HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1209.22 – Seeds of forage plants; clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing

HS code 1209.22 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds of forage plants, clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for red clover seeds, white clover seeds, crimson clover seeds, alsike clover seeds and organic clover seeds for sowing.

What HS 1209.22 covers

This HS code specifically covers clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds intended for sowing, a critical input for agriculture and land management globally. Clover seeds are widely traded for establishing pastures, forage crops for livestock, cover crops to improve soil health, and for use in turf and landscaping. Major exporting countries are typically those with advanced agricultural seed production capabilities and favorable climates, such as Denmark, the United States, and New Zealand. Importers include agricultural nations in Europe, Canada, and Australia, seeking to enhance their livestock feed production, improve soil fertility, or restore degraded lands. The trade emphasizes seed purity, germination rates, and specific varietal characteristics suitable for different climates and agricultural systems. Strict phytosanitary regulations and quality certifications are essential to ensure disease-free and high-performing seeds, making traceability a key aspect of international transactions. Market demand is influenced by livestock farming trends and environmental policies.

Covers
  • Red clover seeds
  • White clover seeds
  • Crimson clover seeds
  • Alsike clover seeds
  • Organic clover seeds for sowing
  • Pasture clover seeds
  • Cover crop clover seeds
Examples
  • Barenbrug Clover Seeds
  • DLF Clover Seeds
  • La Crosse Seed Clover Varieties
  • Pennington Clover Seeds

Codes often confused with 1209.22

Common mistake. Can be confused with 120929 (other forage plant seeds) if not specifically clover, or 120991 (vegetable seeds) if not recognized as forage, requiring clear botanical identification.

1209.29Seeds of forage plants; other than lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass seeds, of a kind used for sowing1209.91Seeds; vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing

Top exporters and importers of HS code 120922, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120922 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 18% 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. 1 Italy $42M
  2. 2 Germany $24M
  3. 3 New Zealand $19M

World total: $222M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Pakistan $50M
  2. 2 Germany $43M
  3. 3 France $29M

World total: $277M 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 code for 1209.22

Brazil does not split HS 1209.22: its NCM code is 1209.22.00.

  1. 1209.22.00 Clover seeds for sowingSementes de trevo (Trifolium spp.)

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 1209.22

What is HS code 120922?

HS code 120922 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds of forage plants; clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This HS code specifically covers clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds intended for sowing, a critical input for agriculture and land management globally. Clover seeds are widely traded for establishing pastures, forage crops for livestock, cover crops to improve soil health, and for use in turf and landscaping. Major exporting countries are typically those with advanced agricultural seed production capabilities and favorable climates, such as Denmark, the United States, and New Zealand. Importers include agricultural nations in Europe, Canada, and Australia, seeking to enhance their livestock feed production, improve soil fertility, or restore degraded lands. The trade emphasizes seed purity, germination rates, and specific varietal characteristics suitable for different climates and agricultural systems. Strict phytosanitary regulations and quality certifications are essential to ensure disease-free and high-performing seeds, making traceability a key aspect of international transactions. Market demand is influenced by livestock farming trends and environmental policies.

What products fall under HS code 120922?

Red clover seeds, white clover seeds, crimson clover seeds, alsike clover seeds, organic clover seeds for sowing, pasture clover seeds, cover crop clover seeds

What are common misclassifications for HS code 120922?

Can be confused with 120929 (other forage plant seeds) if not specifically clover, or 120991 (vegetable seeds) if not recognized as forage, requiring clear botanical identification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120922?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120922 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($42M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($24M) and New Zealand ($19M). World exports came to about $222M, 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 120922?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120922 in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($50M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($43M) and France ($29M). World imports came to about $277M, 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 120922 structured?

HS code 120922 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 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120922?

In Brazil, HS code 120922 is NCM 1209.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.