Product classification
HS code for Dried seaweed: 1212.21
Seaweeds and other algae, fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Classification of dried seaweed under HS 1212.21
Dried seaweed intended for human consumption is classified under HS code 1212.21. Heading 1212 covers a variety of vegetable products used primarily for human food or industrial purposes not elsewhere specified. Subheading 1212.21 specifically targets seaweeds and other algae that are fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and explicitly fit for human consumption. This classification includes popular varieties like kombu, wakame, and raw nori sheets. The primary requirement for this classification is that the seaweed has not been roasted or seasoned. Once seaweed is roasted (as is common with snack nori) or prepared with oils, salt, and spices, it is no longer classified in Chapter 12. Instead, it moves to Chapter 20 (as a vegetable preparation) or Chapter 21 (as a miscellaneous edible preparation). The drying process in 1212.21 is viewed as a simple preservation method that does not change the essential character of the vegetable matter into a "prepared" food product.
- Covers
- Dried Nori sheets (unroasted)
- Dried Wakame for soup
- Dried Kombu (kelp)
- Dried Dulse for human consumption
- Dehydrated Hijiki
- Also under 1212.21
- Annie Chun's (seaweed snacks)
- Ocean's Halo (broths)
- Maine Coast Sea Vegetables
- Emerald Cove Organic Pacific Nori
- Blue Ocean Mariculture (algae).
Codes often confused with 1212.21
Common mistake. Dried seaweed is very often misclassified under 2008.99 or 2106.90. These codes apply if the seaweed has been roasted or seasoned with oil and salt. Another common error is 1212.29, which is reserved for seaweeds and algae that are "other" than those fit for human consumption (e.g., those used for fertilizer or agar extraction). Agar-agar itself, extracted from seaweed, is classified under 1302.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121221 (the code used for dried seaweed), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121221 (the code used for dried seaweed) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 26% 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 121221, not only dried seaweed.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $564M 56% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $174M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $123M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $336M 26% of world imports
- 2 China $274M 22% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $103M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 dried seaweed
Brazil classifies dried seaweed under NCM 1212.21.00: HS 1212.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried seaweed
What is the HS code for Dried seaweed?
The HS code for Dried seaweed is 121221 (Seaweeds and other algae; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground). The HS code for dried seaweed fit for human consumption is 1212.21, provided it is not roasted or seasoned.
How do I classify Dried seaweed for customs?
Dried seaweed is classified under HS code 121221 — Seaweeds and other algae; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is roasted nori classified under 1212.21?
No, roasted nori is considered a prepared food and is typically classified under HS code 2008.99 or 2106.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried seaweed (HS 121221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121221 (the code used for dried seaweed) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($564M, 56% of world exports), Indonesia ($174M) and China ($123M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 dried seaweed (HS 121221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121221 (the code used for dried seaweed) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($336M, 26% of world imports), China ($274M) and Thailand ($103M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Dried seaweed the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121221 for Dried seaweed 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 dried seaweed in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried seaweed (HS 121221) is classified under NCM 1212.21.00.