HS Code 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

HS code 121190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: 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. This 'basket' HS code captures a wide array of plants and their parts, not elsewhere specified in heading 1211, that are primarily used in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal/fungicidal purposes. It's a diverse category encompassing countless herbs, roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds with medicinal, aromatic, or pest-control properties. This includes everything from common culinary herbs used for their essential oils to exotic botanicals for traditional medicines. Importers range from large pharmaceutical companies and cosmetic manufacturers to herbal supplement producers and essential oil distillers. Exporters are found globally, often in regions rich in biodiversity or with established cultivation of specific medicinal/aromatic plants. Key trade considerations involve botanical identification, quality control for active compounds, and adherence to phytosanitary regulations and, for some species, CITES restrictions.

Ginseng root, chamomile flowers, lavender buds, valerian root, ginkgo leaves, echinacea purpurea, peppermint leaves, rosemary, calendula flowers.

Frequently confused with other specific 1211 subheadings (e.g., 121120 for ginseng, 121130 for coca leaf) if the specific plant is listed elsewhere, or 0910 (ginger, saffron, turmeric) if spices.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121190 in UN Comtrade data were China ($840M, 17% of world exports), Canada ($493M) and India ($476M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121190 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($784M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($503M) and Japan ($299M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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.

HS code 121190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

Brazil splits HS code 121190 into 2 NCM codes: 1211.90.10 (Oregano (Origanum vulgare)), 1211.90.90 (Other medicinal, aromatic and insecticidal plants). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.