Product classification
HS code for Alfalfa pellets: 1214.10
Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets.
Classification of alfalfa pellets under HS 1214.10
Alfalfa pellets are classified under HS code 1214.10, which specifically covers lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically Rule 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 12 encompasses oil seeds, industrial plants, and fodder. Heading 1214 is dedicated to forage products like hay, clover, and lucerne. The subheading 1214.10 is a specific provision for alfalfa that has been processed into meal or compressed into pellet form. This process involves dehydrating the alfalfa and using mechanical pressure to create dense pellets, which facilitates easier transport and storage while maintaining the nutritional value for livestock. As long as the product consists essentially of alfalfa and has not been mixed with other nutritional additives that would transform it into a prepared animal feed, it remains within this code.
- Covers
- Dehydrated alfalfa pellets
- Sun-dried alfalfa pellets
- Ground alfalfa meal
- Compressed alfalfa cubes (pure)
- Alfalfa leaf meal
- 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. A frequent error is classifying alfalfa pellets under HS code 2309.90, which covers "Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding." This code is only appropriate if the alfalfa is mixed with other ingredients like grains, vitamins, or minerals to form a complete ration. Another common mistake is using 1214.90, which is the residual category for "other" forage products like hay or clover; however, because alfalfa has its own specific subheading (1214.10), the more specific code must be used according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa pellets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa pellets) 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 pellets.
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 pellets
Brazil classifies alfalfa pellets 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 pellets
What is the HS code for Alfalfa pellets?
The HS code for Alfalfa pellets is 121410 (Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets). The correct HS code for pure alfalfa pellets is 1214.10.00.
How do I classify Alfalfa pellets for customs?
Alfalfa pellets is classified under HS code 121410 — Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the pellets contain binders?
Small amounts of binders, such as molasses or lignosulfonates (typically under 3% by weight), generally do not change the classification from 1214.10, as the product still retains the essential character of alfalfa fodder.
Which countries are the top exporters of alfalfa pellets (HS 121410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa pellets) 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 pellets (HS 121410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121410 (the code used for alfalfa pellets) 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 pellets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121410 for Alfalfa pellets 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 pellets in Brazil?
In Brazil, alfalfa pellets (HS 121410) is classified under NCM 1214.10.00.