HS Code 12.14 – Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pellets

HS code 1214 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pellets. Heading 1214 covers a range of dedicated forage products cultivated specifically for animal consumption, whether fresh, dried, or in pelletized form. This includes well-known items like hay (lucerne/alfalfa, clover, sainfoin), fodder roots (swedes, mangolds), and other forage crops such as kale, lupines, and vetches. The scope is broad, encompassing both the entire plant material (like hay bales) and concentrated forms (like lucerne pellets). Unlike cereal straw and husks (1213), these products are primarily grown and harvested with the explicit intent of feeding livestock, distinguishing them as higher-value agricultural commodities. The inclusion of 'whether or not in the form of pellets' acknowledges common processing methods for preservation, ease of transport, and improved digestibility. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to its direct impact on agricultural trade policies, subsidies, and phytosanitary controls, which are often stricter for feed products than for mere agricultural waste. As part of Section II, 'Vegetable Products,' and Chapter 12, this heading reinforces its role in the agricultural supply chain, linking directly to animal husbandry and food production.

Alfalfa hay bales, lucerne pellets, clover hay (dried), timothy hay, sainfoin hay, mangolds (fodder beets), swedes (rutabagas), forage kale, lupine seeds for fodder, vetch seeds for fodder, ryegrass hay, compressed hay cubes, dried fodder carrots, fodder turnips, forage peas, forage soybeans (unprocessed for feed), ensiled lucerne, dried clover leaves, sainfoin pellets, mangold roots, swede roots, dehydrated alfalfa, forage sorghum, sweet clover hay, crimson clover hay.

A common misclassification under HS 1214 involves confusing these dedicated forage products with cereal straw and husks (1213), which are primarily agricultural by-products rather than cultivated fodder. Traders might also incorrectly classify grains intended for animal feed (Chapter 10, e.g., barley for feed) or vegetables intended for human consumption (Chapter 07) within 1214, overlooking the specific 'forage' designation. The key differentiator is that 1214 items are specifically grown and processed as primary feed for animals, including the whole plant or specific roots, rather than being residues or unprocessed grains.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1214 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 44% of world exports), Australia ($457M) and Spain ($286M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 1214 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($669M, 23% of world imports), South Korea ($414M) and Saudi Arabia ($409M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 1214 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (14) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.