HS Code for Hay

Hay and related forage products are classified under HS code 1214.90. This classification falls within Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds, industrial plants, and fodder. Heading 1214 specifically includes swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches, and similar forage products. The subheading 1214.90 serves as the category for these products when they are not specifically named in other subheadings (such as 1214.10 for lucerne meal). Hay is defined as grass or other herbaceous plants that have been cut and dried for use as animal fodder. The classification remains 1214.90 regardless of whether the hay is presented in its natural state, chopped, or compressed into pellets, provided it has not been mixed with other nutritional supplements that would reclassify it as a prepared animal feed under heading 2309.

Products Included

• Dried meadow hay
• Timothy hay
• Oat hay (dried forage)
• Pelletized hay for animal feed
• Mixed grass forage

Common Misclassification

Hay is frequently misclassified under HS code 1213.00, which is reserved for cereal straw and husks. While both are used for animal bedding or low-quality feed, straw is a byproduct of grain harvesting, whereas hay is grown specifically for forage. Another common error is using 2309.90, which covers prepared animal fodder; however, 1214.90 is the correct code for hay that has only undergone basic drying or pelletizing without the addition of other substances.

FAQ

What is the HS code for hay?

The standard HS code for hay and other forage products not elsewhere specified is 1214.90.

Is alfalfa classified under the same code as hay?

No, alfalfa (lucerne) meal and pellets are specifically classified under HS code 1214.10, while other hay products fall under 1214.90.