HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1207.40 – Oil seeds; sesamum seeds, whether or not broken
HS code 1207.40 is the 6-digit subheading for oil seeds, sesamum seeds, whether or not broken. It is used for white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, brown sesame seeds, hulled sesame seeds and unhulled sesame seeds.
What HS 1207.40 covers
Sesamum seeds, commonly known as sesame seeds, are a globally traded oilseed under this HS code, valued for their culinary uses, oil extraction, and nutritional benefits. They are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, used in baking, confectionery, and as a garnish, while sesame oil is prized for its distinct flavor and health properties. Major exporters include Sudan, India, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, with significant imports by countries like China, Japan, Turkey, and the European Union, driven by consumer demand for food ingredients and edible oils. The trade is influenced by global food trends, agricultural yields, and quality standards, including purity and color. The EUDR note highlights the increasing importance of sustainable sourcing and traceability, ensuring that these seeds are not linked to deforestation, a growing concern for food manufacturers and consumers alike. Buyers often specify color (white, black, brown) and purity levels.
- Covers
- White sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds
- Brown sesame seeds
- Hulled sesame seeds
- Unhulled sesame seeds
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sesame oil seeds
- Organic sesame seeds
- Examples
- McCormick Sesame Seeds
- Roland Foods Sesame Seeds
- Eden Organic Sesame Seeds
- Kadoya Sesame Oil (derived from seeds)
- various brands of tahini.
Codes often confused with 1207.40
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 120799 (Other oil seeds) if not clearly identified as sesamum, or with 151550 (Sesamum oil and its fractions) if the oil has already been extracted.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120740, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120740 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% 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 Brazil $578M 15% of world exports
- 2 India $454M 12% of world exports
- 3 Nigeria $300M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.0B 44% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $369M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Japan $303M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 codes for 1207.40 2
Brazil splits HS 1207.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1207.40.10 Sesame seeds for sowingPara semeadura (sementeira)
- 1207.40.90 Sesame seeds, not for sowingOutras
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 1207.40
What is HS code 120740?
HS code 120740 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil seeds; sesamum seeds, whether or not broken. Sesamum seeds, commonly known as sesame seeds, are a globally traded oilseed under this HS code, valued for their culinary uses, oil extraction, and nutritional benefits. They are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, used in baking, confectionery, and as a garnish, while sesame oil is prized for its distinct flavor and health properties. Major exporters include Sudan, India, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, with significant imports by countries like China, Japan, Turkey, and the European Union, driven by consumer demand for food ingredients and edible oils. The trade is influenced by global food trends, agricultural yields, and quality standards, including purity and color. The EUDR note highlights the increasing importance of sustainable sourcing and traceability, ensuring that these seeds are not linked to deforestation, a growing concern for food manufacturers and consumers alike. Buyers often specify color (white, black, brown) and purity levels.
What products fall under HS code 120740?
White sesame seeds, Black sesame seeds, Brown sesame seeds, Hulled sesame seeds, Unhulled sesame seeds, Toasted sesame seeds, Sesame oil seeds, Organic sesame seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120740?
This code might be confused with 120799 (Other oil seeds) if not clearly identified as sesamum, or with 151550 (Sesamum oil and its fractions) if the oil has already been extracted.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120740?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120740 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($578M, 15% of world exports), India ($454M) and Nigeria ($300M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 120740?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120740 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 44% of world imports), Türkiye ($369M) and Japan ($303M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 120740 structured?
HS code 120740 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120740?
Brazil splits HS code 120740 into 2 NCM codes: 1207.40.10 (Sesame seeds for sowing), 1207.40.90 (Sesame seeds, not for sowing). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.