About HS Code 121490
This broad HS code covers a wide array of forage products, excluding lucerne meal and pellets, that are essential for animal nutrition. It includes various types of hay (e.g., timothy, orchard grass, clover), fodder roots like swedes and mangolds, and other legumes such as sainfoin, lupines, and vetches, whether pelletized or otherwise prepared. International trade in these goods supports livestock industries in countries with insufficient local forage production or those seeking specific nutritional profiles for their animals. Importers range from individual farmers to large-scale feed mills. Key trade considerations involve moisture content, nutrient analysis, freedom from weeds and pests, and efficient packaging (bales, pellets) to minimize transport costs and ensure product integrity upon arrival. Quality and consistency are paramount for animal health and productivity.
Products Under This Code
Timothy hay, Orchard grass hay, Clover hay, Sainfoin pellets, Fodder beet, Swedes (rutabaga), Vetch seeds (for forage), Forage kale
Real World Examples
Oxbow Timothy Hay, Standlee Premium Western Forage Orchard Grass, M&R Forage Products Hay Bales
Common Misclassification
Often confused with 121300 (cereal straw and husks) if the product is a by-product rather than a primary forage crop, or 121410 if it's specifically lucerne.
Products Classified Under 1214.90
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
European countries like Germany and the Netherlands are major importers, while Canada and the USA are significant exporters of various hays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 121490?
HS code 121490 covers: Forage products including swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, sainfoin, clover, forage kale, lupines, vetches etc., pelletised or otherwise. This broad HS code covers a wide array of forage products, excluding lucerne meal and pellets, that are essential for animal nutrition. It includes various types of hay (e.g., timothy, orchard grass, clover), fodder roots like swedes and mangolds, and other legumes such as sainfoin, lupines, and vetches, whether pelletized or otherwise prepared. International trade in these goods supports livestock industries in countries with insufficient local forage production or those seeking specific nutritional profiles for their animals. Importers range from individual farmers to large-scale feed mills. Key trade considerations involve moisture content, nutrient analysis, freedom from weeds and pests, and efficient packaging (bales, pellets) to minimize transport costs and ensure product integrity upon arrival. Quality and consistency are paramount for animal health and productivity.
What products fall under HS code 121490?
Timothy hay, Orchard grass hay, Clover hay, Sainfoin pellets, Fodder beet, Swedes (rutabaga), Vetch seeds (for forage), Forage kale
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121490?
Often confused with 121300 (cereal straw and husks) if the product is a by-product rather than a primary forage crop, or 121410 if it's specifically lucerne.
How is HS code 121490 structured?
HS code 121490 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (14) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.