HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1207.21 – Oil seeds; cotton seeds, seed, whether or not broken
HS code 1207.21 is the 6-digit subheading for oil seeds, cotton seeds, seed, whether or not broken. It is used for cotton planting seeds, certified cotton seeds, hybrid cotton seeds, genetically modified cotton seeds and organic cotton seeds.
What HS 1207.21 covers
This specific HS code refers to cotton seeds intended for planting, often referred to as "seed cotton seeds." These are high-value seeds selected for their genetic traits, germination rates, and disease resistance, crucial for agricultural productivity. Major exporters include countries with advanced agricultural research and seed production capabilities, such as the United States, India, and China. Importers are typically other cotton-producing nations looking to improve their crop yields and quality. The trade in these seeds is driven by agricultural innovation, demand for high-quality cotton fiber, and the need for resilient crops. Unlike cotton seeds for oil extraction or feed, these seeds undergo rigorous quality control and often involve intellectual property rights. The EUDR mention indicates increasing scrutiny on the sustainability and deforestation-free origin of agricultural inputs, even for seeds, reflecting a broader trend in responsible sourcing.
- Covers
- Cotton planting seeds
- Certified cotton seeds
- Hybrid cotton seeds
- Genetically modified cotton seeds
- Organic cotton seeds
- Delinted cotton seeds
- Acid-delinted cotton seeds
- Examples
- Bayer CropScience (DeltaPine)
- Syngenta Cotton Seeds
- BASF FiberMax Cotton Seeds
- Dow AgroSciences PhytoGen Cotton Seeds
- Nuziveedu Seeds Cotton
Codes often confused with 1207.21
Common mistake. This code is specifically for cotton seeds *for planting* and should not be confused with 120729 (Other cotton seeds) which covers seeds for oil extraction or feed, or with 520100 (Cotton, not carded or combed) which is the cotton fiber itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120721, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120721 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Uzbekistan, with about 47% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $43M 53% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $15M 19% of world exports
- 3 Israel $3.7M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $80M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Uzbekistan* ~$37M 47% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Azerbaijan $9.9M 13% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $6.9M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $78M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 1207.21
Brazil does not split HS 1207.21: its NCM code is 1207.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.07 →
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 1207.21
What is HS code 120721?
HS code 120721 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil seeds; cotton seeds, seed, whether or not broken. This specific HS code refers to cotton seeds intended for planting, often referred to as "seed cotton seeds." These are high-value seeds selected for their genetic traits, germination rates, and disease resistance, crucial for agricultural productivity. Major exporters include countries with advanced agricultural research and seed production capabilities, such as the United States, India, and China. Importers are typically other cotton-producing nations looking to improve their crop yields and quality. The trade in these seeds is driven by agricultural innovation, demand for high-quality cotton fiber, and the need for resilient crops. Unlike cotton seeds for oil extraction or feed, these seeds undergo rigorous quality control and often involve intellectual property rights. The EUDR mention indicates increasing scrutiny on the sustainability and deforestation-free origin of agricultural inputs, even for seeds, reflecting a broader trend in responsible sourcing.
What products fall under HS code 120721?
Cotton planting seeds, Certified cotton seeds, Hybrid cotton seeds, Genetically modified cotton seeds, Organic cotton seeds, Delinted cotton seeds, Acid-delinted cotton seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120721?
This code is specifically for cotton seeds *for planting* and should not be confused with 120729 (Other cotton seeds) which covers seeds for oil extraction or feed, or with 520100 (Cotton, not carded or combed) which is the cotton fiber itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120721?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120721 in UN Comtrade data were China ($43M, 53% of world exports), Türkiye ($15M) and Israel ($3.7M). World exports came to about $80M, 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 120721?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120721 in UN Comtrade data were Uzbekistan (about $37M, 47% of world imports), Azerbaijan ($9.9M) and Kazakhstan ($6.9M). World imports came to about $78M, 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.
How is HS code 120721 structured?
HS code 120721 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120721?
In Brazil, HS code 120721 is NCM 1207.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.