Product classification
HS code for Algae (non-food): 1212.29
Seaweeds and other algae, not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Classification of algae (non-food) under HS 1212.29
Algae not fit for human consumption is classified under HS code 1212.29. This code falls within Chapter 12, which covers miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, as well as industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1212 specifically includes seaweeds and other algae. The system distinguishes between algae fit for human consumption (1212.21) and those that are not (1212.29). Non-food algae are typically used for industrial, agricultural, or pharmaceutical purposes. This includes algae harvested for biofuel production, fertilizer, or as a raw material for the extraction of specific chemicals like agar-agar or carrageenan. The classification applies regardless of whether the algae is fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and whether or not it has been ground into a powder. The primary criterion for this code is the lack of suitability for human ingestion, which may be due to the species' inherent properties, the presence of contaminants, or the industrial nature of the processing environment.
- Covers
- Industrial grade kelp
- Dried seaweed for fertilizer
- Algae for biofuel feedstock
- Raw seaweed for chemical extraction
- Dead or dried algae for environmental remediation
- Also under 1212.29
- DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (carrageenan)
- Cargill (hydrocolloids)
- Acadian Seaplants (seaweed extracts)
- Algenol (biofuel algae)
- FMC Corporation (alginates).
Codes often confused with 1212.29
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 1212.21, which is reserved for algae fit for human consumption. Importers must provide documentation regarding the grade and intended use to justify 1212.29. Additionally, if the algae has been processed into a specific chemical extract, such as agar-agar, it should be classified under 1302.31 rather than 1212.29. Similarly, algae prepared as animal feed supplements may be moved to 2309.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121229 (the code used for algae (non-food)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121229 (the code used for algae (non-food)) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% 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 121229, not only algae (non-food).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $101M 35% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $45M 16% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$28M 9.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $284M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $132M 39% of world imports
- 2 France $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $28M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $335M 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 algae (non-food)
Brazil classifies algae (non-food) under NCM 1212.29.00: HS 1212.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about algae (non-food)
What is the HS code for Algae (non-food)?
The HS code for Algae (non-food) is 121229 (Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground).
How do I classify Algae (non-food) for customs?
Algae (non-food) is classified under HS code 121229 — Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for non-food algae?
The HS code for seaweeds and other algae not fit for human consumption is 1212.29.
Can algae for fertilizer be classified here?
Yes, raw or dried algae intended for use as fertilizer or soil conditioner is classified under 1212.29, provided it has not been chemically treated or mixed with other fertilizing substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of algae (non-food) (HS 121229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121229 (the code used for algae (non-food)) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($101M, 35% of world exports), Ireland ($45M) and Peru (about $28M). World exports came to about $284M, 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 algae (non-food) (HS 121229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121229 (the code used for algae (non-food)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($132M, 39% of world imports), France ($31M) and the United States ($28M). World imports came to about $335M, 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 Algae (non-food) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121229 for Algae (non-food) 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 algae (non-food) in Brazil?
In Brazil, algae (non-food) (HS 121229) is classified under NCM 1212.29.00.