Product classification
HS code for Barley seeds: 1003.10
Cereals, barley, seed.
Classification of barley seeds under HS 1003.10
Barley seeds, specifically those intended for sowing, are classified under HS code 100310. This classification falls within Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to cereals. Heading 1003 covers barley. The subheading 100310 explicitly designates "Cereals; barley, seed." This classification is critical as it distinguishes barley intended for planting new crops from barley used for other purposes, such as animal feed, malting, or human consumption. Barley seeds often undergo specific treatments, quality controls, and certifications to ensure viability and disease resistance, which further supports their distinct classification.
- Covers
- Certified seed barley
- Untreated barley intended for sowing
- Hybrid barley seeds
- Barley seeds for agricultural cultivation
- Barley seeds for propagation
- Also under 1003.10
- Syngenta Barley Seeds
- KWS Barley Seeds
- Limagrain Barley Varieties
- Pioneer Barley Seed
- BASF Barley Seed
Codes often confused with 1003.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for barley seeds is with barley grain intended for purposes other than sowing, which is classified under HS code 100390. The primary distinction is the intended use: 100310 is exclusively for planting, while 100390 covers all other uses. Another potential area of confusion could be with other seeds for sowing, generally classified under Chapter 12 (e.g., 1209 for seeds of forage plants, vegetable seeds, etc.). However, as barley is a cereal, its seeds are specifically provided for in Chapter 10, overriding the general seed classification in Chapter 12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100310 (the code used for barley seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100310 (the code used for barley seeds) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 18% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 86% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 72% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 100310, not only barley seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $19M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $9.7M 10% of world exports
- 3 Poland $8.9M 9.2% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 86% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $96M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $16M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.9M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $5.6M 6.2% of world imports
Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 72% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $90M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 barley seeds
Brazil classifies barley seeds under NCM 1003.10.00: HS 1003.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about barley seeds
What is the HS code for Barley seeds?
The HS code for Barley seeds is 100310 (Cereals; barley, seed). The HS code for barley seeds, intended for sowing, is 100310.
How do I classify Barley seeds for customs?
Barley seeds is classified under HS code 100310 — Cereals; barley, seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does treated barley for sowing fall under 100310?
Yes, if the primary purpose of the treated barley remains sowing, it is classified under 100310. The treatment does not alter its fundamental classification as seed.
Which countries are the top exporters of barley seeds (HS 100310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100310 (the code used for barley seeds) in UN Comtrade data were France ($19M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($9.7M) and Poland ($8.9M). World exports came to about $96M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 86% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of barley seeds (HS 100310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100310 (the code used for barley seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($16M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($5.9M) and Tanzania ($5.6M). World imports came to about $90M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 72% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Barley seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100310 for Barley 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 barley seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, barley seeds (HS 100310) is classified under NCM 1003.10.00.