Product classification
HS code for Flower seeds: 1209.30
Seeds of herbaceous plants, cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of flower seeds under HS 1209.30
HS code 120930 is the primary classification for seeds of herbaceous plants cultivated principally for their flowers. The classification logic within the Harmonized System for Chapter 12 relies on the intended use of the product—specifically for sowing. Herbaceous plants are defined as those that do not develop persistent woody stems above ground, which distinguishes them from shrubs or trees. Under GRI 1, the heading 1209 covers seeds, fruit, and spores of a kind used for sowing. Subheading 120930 specifically targets flower seeds. To qualify for this code, the seeds must be intended for planting to grow ornamental flowers. This classification is supported by the physical characteristics of the seeds and their packaging, which typically indicates horticultural use. It is important to note that the purity and germination rates of these seeds are often regulated by national agricultural agencies, but the HS classification remains focused on the botanical origin and the functional purpose of sowing.
- Covers
- Petunia seeds for sowing
- Marigold (Tagetes) seeds
- Zinnia seeds
- Pansy (Viola) seeds
- Begonia seeds
- Sweet pea seeds
- Aster seeds
- Also under 1209.30
- Burpee Marigold Seeds
- Johnny's Selected Seeds Zinnia
- Park Seed Petunia
- Sakata Flower Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.30
Common mistake. Flower seeds are often misclassified under 1207, which covers other oil seeds, especially if the plant can also be used for oil extraction (e.g., certain sunflower varieties). However, if the primary use is for flowers, 120930 takes precedence. Another common error is using 120999, which is a residual category for other seeds, when 120930 is the more specific and appropriate code for herbaceous flower seeds. Seeds of flowering trees or shrubs should be classified under 120991 or 120999 depending on the species.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120930 (the code used for flower seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120930 (the code used for flower seeds) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 120930, not only flower seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $106M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $78M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $46M 11% of world exports
World total: $402M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $69M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $63M 16% of world imports
- 3 China $30M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $389M 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 flower seeds
Brazil classifies flower seeds under NCM 1209.30.00: HS 1209.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flower seeds
What is the HS code for Flower seeds?
The HS code for Flower seeds is 120930 (Seeds of herbaceous plants; cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing). The specific HS code for seeds of herbaceous plants cultivated for their flowers is 120930.
How do I classify Flower seeds for customs?
Flower seeds is classified under HS code 120930 — Seeds of herbaceous plants; cultivated principally for their flowers, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sunflower seeds classified under 120930?
Generally, no. Sunflower seeds are typically classified under 120600 if for oil or consumption. Only specific ornamental dwarf sunflower seeds intended solely for flower gardens might be considered here, though 120600 is usually the default.
Which countries are the top exporters of flower seeds (HS 120930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120930 (the code used for flower seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($106M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($78M) and Germany ($46M). World exports came to about $402M, 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 flower seeds (HS 120930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120930 (the code used for flower seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($69M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($63M) and China ($30M). World imports came to about $389M, 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 Flower seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120930 for Flower 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 flower seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, flower seeds (HS 120930) is classified under NCM 1209.30.00.