HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1207.70 – Oil seeds; melon seeds, whether or not broken
HS code 1207.70 is the 6-digit subheading for oil seeds, melon seeds, whether or not broken. It is used for watermelon seeds (shelled), watermelon seeds (unshelled), cantaloupe seeds, honeydew melon seeds and melon seed oil extraction.
What HS 1207.70 covers
Melon seeds, often overlooked, represent a growing segment in the global oilseed market, particularly in regions where melons are widely cultivated. These seeds are increasingly recognized for their nutritional value, being rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. They are processed to extract oil, which is used in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, especially in African and Asian markets. Beyond oil, the seeds themselves are consumed as snacks, similar to pumpkin seeds, or ground into flour for various culinary applications. Importers are typically food processors, snack manufacturers, and health food companies looking for alternative protein and oil sources. Exporters are predominantly countries with significant melon production, often in developing economies. Key considerations in trade include seed quality, processing methods (e.g., raw, roasted, shelled), and adherence to food safety standards. The EUDR designation highlights the need for supply chain transparency regarding deforestation risks, particularly for seeds sourced from regions with high agricultural expansion.
- Covers
- Watermelon seeds (shelled)
- Watermelon seeds (unshelled)
- Cantaloupe seeds
- Honeydew melon seeds
- Melon seed oil extraction
- Roasted melon seeds
- Melon seed flour
- Examples
- Terrasoul Superfoods Watermelon Seeds
- Go Raw Sprouted Watermelon Seeds
- Eden Foods Melon Seeds
- Sun & Seed Organic Melon Seeds
Codes often confused with 1207.70
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 120799 (other oil seeds) if the specific melon type isn't specified, or with 081340 (dried fruit mixtures) if part of a snack mix.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120770, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120770 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% 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 Netherlands $93M 19% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$86M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $79M 17% of world exports
World total: $478M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $77M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $41M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $38M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $444M 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 1207.70 2
Brazil splits HS 1207.70 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1207.70.10 Melon seeds for sowingPara semeadura (sementeira)
- 1207.70.90 Melon 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 1207.70
What is HS code 120770?
HS code 120770 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil seeds; melon seeds, whether or not broken. Melon seeds, often overlooked, represent a growing segment in the global oilseed market, particularly in regions where melons are widely cultivated. These seeds are increasingly recognized for their nutritional value, being rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. They are processed to extract oil, which is used in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, especially in African and Asian markets. Beyond oil, the seeds themselves are consumed as snacks, similar to pumpkin seeds, or ground into flour for various culinary applications. Importers are typically food processors, snack manufacturers, and health food companies looking for alternative protein and oil sources. Exporters are predominantly countries with significant melon production, often in developing economies. Key considerations in trade include seed quality, processing methods (e.g., raw, roasted, shelled), and adherence to food safety standards. The EUDR designation highlights the need for supply chain transparency regarding deforestation risks, particularly for seeds sourced from regions with high agricultural expansion.
What products fall under HS code 120770?
Watermelon seeds (shelled), Watermelon seeds (unshelled), Cantaloupe seeds, Honeydew melon seeds, Melon seed oil extraction, Roasted melon seeds, Melon seed flour
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120770?
This code can be confused with 120799 (other oil seeds) if the specific melon type isn't specified, or with 081340 (dried fruit mixtures) if part of a snack mix.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120770?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120770 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($93M, 19% of world exports), Peru (about $86M) and the United States ($79M). World exports came to about $478M, 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 120770?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120770 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($77M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($41M) and Brazil ($38M). World imports came to about $444M, 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 120770 structured?
HS code 120770 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 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120770?
Brazil splits HS code 120770 into 2 NCM codes: 1207.70.10 (Melon seeds for sowing), 1207.70.90 (Melon seeds, not for sowing). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.