HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1211.40 – 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

HS code 1211.40 is the 6-digit subheading for 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. It is used for dried poppy straw, crushed poppy straw, powdered poppy straw, pharmaceutical-grade poppy straw and poppy straw concentrate (raw material).

What HS 1211.40 covers

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.

Covers
  • Dried poppy straw
  • Crushed poppy straw
  • Powdered poppy straw
  • Pharmaceutical-grade poppy straw
  • Poppy straw concentrate (raw material)
  • Poppy seed capsules (after seed extraction).
Examples
  • Macfarlan Smith (alkaloid producer)
  • Johnson Matthey (pharmaceutical ingredients)
  • Tasmanian Alkaloids (poppy processing)
  • Noramco (API manufacturer).

Codes often confused with 1211.40

Common mistake. 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.

1211.90Plants 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 powdered06.03Flowers; cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared

Top exporters and importers of HS code 121140, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121140 in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 98% of world imports. Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Hungary $1.2M
  2. 2 Austria $409K
  3. 3 Spain $40K

World total: $1.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Portugal $20M
  2. 2 North Macedonia $243K
  3. 3 Germany $87K

Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $21M 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 1211.40

Brazil does not split HS 1211.40: its NCM code is 1211.40.00.

  1. 1211.40.00 Poppy strawPalha de dormideira (papoula)

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 1211.40

What is HS code 121140?

HS code 121140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121140?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121140 in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($1.2M, 70% of world exports), Austria ($409K) and Spain ($40K). World exports came to about $1.7M, 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 121140?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121140 in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($20M, 98% of world imports), North Macedonia ($243K) and Germany ($87K). World imports came to about $21M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

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.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121140?

In Brazil, HS code 121140 is NCM 1211.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.