Product classification
HS code for Alfalfa meal: 1214.10
Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets.
Classification of alfalfa meal under HS 1214.10
Alfalfa meal, also known as lucerne meal, is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 1214.10. This classification is precise because the subheading specifically designates "Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets." The product's form, being processed into a meal or pellet, is the primary determinant for its placement within this code. Alfalfa meal is derived from the lucerne plant and is typically used as animal feed. Its classification reflects its origin as a forage plant product that has undergone a specific processing step to create a uniform meal or pellet form, distinguishing it from other forms of alfalfa or other types of animal feed preparations.
- Covers
- Lucerne meal
- Alfalfa meal
- Lucerne pellets
- Alfalfa pellets
- Also under 1214.10
- Standlee Premium Western Forage Alfalfa Pellets
- Manna Pro Alfalfa Pellets
- Triple Crown Alfalfa Pellets
Codes often confused with 1214.10
Common mistake. Alfalfa meal can sometimes be confused with other forms of alfalfa or related products. One common misclassification risk is with HS code 1214.90, which covers "Other" lucerne (alfalfa) and other forage products not specified elsewhere. This code would typically apply to dried alfalfa in forms such as hay or chopped forage that has not been processed into meal or pellets. Another area of confusion might arise with HS codes in Chapter 23, which covers residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. However, 1214.10 is specifically for single-ingredient lucerne meal or pellets, whereas Chapter 23 is for mixed animal feed preparations or by-products from other industrial processes. The key differentiator for 1214.10 is the singular ingredient (lucerne/alfalfa) and its specific processed form (meal or pellets).
Top exporters and importers of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa meal) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 121410, not only alfalfa meal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $91M 26% of world exports
- 2 France $45M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $42M 12% of world exports
World total: $354M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$75M 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Saudi Arabia $44M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $33M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $342M 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 alfalfa meal
Brazil classifies alfalfa meal under NCM 1214.10.00: HS 1214.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alfalfa meal
What is the HS code for Alfalfa meal?
The HS code for Alfalfa meal is 121410 (Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets). The HS code for Alfalfa meal is 1214.10, which specifically covers "Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets."
How do I classify Alfalfa meal for customs?
Alfalfa meal is classified under HS code 121410 — Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between alfalfa meal and alfalfa hay for classification purposes?
Alfalfa meal (1214.10) refers to alfalfa that has been processed into a ground or pelleted form. Alfalfa hay, if merely dried and not further processed into meal or pellets, would typically be classified under HS code 1214.90, which covers other forms of lucerne (alfalfa) and forage products.
Which countries are the top exporters of alfalfa meal (HS 121410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa meal) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($91M, 26% of world exports), France ($45M) and Italy ($42M). World exports came to about $354M, 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 alfalfa meal (HS 121410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa meal) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $75M, 22% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($44M) and the United States ($33M). World imports came to about $342M, 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.
Is the HS code for Alfalfa meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121410 for Alfalfa meal is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alfalfa meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, alfalfa meal (HS 121410) is classified under NCM 1214.10.00.