Product classification
HS code for Alfalfa seeds: 1209.21
Seeds of forage plants, lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of alfalfa seeds under HS 1209.21
Alfalfa seeds are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 1209.21. This specific subheading is dedicated to "Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing." The classification is determined by two primary factors: the botanical origin of the seed (lucerne/alfalfa) and its intended use (for sowing). This distinction is crucial within the Harmonized System, as the purpose for which a product is imported or exported can significantly influence its classification. By explicitly mentioning alfalfa seeds for sowing, the code ensures precise categorization for agricultural and horticultural trade.
- Covers
- Lucerne seeds for sowing
- Alfalfa seeds for sowing
- Also under 1209.21
- Pioneer Alfalfa Seeds
- Forage Genetics International Alfalfa
- DLF Alfalfa Seeds
- Barenbrug Alfalfa Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.21
Common mistake. Alfalfa seeds can be subject to misclassification, primarily with other types of seeds or alfalfa products. One common area of confusion is with HS code 1209.29, which covers "Other" seeds of forage plants, not specified elsewhere. If the seeds are not specifically alfalfa or lucerne, they would fall under 1209.29. Another potential misclassification could occur if the alfalfa seeds are not intended for sowing, for example, if they were for consumption or oil extraction, which would typically lead to classification under different headings within Chapter 12 or even other chapters, depending on their specific use. For instance, seeds for direct human consumption might fall under Chapter 7 or 10. The critical element for 1209.21 is the explicit mention of lucerne (alfalfa) and the clear indication of their use for sowing, distinguishing them from other seeds or other uses of alfalfa.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120921 (the code used for alfalfa seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120921 (the code used for alfalfa seeds) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 120921, not only alfalfa seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $84M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $66M 17% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $56M 15% of world exports
World total: $382M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $34M 11% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$27M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $26M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $308M 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 seeds
Brazil classifies alfalfa seeds under NCM 1209.21.00: HS 1209.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alfalfa seeds
What is the HS code for Alfalfa seeds?
The HS code for Alfalfa seeds is 120921 (Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing). The HS code for Alfalfa seeds is 1209.21, specifically designated for "Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing."
How do I classify Alfalfa seeds for customs?
Alfalfa seeds is classified under HS code 120921 — Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the intended use affect the classification of seeds?
The intended use is a critical factor in the classification of seeds under the Harmonized System. For instance, HS code 1209.21 specifically applies to alfalfa seeds "of a kind used for sowing." If the same seeds were intended for a different purpose, such as oil extraction or direct consumption, they would likely be classified under a different HS code, reflecting that alternative use.
Which countries are the top exporters of alfalfa seeds (HS 120921)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120921 (the code used for alfalfa seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($66M) and Egypt ($56M). World exports came to about $382M, 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 seeds (HS 120921)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120921 (the code used for alfalfa seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($34M, 11% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $27M) and the United States ($26M). World imports came to about $308M, 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 seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120921 for Alfalfa seeds 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 seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, alfalfa seeds (HS 120921) is classified under NCM 1209.21.00.