HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1209.25 – Seeds of forage plants; rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing
HS code 1209.25 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds of forage plants, rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for perennial ryegrass seeds, annual ryegrass seeds, italian ryegrass seeds, lolium perenne seeds and lolium multiflorum seeds.
What HS 1209.25 covers
Rye grass seeds, encompassing both perennial (Lolium perenne) and annual (Lolium multiflorum) varieties, are a cornerstone of international agricultural trade, crucial for establishing temporary and permanent pastures, producing high-quality hay, and for various turf applications. Their rapid establishment, nutritional value, and adaptability make them highly sought after by livestock farmers and landscapers worldwide. Countries with strong agricultural sectors and temperate climates, such as New Zealand, the United States, and Denmark, are leading exporters, benefiting from advanced breeding programs. Importers include nations with significant dairy and beef industries, as well as those investing in sports turf and public green spaces. Critical factors in trade include seed purity, specific varietal traits (e.g., drought tolerance, disease resistance), and germination rates, which directly influence agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
- Covers
- Perennial ryegrass seeds
- Annual ryegrass seeds
- Italian ryegrass seeds
- Lolium perenne seeds
- Lolium multiflorum seeds
- Pasture ryegrass seeds
- Turf ryegrass seeds
- Examples
- Barenbrug Barpasto Perennial Ryegrass
- DLF ForageMax Ryegrass
- Scotts Turf Builder Annual Ryegrass
- PGG Wrightson Ryegrass
Codes often confused with 1209.25
Common mistake. Often confused with other forage seeds under 120929 or even cereal grains if not clearly identified as 'Lolium' species intended for sowing as forage.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120925, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120925 in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 Denmark $116M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $87M 19% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $54M 12% of world exports
World total: $457M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $66M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $50M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 7.6% 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 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 1209.25
Brazil does not split HS 1209.25: its NCM code is 1209.25.00.
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 1209.25
What is HS code 120925?
HS code 120925 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds of forage plants; rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. Rye grass seeds, encompassing both perennial (Lolium perenne) and annual (Lolium multiflorum) varieties, are a cornerstone of international agricultural trade, crucial for establishing temporary and permanent pastures, producing high-quality hay, and for various turf applications. Their rapid establishment, nutritional value, and adaptability make them highly sought after by livestock farmers and landscapers worldwide. Countries with strong agricultural sectors and temperate climates, such as New Zealand, the United States, and Denmark, are leading exporters, benefiting from advanced breeding programs. Importers include nations with significant dairy and beef industries, as well as those investing in sports turf and public green spaces. Critical factors in trade include seed purity, specific varietal traits (e.g., drought tolerance, disease resistance), and germination rates, which directly influence agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
What products fall under HS code 120925?
Perennial ryegrass seeds, Annual ryegrass seeds, Italian ryegrass seeds, Lolium perenne seeds, Lolium multiflorum seeds, Pasture ryegrass seeds, Turf ryegrass seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120925?
Often confused with other forage seeds under 120929 or even cereal grains if not clearly identified as 'Lolium' species intended for sowing as forage.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120925?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120925 in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($116M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($87M) and New Zealand ($54M). World exports came to about $457M, 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 120925?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120925 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($66M, 15% of world imports), China ($50M) and the Netherlands ($34M). 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 120925 structured?
HS code 120925 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 (25) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120925?
In Brazil, HS code 120925 is NCM 1209.25.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.