HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1209.29 – Seeds of forage plants; other than lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass seeds, of a kind used for sowing
HS code 1209.29 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds of forage plants, other than lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass seeds, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for orchardgrass seeds, timothy grass seeds, brome grass seeds, sudan grass seeds and vetch seeds.
What HS 1209.29 covers
This broad category covers a diverse array of forage plant seeds not specifically classified elsewhere, playing a critical role in agricultural biodiversity, specialized feed production, and ecological restoration projects globally. It includes seeds for various grasses and legumes beyond the more common lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass, catering to specific soil types, climates, and livestock nutritional needs. International trade in these 'other' forage seeds is driven by niche agricultural markets, demand for cover crops, and environmental initiatives. Exporters often possess diverse agricultural landscapes and specialized seed production capabilities, while importers seek unique varieties for their specific farming conditions or conservation efforts. Purity, germination rates, and freedom from weed seeds are paramount for successful cultivation and trade, ensuring the health and productivity of pastures and ecosystems.
- Covers
- Orchardgrass seeds
- Timothy grass seeds
- Brome grass seeds
- Sudan grass seeds
- Vetch seeds
- Sainfoin seeds
- Chicory seeds
- Plantain seeds
- Examples
- DLF ForageMax Orchardgrass
- Pennington Timothy Grass Seeds
- Barenbrug Brome Grass
- Green Cover Seed Vetch
Codes often confused with 1209.29
Common mistake. As a residual category, misclassification often occurs when specific forage seeds like fescue (120923) or clover (120922) are incorrectly placed here, or vice-versa, due to lack of precise identification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120929, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120929 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 $94M 14% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $91M 13% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $75M 11% of world exports
World total: $696M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $78M 11% of world imports
- 2 France $66M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $64M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $726M 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 1209.29
Brazil does not split HS 1209.29: its NCM code is 1209.29.00.
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 1209.29
What is HS code 120929?
HS code 120929 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds of forage plants; other than lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This broad category covers a diverse array of forage plant seeds not specifically classified elsewhere, playing a critical role in agricultural biodiversity, specialized feed production, and ecological restoration projects globally. It includes seeds for various grasses and legumes beyond the more common lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass, catering to specific soil types, climates, and livestock nutritional needs. International trade in these 'other' forage seeds is driven by niche agricultural markets, demand for cover crops, and environmental initiatives. Exporters often possess diverse agricultural landscapes and specialized seed production capabilities, while importers seek unique varieties for their specific farming conditions or conservation efforts. Purity, germination rates, and freedom from weed seeds are paramount for successful cultivation and trade, ensuring the health and productivity of pastures and ecosystems.
What products fall under HS code 120929?
Orchardgrass seeds, Timothy grass seeds, Brome grass seeds, Sudan grass seeds, Vetch seeds, Sainfoin seeds, Chicory seeds, Plantain seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120929?
As a residual category, misclassification often occurs when specific forage seeds like fescue (120923) or clover (120922) are incorrectly placed here, or vice-versa, due to lack of precise identification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120929?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120929 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($94M, 14% of world exports), the Netherlands ($91M) and Brazil ($75M). World exports came to about $696M, 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 120929?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120929 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($78M, 11% of world imports), France ($66M) and South Korea ($64M). World imports came to about $726M, 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 120929 structured?
HS code 120929 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 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120929?
In Brazil, HS code 120929 is NCM 1209.29.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.