HS Code 12.07 – Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.c. in chapter 12; whether or not broken

HS code 1207 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.c. in chapter 12; whether or not broken. Heading 1207 serves as a crucial residual category, encompassing "Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.c. in Chapter 12; whether or not broken." The abbreviation "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified or included) signifies that this heading covers all other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits that are not specifically classified under headings 1201 through 1206 (e.g., soybeans, groundnuts, copra, linseed, rapeseed, sunflower seeds) within Chapter 12. This breadth makes 1207 vital for accurately classifying a diverse range of less common or specialized oil-bearing plant products in their raw, unprocessed state, whether whole or mechanically broken. It excludes seeds that have been roasted, cooked, or otherwise prepared for direct consumption (Chapter 20), as well as extracted oils (Chapter 15) or oil cakes/meals (Chapter 23). The scope is broad, covering seeds for industrial, cosmetic, medicinal, or niche food applications. Key sub-categories are numerous and depend on the specific botanical origin of the seed. Accurate classification under 1207 is critical for trade compliance, ensuring correct tariffs, import/export regulations, and phytosanitary requirements are applied. Given the diverse nature of products under this heading, specific regulations can vary widely. Historically, many of these 'n.e.c.' oilseeds have local or regional significance, but increasingly find global markets due to demand for specialized ingredients. This heading perfectly complements Chapter 12's focus on unprocessed oil seeds and oleaginous fruits by providing a comprehensive catch-all for products not explicitly itemized.

Palm kernels, castor oil seeds, sesame seeds, mustard seeds, poppy seeds, safflower seeds, tung oil seeds, illipe nuts, shea nuts, babassu nuts, hemp seeds (non-THC varieties), jojoba seeds, neem seeds, karite nuts, perilla seeds, tea seeds (for oil), argan nuts, watermelon seeds (for oil), pumpkin seeds (for oil), grapeseeds (for oil), kapok seeds, tobacco seeds (for oil), rubber seeds, mowra seeds, unroasted sesame seeds.

Misclassification under 1207 often occurs by failing to first check the more specific oilseed headings (1201-1206). For example, classifying soybeans (1201) or groundnuts (1202) under 1207 is incorrect. Another common error is classifying prepared versions, such as roasted sesame seeds (2008) or hulled, roasted pumpkin seeds (2008), under 1207; this heading is strictly for raw, unprocessed seeds. Similarly, extracted oils (e.g., sesame oil, 1515) or meals (e.g., sesame meal, 2306) are distinct from the raw seeds. The key is to ensure the product is indeed an oilseed or oleaginous fruit, is raw, and is *not* covered by a more specific heading within Chapter 12.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1207 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($602M, 8.9% of world exports), India ($565M) and China ($306M). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 1207 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.2B, 28% of world imports), Türkiye ($418M) and the United States ($412M). World imports came to about $7.7B, 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 1207 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.