HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1212.91 – Sugar beet; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground
HS code 1212.91 is the 6-digit subheading for sugar beet, fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. It is used for fresh sugar beet, dried sugar beet pulp (food grade), sugar beet juice (raw), sugar beet molasses (food grade) and sugar beet slices (raw)..
What HS 1212.91 covers
This HS code specifically covers sugar beet, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, that is fit for human consumption. While primarily cultivated for its high sucrose content to produce refined sugar, sugar beet can also be processed into other food-grade products like molasses or dried pulp for animal feed (when fit for human consumption). It is a major agricultural commodity, particularly in temperate climates, forming a significant part of the global sugar supply. Importers are typically sugar refineries, food processors, and agricultural cooperatives. Exporters are often large agricultural nations with established sugar beet industries. Key aspects of trade include seasonal harvesting, efficient transportation to processing facilities, and quality control based on sugar content and purity.
- Covers
- Fresh sugar beet
- Dried sugar beet pulp (food grade)
- Sugar beet juice (raw)
- Sugar beet molasses (food grade)
- Sugar beet slices (raw).
- Examples
- American Crystal Sugar Company
- Südzucker AG
- British Sugar plc
- Michigan Sugar Company
- Cristal Union.
Codes often confused with 1212.91
Common mistake. Can be confused with 121299 (other sugar-containing plants) if not specifically sugar beet, or 0706 (carrots, turnips) if mistaken for a root vegetable not primarily for sugar.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 121291, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 121291 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 33% 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 Germany $27M 44% of world exports
- 2 Canada $14M 23% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $6.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $31M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $14M 15% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $13M 14% of world imports
World total: $94M 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 1212.91
Brazil does not split HS 1212.91: its NCM code is 1212.91.00.
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 1212.91
What is HS code 121291?
HS code 121291 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sugar beet; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This HS code specifically covers sugar beet, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, that is fit for human consumption. While primarily cultivated for its high sucrose content to produce refined sugar, sugar beet can also be processed into other food-grade products like molasses or dried pulp for animal feed (when fit for human consumption). It is a major agricultural commodity, particularly in temperate climates, forming a significant part of the global sugar supply. Importers are typically sugar refineries, food processors, and agricultural cooperatives. Exporters are often large agricultural nations with established sugar beet industries. Key aspects of trade include seasonal harvesting, efficient transportation to processing facilities, and quality control based on sugar content and purity.
What products fall under HS code 121291?
Fresh sugar beet, dried sugar beet pulp (food grade), sugar beet juice (raw), sugar beet molasses (food grade), sugar beet slices (raw).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121291?
Can be confused with 121299 (other sugar-containing plants) if not specifically sugar beet, or 0706 (carrots, turnips) if mistaken for a root vegetable not primarily for sugar.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 121291?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 121291 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 44% of world exports), Canada ($14M) and Belgium ($6.7M). World exports came to about $62M, 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 121291?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 121291 in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($31M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($14M) and the Netherlands ($13M). World imports came to about $94M, 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 121291 structured?
HS code 121291 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 121291?
In Brazil, HS code 121291 is NCM 1212.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.