HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1209.23 – Seeds of forage plants; fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing

HS code 1209.23 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds of forage plants, fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for tall fescue seeds, fine fescue seeds, chewings fescue seeds, creeping red fescue seeds and organic fescue seeds for sowing.

What HS 1209.23 covers

This HS code covers fescue seeds of a kind used for sowing, playing a crucial role in establishing durable pastures, high-quality turf, and erosion control. Fescue grasses are valued for their resilience, adaptability to various climates, and suitability for both livestock forage and ornamental landscaping. Major exporting countries include the United States, Denmark, and New Zealand, which possess specialized seed production industries and extensive agricultural research. Importers are diverse, ranging from agricultural regions in Canada and Australia seeking robust forage solutions to urban development projects in Europe and Asia requiring resilient turf varieties. The international trade in fescue seeds places a strong emphasis on varietal purity, germination rates, disease resistance, and specific characteristics tailored for different end-uses, such as drought tolerance or shade tolerance. Strict phytosanitary controls and quality certifications are paramount to ensure the integrity and performance of the seeds in their destination markets. Market dynamics are influenced by agricultural trends, landscaping demands, and environmental regulations.

Covers
  • Tall fescue seeds
  • Fine fescue seeds
  • Chewings fescue seeds
  • Creeping red fescue seeds
  • Organic fescue seeds for sowing
  • Turf-type fescue seeds
  • Pasture fescue seeds
Examples
  • Pennington Fescue Seeds
  • Scotts Turf Builder Fescue
  • Barenbrug Fescue Varieties
  • DLF Fescue Seeds

Codes often confused with 1209.23

Common mistake. Often confused with 120929 (other forage plant seeds) or 120925 (ryegrass seeds) due to similar end-uses in turf and forage, necessitating precise species identification.

1209.29Seeds of forage plants; other than lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass seeds, of a kind used for sowing1209.25Seeds of forage plants; rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing

Top exporters and importers of HS code 120923, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120923 in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 Denmark $60M
  2. 2 United States $41M
  3. 3 Canada $23M

World total: $184M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $27M
  2. 2 United States $25M
  3. 3 China $19M

World total: $194M 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 1209.23

Brazil does not split HS 1209.23: its NCM code is 1209.23.00.

  1. 1209.23.00 Fescue seeds for sowingSementes de festuca

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 1209.23

What is HS code 120923?

HS code 120923 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds of forage plants; fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This HS code covers fescue seeds of a kind used for sowing, playing a crucial role in establishing durable pastures, high-quality turf, and erosion control. Fescue grasses are valued for their resilience, adaptability to various climates, and suitability for both livestock forage and ornamental landscaping. Major exporting countries include the United States, Denmark, and New Zealand, which possess specialized seed production industries and extensive agricultural research. Importers are diverse, ranging from agricultural regions in Canada and Australia seeking robust forage solutions to urban development projects in Europe and Asia requiring resilient turf varieties. The international trade in fescue seeds places a strong emphasis on varietal purity, germination rates, disease resistance, and specific characteristics tailored for different end-uses, such as drought tolerance or shade tolerance. Strict phytosanitary controls and quality certifications are paramount to ensure the integrity and performance of the seeds in their destination markets. Market dynamics are influenced by agricultural trends, landscaping demands, and environmental regulations.

What products fall under HS code 120923?

Tall fescue seeds, fine fescue seeds, chewings fescue seeds, creeping red fescue seeds, organic fescue seeds for sowing, turf-type fescue seeds, pasture fescue seeds

What are common misclassifications for HS code 120923?

Often confused with 120929 (other forage plant seeds) or 120925 (ryegrass seeds) due to similar end-uses in turf and forage, necessitating precise species identification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120923?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120923 in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($60M, 33% of world exports), the United States ($41M) and Canada ($23M). World exports came to about $184M, 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 120923?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120923 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and China ($19M). World imports came to about $194M, 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 120923 structured?

HS code 120923 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 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120923?

In Brazil, HS code 120923 is NCM 1209.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.