Product classification
HS code for Edible soybeans: 1201.90
Soya beans, other than seed, whether or not broken.
Classification of edible soybeans under HS 1201.90
Edible soybeans are classified under HS code 1201.90. This classification falls within Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits. Heading 1201 is dedicated specifically to soya beans, whether or not they are broken. The code is split into two primary subheadings: 1201.10 for seeds intended for sowing and 1201.90 for all other soybeans. Since edible soybeans are intended for human consumption, processing into soy milk, tofu, or direct cooking rather than agricultural planting, they fall into the "other" category. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the beans are organic, non-GMO, or conventional, provided they have not been roasted or otherwise cooked, which would move them into a different chapter entirely.
- Covers
- Yellow soybeans for food processing
- Black soybeans used in traditional medicine or cooking
- Non-GMO soybeans for tofu production
- Broken soybeans not intended for sowing
- Dried soybeans for soy milk extraction
- Also under 1201.90
- Cargill Soybeans
- Bunge Soybeans
- ADM Soybeans
- Louis Dreyfus Company Soybeans
Codes often confused with 1201.90
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying edible soybeans under 1201.10. This code is strictly for certified seeds for sowing, which usually require specific phytosanitary certification and packaging. Another common misclassification occurs with roasted soybeans, which should be classified under 2008.11 or 2008.19 as prepared nuts or seeds. If the soybeans are steam-cooked or frozen, they may fall under Chapter 07 (Vegetables).
Top exporters and importers of HS 120190 (the code used for edible soybeans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120190 (the code used for edible soybeans) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world imports. Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 120190, not only edible soybeans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $43.5B 59% of world exports
- 2 United States $16.4B 22% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $4.7B 6.3% of world exports
World total: $74.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $50.4B 63% of world imports
- 2 Argentina $2.2B 2.8% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $2.2B 2.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $79.5B 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 edible soybeans
Brazil classifies edible soybeans under NCM 1201.90.00: HS 1201.90 with 00 added.
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 edible soybeans
What is the HS code for Edible soybeans?
The HS code for Edible soybeans is 120190 (Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken). The HS code for edible soybeans (not for sowing) is 1201.90.
How do I classify Edible soybeans for customs?
Edible soybeans is classified under HS code 120190 — Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are edamame beans classified under this code?
No, fresh or chilled edamame (soybeans in the pod) are generally classified under 0708.90 as leguminous vegetables, while frozen edamame falls under 0710.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of edible soybeans (HS 120190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120190 (the code used for edible soybeans) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($43.5B, 59% of world exports), the United States ($16.4B) and Argentina ($4.7B). World exports came to about $74.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of edible soybeans (HS 120190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120190 (the code used for edible soybeans) in UN Comtrade data were China ($50.4B, 63% of world imports), Argentina ($2.2B) and Egypt ($2.2B). World imports came to about $79.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Edible soybeans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120190 for Edible soybeans 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 edible soybeans in Brazil?
In Brazil, edible soybeans (HS 120190) is classified under NCM 1201.90.00.