Product classification
HS code for Fescue seeds: 1209.23
Seeds of forage plants, fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of fescue seeds under HS 1209.23
Fescue seeds are classified under HS code 1209.23, which is part of Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, and miscellaneous grains, with Heading 1209 specifically addressing seeds, fruit, and spores used for sowing. Subheading 1209.23 is dedicated to seeds of forage plants, specifically those of the genus Festuca. Fescue is a widely used grass for both livestock grazing and turf applications. For a product to be classified under this code, it must be clearly intended for planting rather than for consumption or industrial oil extraction. This is often evidenced by the packaging, labeling, or the degree of purity and germination standards of the seeds. The classification is vital for agricultural trade, as it allows for the monitoring of plant species movement and the enforcement of phytosanitary regulations intended to prevent the spread of weeds or plant diseases. Proper documentation must accompany these seeds to prove they meet the sowing requirements of the destination country.
- Covers
- Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) seeds
- Red fescue (Festuca rubra) seeds
- Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) seeds
- Hard fescue seeds for turf use
- Chewings fescue seeds for sowing
- Also under 1209.23
- Pennington Fescue Seeds
- Scotts Turf Builder Fescue
- Barenbrug Fescue Varieties
- DLF Fescue Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.23
Common mistake. Fescue seeds are sometimes misclassified with other forage seeds like Lucerne (Alfalfa) seeds, which fall under 1209.21, or Clover seeds under 1209.22. Another error involves classifying them as general cereals under Chapter 10 (e.g., 1008.90) if the intended use for sowing is not clearly established. Only seeds specifically for sowing should be placed in 1209.23.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120923 (the code used for fescue seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120923 (the code used for fescue seeds) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 120923, not only fescue seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $60M 33% of world exports
- 2 United States $41M 22% of world exports
- 3 Canada $23M 13% of world exports
World total: $184M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $27M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $19M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $194M 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 fescue seeds
Brazil classifies fescue seeds under NCM 1209.23.00: HS 1209.23 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fescue seeds
What is the HS code for Fescue seeds?
The HS code for Fescue seeds is 120923 (Seeds of forage plants; fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing). The HS code for fescue seeds of a kind used for sowing is 1209.23.
How do I classify Fescue seeds for customs?
Fescue seeds is classified under HS code 120923 — Seeds of forage plants; fescue seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these seeds be classified under Chapter 10?
Generally no; Chapter 10 is for cereals. Seeds for sowing, including grass seeds like fescue, are specifically provided for in Heading 1209.
Which countries are the top exporters of fescue seeds (HS 120923)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120923 (the code used for fescue seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($60M, 33% of world exports), the United States ($41M) and Canada ($23M). World exports came to about $184M, 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 fescue seeds (HS 120923)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120923 (the code used for fescue seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and China ($19M). World imports came to about $194M, 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 Fescue seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120923 for Fescue 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 fescue seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, fescue seeds (HS 120923) is classified under NCM 1209.23.00.