HS Code for Fodder

Classification under HS code 1214.90 is determined by the botanical nature and the intended use of the product as animal forage. This code falls within Chapter 12, which encompasses oil seeds, medicinal plants, and straw and fodder. Specifically, heading 1214 covers vegetable products of a kind used for animal food, provided they are not elsewhere specified. The subheading 1214.90 is a residual category for forage products that are not lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets. These products may be presented in the form of whole plants, chopped pieces, or compressed into pellets. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product is dried or otherwise preserved, as long as it has not undergone significant processing that would move it to Chapter 23. The Harmonized System distinguishes between raw agricultural products and prepared animal feed. Products in 1214 are generally considered raw or simply prepared, such as being dried, crushed, or pelletized without additives. If the product is a mixture of different materials or contains added minerals, vitamins, or chemicals to enhance nutritional value, it may shift to Chapter 23. Understanding the level of processing is crucial for correct classification.

Products Included

• Dried hay and sweet hay
• Clover and sainfoin
• Forage kale and lupines
• Vetches and similar forage products
• Fodder roots and mangolds
• Swedes used for animal feed

Common Misclassification

Fodder is frequently confused with HS code 1213.00, which is strictly for cereal straw and husks, unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, pressed, or in the form of pellets. Another common error is classifying these products under 2309.90, which covers preparations of a kind used in animal feeding. The distinction lies in the level of processing; 1214.90 is for primary vegetable products, while 2309.90 is for complex mixtures or products with added nutritional supplements.

FAQ

What is the HS code for fodder?

The primary HS code for general forage products and fodder is 1214.90.

Can pelletized forage be classified under 1214.90?

Yes, forage products that have been pelletized remain under this code as long as they have not been mixed with other substances or additives that would classify them as prepared animal feed.