HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1209.30 – Seeds of herbaceous plants; cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing
HS code 1209.30 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds of herbaceous plants, cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for marigold seeds, zinnia seeds, petunia seeds, ornamental sunflower seeds and cosmos seeds.
What HS 1209.30 covers
This category encompasses seeds of herbaceous plants cultivated primarily for their ornamental flowers, representing a significant segment of the global horticulture and landscaping industry. These seeds are traded internationally to supply nurseries, professional growers, and home gardeners, enabling the cultivation of a vast array of flowering plants for aesthetic purposes in gardens, parks, and public spaces. Major exporters are often countries with advanced horticultural research and production capabilities, such as the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan, which develop and produce high-quality, diverse flower seed varieties. Importers include nations with strong landscaping, floriculture, and gardening markets, seeking to enhance urban greening and recreational areas. Key aspects of trade include seed viability, purity, specific varietal traits (e.g., color, bloom time, height), and disease resistance, which are critical for commercial success and consumer satisfaction.
- Covers
- Marigold seeds
- Zinnia seeds
- Petunia seeds
- Ornamental sunflower seeds
- Cosmos seeds
- Dahlia seeds
- Lavender seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Examples
- Burpee Marigold Seeds
- Johnny's Selected Seeds Zinnia
- Park Seed Petunia
- Sakata Flower Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.30
Common mistake. Can be confused with vegetable seeds (120991) or even some medicinal plant seeds if the primary use for their flowers isn't clearly established as ornamental.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120930, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120930 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 Netherlands $106M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $78M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $46M 11% of world exports
World total: $402M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $69M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $63M 16% of world imports
- 3 China $30M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $389M 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 1209.30
Brazil does not split HS 1209.30: its NCM code is 1209.30.00.
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 1209.30
What is HS code 120930?
HS code 120930 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds of herbaceous plants; cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing. This category encompasses seeds of herbaceous plants cultivated primarily for their ornamental flowers, representing a significant segment of the global horticulture and landscaping industry. These seeds are traded internationally to supply nurseries, professional growers, and home gardeners, enabling the cultivation of a vast array of flowering plants for aesthetic purposes in gardens, parks, and public spaces. Major exporters are often countries with advanced horticultural research and production capabilities, such as the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan, which develop and produce high-quality, diverse flower seed varieties. Importers include nations with strong landscaping, floriculture, and gardening markets, seeking to enhance urban greening and recreational areas. Key aspects of trade include seed viability, purity, specific varietal traits (e.g., color, bloom time, height), and disease resistance, which are critical for commercial success and consumer satisfaction.
What products fall under HS code 120930?
Marigold seeds, Zinnia seeds, Petunia seeds, Ornamental sunflower seeds, Cosmos seeds, Dahlia seeds, Lavender seeds, Poppy seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120930?
Can be confused with vegetable seeds (120991) or even some medicinal plant seeds if the primary use for their flowers isn't clearly established as ornamental.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120930?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120930 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($106M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($78M) and Germany ($46M). World exports came to about $402M, 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 120930?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120930 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($69M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($63M) and China ($30M). World imports came to about $389M, 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 120930 structured?
HS code 120930 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120930?
In Brazil, HS code 120930 is NCM 1209.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.