HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1211.20 – Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered
HS code 1211.20 is the 6-digit subheading for ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. It is used for dried ginseng roots, red ginseng powder, white ginseng slices, fresh ginseng roots and ginseng extract (raw material).
What HS 1211.20 covers
Ginseng roots, specifically those intended for medicinal, pharmaceutical, perfumery, or pest control applications, are a highly valued commodity in international trade, renowned for their purported health benefits and active compounds. This category covers ginseng in various states – fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and whether whole or processed into cuts, crushed forms, or powder, catering to diverse industrial needs. The trade is driven by the global demand for natural health supplements, traditional medicines, cosmetic ingredients, and botanical pesticides, particularly in Asian and Western markets. Major exporters are countries with suitable growing conditions and established cultivation practices, such as South Korea, China, the United States, and Canada. Importers include pharmaceutical companies, herbal product manufacturers, and cosmetic industries worldwide. Authenticity, active compound concentration (ginsenosides), and adherence to stringent quality standards are critical for trade, ensuring product efficacy and safety.
- Covers
- Dried ginseng roots
- Red ginseng powder
- White ginseng slices
- Fresh ginseng roots
- Ginseng extract (raw material)
- Wild ginseng roots
- Cultivated ginseng roots
- Ginseng tea ingredients
- Examples
- CheongKwanJang (Korean Red Ginseng)
- Prince of Peace (American Ginseng)
- NOW Foods (Ginseng supplements)
- Panax Ginseng products
Codes often confused with 1211.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with other medicinal plants under 121190 if not specifically identified as ginseng, or with ginseng used for food preparations (which might fall under other chapters if processed into food items).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 121120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121120 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% 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 Canada $79M 29% of world exports
- 2 China $74M 27% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $58M 22% of world exports
World total: $271M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $118M 44% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $45M 17% of world imports
- 3 Japan $40M 15% of world imports
World total: $268M 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 1211.20
Brazil does not split HS 1211.20: its NCM code is 1211.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1211.20
What is HS code 121120?
HS code 121120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ginseng roots, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered. Ginseng roots, specifically those intended for medicinal, pharmaceutical, perfumery, or pest control applications, are a highly valued commodity in international trade, renowned for their purported health benefits and active compounds. This category covers ginseng in various states – fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and whether whole or processed into cuts, crushed forms, or powder, catering to diverse industrial needs. The trade is driven by the global demand for natural health supplements, traditional medicines, cosmetic ingredients, and botanical pesticides, particularly in Asian and Western markets. Major exporters are countries with suitable growing conditions and established cultivation practices, such as South Korea, China, the United States, and Canada. Importers include pharmaceutical companies, herbal product manufacturers, and cosmetic industries worldwide. Authenticity, active compound concentration (ginsenosides), and adherence to stringent quality standards are critical for trade, ensuring product efficacy and safety.
What products fall under HS code 121120?
Dried ginseng roots, Red ginseng powder, White ginseng slices, Fresh ginseng roots, Ginseng extract (raw material), Wild ginseng roots, Cultivated ginseng roots, Ginseng tea ingredients
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121120?
Can be confused with other medicinal plants under 121190 if not specifically identified as ginseng, or with ginseng used for food preparations (which might fall under other chapters if processed into food items).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121120 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($79M, 29% of world exports), China ($74M) and South Korea ($58M). World exports came to about $271M, 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 121120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 44% of world imports), Hong Kong ($45M) and Japan ($40M). World imports came to about $268M, 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 121120 structured?
HS code 121120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121120?
In Brazil, HS code 121120 is NCM 1211.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.