HS Code Subheading

Seeds; vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing

1209.91 Subheading
Section II — Vegetable products

About HS Code 120991

Vegetable seeds are a cornerstone of global agriculture and food security, traded extensively to support commercial farming, home gardening, and food production worldwide. This category includes seeds for a vast array of edible plants, from leafy greens and root vegetables to various fruits. International trade is driven by the continuous need for diverse crop varieties, adaptation to different climates, and ongoing improvements in yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. Major exporters often possess advanced agricultural research, sophisticated seed breeding technologies, and large-scale production capabilities, such as the Netherlands, the United States, and China. Importers include virtually every country, seeking to bolster their food supply, enhance agricultural output, and diversify their crop portfolios. Seed quality, germination rates, varietal purity, and phytosanitary certifications are paramount in this highly regulated and essential market.

Products Under This Code

Tomato seeds, Lettuce seeds, Carrot seeds, Onion seeds, Pepper seeds, Cucumber seeds, Bean seeds, Sweet corn seeds

Real World Examples

Syngenta Tomato Seeds, Sakata Lettuce Seeds, Bejo Zaden Carrot Seeds, Johnny's Selected Seeds Pepper, Monsanto Vegetable Seeds

Common Misclassification

Sometimes confused with seeds of leguminous vegetables (0713) if not clearly identified as 'for sowing,' or with seeds of herbaceous plants for flowers (120930) if the plant has both edible and ornamental uses.

Products Classified Under 1209.91

Vegetable seeds

Related Codes

1209.10 Seed; sugar beet seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.21 Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.22 Seeds of forage plants; clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.23 Seeds of forage plants; fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.24 Seeds of forage plants; Kentucky blue grass (Poa pratensis L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.25 Seeds of forage plants; rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.29 Seeds of forage plants; other than lucerne, clover, fescue, Kentucky blue grass, and rye grass seeds, of a kind used for sowing 1209.30 Seeds of herbaceous plants; cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing 1209.99 Seeds; n.e.c. in heading 1209, of a kind used for sowing

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

The Netherlands, the United States, and China are significant exporters, with global import markets spanning all continents, particularly in agricultural powerhouses and developing nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 120991?

HS code 120991 covers: Seeds; vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing. Vegetable seeds are a cornerstone of global agriculture and food security, traded extensively to support commercial farming, home gardening, and food production worldwide. This category includes seeds for a vast array of edible plants, from leafy greens and root vegetables to various fruits. International trade is driven by the continuous need for diverse crop varieties, adaptation to different climates, and ongoing improvements in yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. Major exporters often possess advanced agricultural research, sophisticated seed breeding technologies, and large-scale production capabilities, such as the Netherlands, the United States, and China. Importers include virtually every country, seeking to bolster their food supply, enhance agricultural output, and diversify their crop portfolios. Seed quality, germination rates, varietal purity, and phytosanitary certifications are paramount in this highly regulated and essential market.

What products fall under HS code 120991?

Tomato seeds, Lettuce seeds, Carrot seeds, Onion seeds, Pepper seeds, Cucumber seeds, Bean seeds, Sweet corn seeds

What are common misclassifications for HS code 120991?

Sometimes confused with seeds of leguminous vegetables (0713) if not clearly identified as 'for sowing,' or with seeds of herbaceous plants for flowers (120930) if the plant has both edible and ornamental uses.

How is HS code 120991 structured?

HS code 120991 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.