HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1209.99 – Seeds; n.e.c. in heading 1209, of a kind used for sowing
HS code 1209.99 is the 6-digit subheading for seeds, n.e.c. in heading 1209, of a kind used for sowing. It is used for buckwheat seeds (for cover crop), crimson clover seeds (for green manure), switchgrass seeds (for biofuel), quinoa seeds (for sowing) and amaranth seeds (for sowing).
What HS 1209.99 covers
This residual category captures all other seeds intended for sowing that are not specifically classified under other subheadings of 1209, making it a diverse and important group for specialized agricultural and environmental applications. It encompasses seeds for various uses such as cover crops, green manures, certain medicinal or aromatic plants (if their primary use isn't perfumery or pharmacy), and experimental crops. International trade in these 'other' seeds often serves niche agricultural markets, research institutions, and ecological restoration projects, providing solutions for soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices. Exporters typically have a broad agricultural base or specialized seed production, while importers seek unique varieties for specific ecological, industrial, or research applications. Key considerations include the specific end-use, seed viability, and compliance with phytosanitary regulations, as the diversity of species can lead to varied requirements.
- Covers
- Buckwheat seeds (for cover crop)
- Crimson clover seeds (for green manure)
- Switchgrass seeds (for biofuel)
- Quinoa seeds (for sowing)
- Amaranth seeds (for sowing)
- Specialty herb seeds (for sowing)
- Erosion control seeds (misc.)
- Wildlife food plot seeds
- Examples
- Green Cover Seed Buckwheat
- Johnny's Selected Seeds Crimson Clover
- Ernst Conservation Seeds Switchgrass
- High Mowing Organic Seeds Specialty Grains
Codes often confused with 1209.99
Common mistake. This 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere classified) code is a common point of misclassification, as seeds that should be in more specific categories (e.g., 120921-120929 for forage, 120930 for flowers, 120991 for vegetables) might incorrectly end up here due to oversight or lack of specific identification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 120999, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 120999 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 9.1% of world imports. Peru did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its exports here ($4.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $63M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $33M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $30M 7.2% of world exports
Peru did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its exports here ($4.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $417M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $47M 9.1% of world imports
- 2 Spain $36M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $32M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $514M 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 1209.99
Brazil does not split HS 1209.99: its NCM code is 1209.99.00.
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 1209.99
What is HS code 120999?
HS code 120999 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seeds; n.e.c. in heading 1209, of a kind used for sowing. This residual category captures all other seeds intended for sowing that are not specifically classified under other subheadings of 1209, making it a diverse and important group for specialized agricultural and environmental applications. It encompasses seeds for various uses such as cover crops, green manures, certain medicinal or aromatic plants (if their primary use isn't perfumery or pharmacy), and experimental crops. International trade in these 'other' seeds often serves niche agricultural markets, research institutions, and ecological restoration projects, providing solutions for soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices. Exporters typically have a broad agricultural base or specialized seed production, while importers seek unique varieties for specific ecological, industrial, or research applications. Key considerations include the specific end-use, seed viability, and compliance with phytosanitary regulations, as the diversity of species can lead to varied requirements.
What products fall under HS code 120999?
Buckwheat seeds (for cover crop), Crimson clover seeds (for green manure), Switchgrass seeds (for biofuel), Quinoa seeds (for sowing), Amaranth seeds (for sowing), Specialty herb seeds (for sowing), Erosion control seeds (misc.), Wildlife food plot seeds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 120999?
This 'n.e.c.' (not elsewhere classified) code is a common point of misclassification, as seeds that should be in more specific categories (e.g., 120921-120929 for forage, 120930 for flowers, 120991 for vegetables) might incorrectly end up here due to oversight or lack of specific identification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 120999?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 120999 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($63M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($33M) and Denmark ($30M). World exports came to about $417M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Peru did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its exports here ($4.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 120999?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 120999 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($47M, 9.1% of world imports), Spain ($36M) and the Netherlands ($32M). World imports came to about $514M, 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 120999 structured?
HS code 120999 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 120999?
In Brazil, HS code 120999 is NCM 1209.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.