towards healthy snacking. Buyers look for specific characteristics like seed size, oil content, and purity, depending on the end-use. Geopolitical factors and weather conditions in key producing regions can significantly impact global supply and prices, making it a dynamic sector in agricultural trade.

Products Under This Code

Whole sunflower seeds, Shelled sunflower seeds, Black oil sunflower seeds, Striped sunflower seeds, Sunflower kernels, Roasted sunflower seeds, Organic sunflower seeds, Birdseed sunflower seeds

Real World Examples

David Seeds Roasted & Salted Sunflower Seeds, Spitz Sunflower Seeds, Frito-Lay Sunflower Seeds, SunOpta Sunflower Kernels, Viterra Sunflower Seeds

Common Misclassification

This code can be confused with 120799 (Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.s.) if not clearly identified as sunflower, or with 151211 (Crude sunflower-seed or safflower oil) if the oil has already been extracted.

Products Classified Under 1206.00

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina are leading exporters, with Turkey, China, and EU countries being major importers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 120600?

HS code 120600 covers: Oil seeds; sunflower seeds, whether or not broken. Sunflower seeds, whether in their shell or shelled, are a globally traded commodity under this HS code, valued for their oil, snack food potential, and animal feed applications. The trade involves both confectionery-type seeds (for direct consumption) and oil-type seeds (for oil extraction). Major exporters include Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, and the European Union, while significant importers are often countries with large snack food industries or high demand for edible oils, such as Turkey, China, and various European nations. The market is highly sensitive to harvest yields, global edible oil prices, and consumer trends towards healthy snacking. Buyers look for specific characteristics like seed size, oil content, and purity, depending on the end-use. Geopolitical factors and weather conditions in key producing regions can significantly impact global supply and prices, making it a dynamic sector in agricultural trade.

What products fall under HS code 120600?

Whole sunflower seeds, Shelled sunflower seeds, Black oil sunflower seeds, Striped sunflower seeds, Sunflower kernels, Roasted sunflower seeds, Organic sunflower seeds, Birdseed sunflower seeds

What are common misclassifications for HS code 120600?

This code can be confused with 120799 (Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.s.) if not clearly identified as sunflower, or with 151211 (Crude sunflower-seed or safflower oil) if the oil has already been extracted.

How is HS code 120600 structured?

HS code 120600 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.