HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1209.21 – Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing
HS code 1209.21 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds of forage plants, lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for dormant alfalfa seeds, non-dormant alfalfa seeds, organic alfalfa seeds, roundup Ready alfalfa seeds and disease-resistant alfalfa seeds.
What HS 1209.21 covers
Lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, specifically those for sowing, are a vital component of the global forage industry, crucial for livestock feed production. Alfalfa is highly valued for its high protein content, nitrogen-fixing properties, and ability to improve soil health, making it a cornerstone crop for sustainable agriculture. The international trade in these seeds is driven by the demand from dairy and beef farmers, as well as those involved in hay production. Importers are typically agricultural regions with significant livestock populations or those looking to enhance soil fertility. Exporters are often countries with well-developed seed production industries and suitable climates for alfalfa cultivation. Key things to know include the specific variety (e.g., dormancy rating, disease resistance), whether it's coated or uncoated, and its suitability for different climatic zones. The market is influenced by global meat and dairy prices, drought conditions affecting forage availability, and advancements in seed breeding for improved yields and resilience. The EUDR tag is not applicable as these are seeds for sowing, not a commodity directly linked to deforestation risk for consumption.
- Covers
- Dormant alfalfa seeds
- Non-dormant alfalfa seeds
- Organic alfalfa seeds
- Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds
- Disease-resistant alfalfa seeds
- Coated alfalfa seeds
- Uncoated alfalfa seeds
- Examples
- Pioneer Alfalfa Seeds
- Forage Genetics International Alfalfa
- DLF Alfalfa Seeds
- Barenbrug Alfalfa Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.21
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 121410 (lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets) which is the processed forage, or with other forage plant seeds under 120929 if the specific type is not identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120921 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 United States $84M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $66M 17% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $56M 15% of world exports
World total: $382M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $34M 11% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$27M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $26M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $308M 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 1209.21
Brazil does not split HS 1209.21: its NCM code is 1209.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1209.21
What is HS code 120921?
HS code 120921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. Lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, specifically those for sowing, are a vital component of the global forage industry, crucial for livestock feed production. Alfalfa is highly valued for its high protein content, nitrogen-fixing properties, and ability to improve soil health, making it a cornerstone crop for sustainable agriculture. The international trade in these seeds is driven by the demand from dairy and beef farmers, as well as those involved in hay production. Importers are typically agricultural regions with significant livestock populations or those looking to enhance soil fertility. Exporters are often countries with well-developed seed production industries and suitable climates for alfalfa cultivation. Key things to know include the specific variety (e.g., dormancy rating, disease resistance), whether it's coated or uncoated, and its suitability for different climatic zones. The market is influenced by global meat and dairy prices, drought conditions affecting forage availability, and advancements in seed breeding for improved yields and resilience. The EUDR tag is not applicable as these are seeds for sowing, not a commodity directly linked to deforestation risk for consumption.
What products fall under HS code 120921?
Dormant alfalfa seeds, Non-dormant alfalfa seeds, Organic alfalfa seeds, Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds, Disease-resistant alfalfa seeds, Coated alfalfa seeds, Uncoated alfalfa seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120921?
This code might be confused with 121410 (lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets) which is the processed forage, or with other forage plant seeds under 120929 if the specific type is not identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120921 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($66M) and Egypt ($56M). World exports came to about $382M, 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 120921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120921 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($34M, 11% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $27M) and the United States ($26M). World imports came to about $308M, 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 120921 structured?
HS code 120921 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) 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 120921?
In Brazil, HS code 120921 is NCM 1209.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.