HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1212.21 – Seaweeds and other algae; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground
HS code 1212.21 is the 6-digit subheading for seaweeds and other algae, fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. It is used for nori sheets, kombu kelp, wakame seaweed, dulse flakes and spirulina powder.
What HS 1212.21 covers
This HS code covers seaweeds and other algae specifically prepared and fit for human consumption, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. This category is a cornerstone of many Asian cuisines and has seen increasing global popularity due to its nutritional value and unique flavors. Products range from dried sheets of nori for sushi to nutrient-rich spirulina and chlorella supplements. Importers include food distributors, specialty grocers, health food stores, and food manufacturers. Exporters are typically countries with extensive coastlines and established aquaculture or wild harvesting industries. Key trade considerations include food safety standards, heavy metal testing, sustainable harvesting practices, and proper preservation methods to maintain quality and shelf life.
- Covers
- Nori sheets
- Kombu kelp
- Wakame seaweed
- Dulse flakes
- Spirulina powder
- Chlorella tablets
- Sea grapes
- Irish moss
- Agar-agar flakes (edible).
- Examples
- Annie Chun's (seaweed snacks)
- Ocean's Halo (broths)
- Maine Coast Sea Vegetables
- Emerald Cove Organic Pacific Nori
- Blue Ocean Mariculture (algae).
Codes often confused with 1212.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with 121229 (non-edible seaweeds) if not clearly designated for human consumption, or 0712 (dried vegetables) if processed similarly but not algae.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 121221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121221 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 26% 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 South Korea $564M 56% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $174M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $123M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $336M 26% of world imports
- 2 China $274M 22% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $103M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 1212.21
Brazil does not split HS 1212.21: its NCM code is 1212.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 12.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1212.21
What is HS code 121221?
HS code 121221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seaweeds and other algae; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This HS code covers seaweeds and other algae specifically prepared and fit for human consumption, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. This category is a cornerstone of many Asian cuisines and has seen increasing global popularity due to its nutritional value and unique flavors. Products range from dried sheets of nori for sushi to nutrient-rich spirulina and chlorella supplements. Importers include food distributors, specialty grocers, health food stores, and food manufacturers. Exporters are typically countries with extensive coastlines and established aquaculture or wild harvesting industries. Key trade considerations include food safety standards, heavy metal testing, sustainable harvesting practices, and proper preservation methods to maintain quality and shelf life.
What products fall under HS code 121221?
Nori sheets, kombu kelp, wakame seaweed, dulse flakes, spirulina powder, chlorella tablets, sea grapes, Irish moss, agar-agar flakes (edible).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121221?
Can be confused with 121229 (non-edible seaweeds) if not clearly designated for human consumption, or 0712 (dried vegetables) if processed similarly but not algae.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121221 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($564M, 56% of world exports), Indonesia ($174M) and China ($123M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 121221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121221 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($336M, 26% of world imports), China ($274M) and Thailand ($103M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 121221 structured?
HS code 121221 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121221?
In Brazil, HS code 121221 is NCM 1212.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.