HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1207.60 – Oil seeds; safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds, whether or not broken
HS code 1207.60 is the 6-digit subheading for oil seeds, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds, whether or not broken. It is used for safflower seeds for oil extraction, safflower seeds for bird feed, safflower seeds for planting, roasted safflower seeds and safflower seed meal.
What HS 1207.60 covers
Safflower seeds are a niche but significant commodity in global agricultural trade, primarily valued for their oil, which is used in cooking, salad dressings, and as a healthy alternative to other vegetable oils. Beyond culinary uses, safflower oil finds applications in industrial products like paints, varnishes, and cosmetics due to its unique fatty acid profile. The seeds themselves are also used as bird feed and in traditional medicine. Major importers are typically countries with developed food processing industries or those seeking diverse oil sources, while exporters are often agricultural nations with suitable climates for cultivation. Key things to know include the distinction between high-oleic and high-linoleic varieties, which dictates their end-use and market value. Trade in safflower seeds is influenced by global oilseed prices, climate conditions affecting harvests, and consumer demand for healthier oils. The EUDR tag indicates that if these seeds are sourced from areas at risk of deforestation, specific due diligence requirements apply, adding a layer of complexity to their international movement.
- Covers
- Safflower seeds for oil extraction
- Safflower seeds for bird feed
- Safflower seeds for planting
- Roasted safflower seeds
- Safflower seed meal
- Cold-pressed safflower oil seeds
- Examples
- Cargill Safflower Seeds
- Bunge Safflower Products
- ADM Safflower Oil Seeds
- Wild Harvest Safflower Bird Seed
Codes often confused with 1207.60
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 120799 (other oil seeds) if the specific botanical name is not clearly identified, or with 120750 (sesame seeds) due to similar uses as oilseeds.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120760, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120760 in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 Kazakhstan $26M 41% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$14M 23% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Spain $5.7M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $63M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $18M 29% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $12M 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $6.2M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $63M 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 codes for 1207.60 2
Brazil splits HS 1207.60 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1207.60.10 Safflower seeds for sowingPara semeadura (sementeira)
- 1207.60.90 Safflower 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 1207.60
What is HS code 120760?
HS code 120760 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil seeds; safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds, whether or not broken. Safflower seeds are a niche but significant commodity in global agricultural trade, primarily valued for their oil, which is used in cooking, salad dressings, and as a healthy alternative to other vegetable oils. Beyond culinary uses, safflower oil finds applications in industrial products like paints, varnishes, and cosmetics due to its unique fatty acid profile. The seeds themselves are also used as bird feed and in traditional medicine. Major importers are typically countries with developed food processing industries or those seeking diverse oil sources, while exporters are often agricultural nations with suitable climates for cultivation. Key things to know include the distinction between high-oleic and high-linoleic varieties, which dictates their end-use and market value. Trade in safflower seeds is influenced by global oilseed prices, climate conditions affecting harvests, and consumer demand for healthier oils. The EUDR tag indicates that if these seeds are sourced from areas at risk of deforestation, specific due diligence requirements apply, adding a layer of complexity to their international movement.
What products fall under HS code 120760?
Safflower seeds for oil extraction, Safflower seeds for bird feed, Safflower seeds for planting, Roasted safflower seeds, Safflower seed meal, Cold-pressed safflower oil seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120760?
This code might be confused with 120799 (other oil seeds) if the specific botanical name is not clearly identified, or with 120750 (sesame seeds) due to similar uses as oilseeds.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120760?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120760 in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($26M, 41% of world exports), Russia (about $14M) and Spain ($5.7M). World exports came to about $63M, 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 120760?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120760 in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 29% of world imports), Türkiye ($12M) and Belgium ($6.2M). World imports came to about $63M, 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 120760 structured?
HS code 120760 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120760?
Brazil splits HS code 120760 into 2 NCM codes: 1207.60.10 (Safflower seeds for sowing), 1207.60.90 (Safflower seeds, not for sowing). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.