Product classification
HS code for Castor seeds: 1207.30
Oil seeds, castor oil seeds, whether or not broken.
Classification of castor seeds under HS 1207.30
Castor seeds are classified under HS code 120730, which falls under the category of \"Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits.\" These are the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The classification is based on the primary use of the seeds, which is the extraction of vegetable oil. The code covers seeds that are whole, broken, or crushed. It is important to note that these seeds are not typically classified as \"seeds for sowing\" under 1209 unless they have been specifically treated or packaged for that purpose and are of a variety used for planting. The seeds contain the toxin ricin, but this does not affect their classification under 120730 for international trade purposes. The Harmonized System places most oil-bearing seeds in Chapter 12, and 1207 serves as the residual heading for seeds not mentioned in 1201 through 1206.
- Covers
- Whole castor oil seeds
- Crushed castor seeds for oil extraction
- Broken castor seeds
- Dried castor beans
- Castor seeds for industrial use
- Also under 1207.30
- Jayant Agro-Organics Castor Seeds
- Adani Wilmar Castor Seeds
- Gokul Agro Resources Castor Seeds
- various Indian agricultural cooperatives.
Codes often confused with 1207.30
Common mistake. Castor seeds are sometimes confused with other oil seeds like soya beans (1201), sunflower seeds (1206), or sesame seeds (120740). Another common misclassification occurs with seeds for sowing; if the castor seeds are specifically prepared and intended for planting, they might be argued under 120991, though 120730 is the standard for the commodity. Furthermore, the residue left after oil extraction (castor cake) is not classified here but under 230690 as oil-cake and other solid residues.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120730 (the code used for castor seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120730 (the code used for castor seeds) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 120730, not only castor seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $6.6M 36% of world exports
- 2 Ethiopia* ~$3.9M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $2.1M 12% of world exports
World total: $18M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $8.3M 43% of world imports
- 2 Kenya $5.9M 30% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $951K 4.9% of world imports
World total: $20M 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 codes for castor seeds
Brazil splits HS 1207.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1207.30.10Castor oil seeds for sowing
- 1207.30.90Castor oil seeds, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about castor seeds
What is the HS code for Castor seeds?
The HS code for Castor seeds is 120730 (Oil seeds; castor oil seeds, whether or not broken). The HS code for castor oil seeds, whether or not broken, is 120730.
How do I classify Castor seeds for customs?
Castor seeds is classified under HS code 120730 — Oil seeds; castor oil seeds, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are castor seeds classified as a hazardous material?
While they contain ricin and may be subject to transport safety regulations (IMDG/IATA), their HS classification for customs remains 120730 based on their botanical and commercial nature.
Which countries are the top exporters of castor seeds (HS 120730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120730 (the code used for castor seeds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($6.6M, 36% of world exports), Ethiopia (about $3.9M) and Brazil ($2.1M). World exports came to about $18M, 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 castor seeds (HS 120730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120730 (the code used for castor seeds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.3M, 43% of world imports), Kenya ($5.9M) and Brazil ($951K). World imports came to about $20M, 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 Castor seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120730 for Castor 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 castor seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120730 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for castor seeds depends on the product's details: 1207.30.10 (Castor oil seeds for sowing), 1207.30.90 (Castor oil seeds, not for sowing).