HS Code Subheading

Poppy straw; 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

1211.40 Subheading
Section II — Vegetable products

About HS Code 121140

This HS code covers poppy straw, which is the dried capsule and upper stem of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), after the opium has been extracted or if grown for seed. It's a critical raw material in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily for the extraction of opioid alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, which are used in pain medications and other drugs. Beyond pharmaceuticals, it finds niche applications in perfumery for its unique aroma profile and historically in some insecticidal or fungicidal preparations. Major importers are pharmaceutical manufacturers and chemical processing plants in countries with advanced drug production capabilities. Exporters are typically agricultural nations where poppy cultivation is permitted and regulated. Key considerations for trade include strict international drug control regulations, CITES restrictions for some species, and the need for proper licensing and documentation due to its controlled nature.

Products Under This Code

Dried poppy straw, crushed poppy straw, powdered poppy straw, pharmaceutical-grade poppy straw, poppy straw concentrate (raw material), poppy seed capsules (after seed extraction).

Real World Examples

Macfarlan Smith (alkaloid producer), Johnson Matthey (pharmaceutical ingredients), Tasmanian Alkaloids (poppy processing), Noramco (API manufacturer).

Common Misclassification

This code can be confused with 121190 (other medicinal plants) if not specifically identified as poppy straw, or 0603 (cut flowers) if fresh and ornamental, but its primary use for alkaloid extraction dictates this specific classification.

Products Classified Under 1211.40

Poppy straw

Related Codes

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 1211.30 Coca leaf; 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 1211.50 Ephedra, 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 1211.60 Bark of African cherry (Prunus africana); 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 1211.90 Plants and parts (including seeds and fruits) n.e.c. in heading no. 1211, 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

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

Major exporters include Australia and Turkey, while importers are often countries with large pharmaceutical industries like the US and European nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 121140?

HS code 121140 covers: Poppy straw; 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. This HS code covers poppy straw, which is the dried capsule and upper stem of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), after the opium has been extracted or if grown for seed. It's a critical raw material in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily for the extraction of opioid alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, which are used in pain medications and other drugs. Beyond pharmaceuticals, it finds niche applications in perfumery for its unique aroma profile and historically in some insecticidal or fungicidal preparations. Major importers are pharmaceutical manufacturers and chemical processing plants in countries with advanced drug production capabilities. Exporters are typically agricultural nations where poppy cultivation is permitted and regulated. Key considerations for trade include strict international drug control regulations, CITES restrictions for some species, and the need for proper licensing and documentation due to its controlled nature.

What products fall under HS code 121140?

Dried poppy straw, crushed poppy straw, powdered poppy straw, pharmaceutical-grade poppy straw, poppy straw concentrate (raw material), poppy seed capsules (after seed extraction).

What are common misclassifications for HS code 121140?

This code can be confused with 121190 (other medicinal plants) if not specifically identified as poppy straw, or 0603 (cut flowers) if fresh and ornamental, but its primary use for alkaloid extraction dictates this specific classification.

How is HS code 121140 structured?

HS code 121140 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.