Product classification
HS code for Clover seeds: 1209.22
Seeds of forage plants, clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of clover seeds under HS 1209.22
Clover seeds intended for sowing are classified under HS code 1209.22. This code is part of Chapter 12, which includes oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, as well as industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1209 is dedicated to seeds, fruit, and spores of a kind used for sowing. Within this heading, the 1209.2x series covers seeds of forage plants, which are plants grown specifically to be grazed by livestock or harvested as hay or silage. Subheading 1209.22 specifically identifies seeds of the Trifolium species (clover). For a product to be classified here, it must be of a quality and purity suitable for planting and must not be intended for human or animal consumption as a primary foodstuff. Customs authorities often require phytosanitary certificates for items under this code to ensure they do not carry pests or diseases. The classification is straightforward but requires documentation proving the seeds are for sowing purposes. If the seeds have been treated with fungicides or other coatings to enhance growth, they still remain under this code as long as their essential character as seeds for sowing is maintained.
- Covers
- Red clover seeds (Trifolium pratense)
- White clover seeds (Trifolium repens)
- Crimson clover seeds (Trifolium incarnatum)
- Alsike clover seeds (Trifolium hybridum)
- Also under 1209.22
- Barenbrug Clover Seeds
- DLF Clover Seeds
- La Crosse Seed Clover Varieties
- Pennington Clover Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.22
Common mistake. Clover seeds are often confused with Lucerne (Alfalfa) seeds, which are classified under 1209.21. They may also be misclassified under 1209.91 if mistaken for vegetable seeds, or 1209.99 if the specific forage plant species is not correctly identified by the importer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120922 (the code used for clover seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120922 (the code used for clover seeds) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 18% 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 120922, not only clover seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $42M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $24M 11% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $19M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $222M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Pakistan $50M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $43M 16% of world imports
- 3 France $29M 10% of world imports
World total: $277M 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 clover seeds
Brazil classifies clover seeds under NCM 1209.22.00: HS 1209.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about clover seeds
What is the HS code for Clover seeds?
The HS code for Clover seeds is 120922 (Seeds of forage plants; clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing). The specific HS code for clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds used for sowing is 1209.22.
How do I classify Clover seeds for customs?
Clover seeds is classified under HS code 120922 — Seeds of forage plants; clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are clover seeds for sprouts classified here?
If the seeds are intended for human consumption (e.g., for growing sprouts to eat), they may still be classified here if they are "seeds of a kind used for sowing," but local regulations may vary based on end-use.
Which countries are the top exporters of clover seeds (HS 120922)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120922 (the code used for clover seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($42M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($24M) and New Zealand ($19M). World exports came to about $222M, 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 clover seeds (HS 120922)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120922 (the code used for clover seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($50M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($43M) and France ($29M). World imports came to about $277M, 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 Clover seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120922 for Clover 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 clover seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, clover seeds (HS 120922) is classified under NCM 1209.22.00.