HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1212.29 – Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground
HS code 1212.29 is the 6-digit subheading for seaweeds and other algae, not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. It is used for agar-agar raw material, carrageenan raw material, alginate raw material, seaweed meal for animal feed and kelp fertilizer.
What HS 1212.29 covers
This HS code covers seaweeds and other algae that are not fit for human consumption, encompassing a vast array of industrial and agricultural applications. These algae are crucial raw materials for extracting hydrocolloids like agar, carrageenan, and alginate, which are widely used as thickeners, gelling agents, and stabilizers in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Beyond extracts, non-edible seaweeds are processed into animal feed supplements, organic fertilizers, and even explored for biofuel production. Importers include chemical manufacturers, agricultural suppliers, biotech firms, and pet food producers. Exporters are typically coastal nations with abundant seaweed resources or large-scale algae cultivation facilities. Key trade considerations involve the specific species and its intended industrial use, quality control for contaminants, and sustainable harvesting or farming practices.
- Covers
- Agar-agar raw material
- Carrageenan raw material
- Alginate raw material
- Seaweed meal for animal feed
- Kelp fertilizer
- Industrial algae biomass
- Spirulina for aquaculture
- Brown algae for extraction.
- Examples
- DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (carrageenan)
- Cargill (hydrocolloids)
- Acadian Seaplants (seaweed extracts)
- Algenol (biofuel algae)
- FMC Corporation (alginates).
Codes often confused with 1212.29
Common mistake. Could be confused with 121221 (edible seaweeds) if its non-food use isn't explicit, or 310100 (animal or vegetable fertilizers) if processed into a final fertilizer product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 121229, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121229 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% 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 Chile $101M 35% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $45M 16% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$28M 9.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $284M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $132M 39% of world imports
- 2 France $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $28M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $335M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 1212.29
Brazil does not split HS 1212.29: its NCM code is 1212.29.00.
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 1212.29
What is HS code 121229?
HS code 121229 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This HS code covers seaweeds and other algae that are not fit for human consumption, encompassing a vast array of industrial and agricultural applications. These algae are crucial raw materials for extracting hydrocolloids like agar, carrageenan, and alginate, which are widely used as thickeners, gelling agents, and stabilizers in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Beyond extracts, non-edible seaweeds are processed into animal feed supplements, organic fertilizers, and even explored for biofuel production. Importers include chemical manufacturers, agricultural suppliers, biotech firms, and pet food producers. Exporters are typically coastal nations with abundant seaweed resources or large-scale algae cultivation facilities. Key trade considerations involve the specific species and its intended industrial use, quality control for contaminants, and sustainable harvesting or farming practices.
What products fall under HS code 121229?
Agar-agar raw material, carrageenan raw material, alginate raw material, seaweed meal for animal feed, kelp fertilizer, industrial algae biomass, spirulina for aquaculture, brown algae for extraction.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121229?
Could be confused with 121221 (edible seaweeds) if its non-food use isn't explicit, or 310100 (animal or vegetable fertilizers) if processed into a final fertilizer product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121229?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121229 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($101M, 35% of world exports), Ireland ($45M) and Peru (about $28M). World exports came to about $284M, 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 121229?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121229 in UN Comtrade data were China ($132M, 39% of world imports), France ($31M) and the United States ($28M). World imports came to about $335M, 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 121229 structured?
HS code 121229 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 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121229?
In Brazil, HS code 121229 is NCM 1212.29.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.