Product classification
HS code for Industrial seaweed: 1212.29
Seaweeds and other algae, not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.
Classification of industrial seaweed under HS 1212.29
Industrial seaweed is classified under HS code 1212.29. This code is designated for seaweeds and other algae that are not fit for human consumption. These products are typically used in industrial processes, such as the extraction of agar, carrageenan, or alginates, or as raw materials for fertilizers and animal feed. The classification is found in Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds and various industrial or medicinal plants. The primary factor for classification under 1212.29 is the biological state of the seaweed (fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried) and its lack of suitability for direct human food use. This may be due to the species of the seaweed, the method of harvesting, or the presence of impurities that render it industrial-grade. It is important to note that this code applies to the raw or dried seaweed itself, not to the chemical extracts derived from it.
- Covers
- Dried kelp for fertilizer production
- Raw seaweed for agar-agar extraction
- Algae used in wastewater treatment processes
- Seaweed meal for animal feed supplements
- Fresh or dried algae for biofuel research
- Also under 1212.29
- DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (carrageenan)
- Cargill (hydrocolloids)
- Acadian Seaplants (seaweed extracts)
- Algenol (biofuel algae)
- FMC Corporation (alginates).
Codes often confused with 1212.29
Common mistake. The most common error is confusing 1212.29 with 1212.21. The latter is specifically for seaweed that is fit for human consumption, such as nori or wakame used in food. Another frequent misclassification occurs with 1302.31, which is the code for agar-agar that has already been extracted from the seaweed. If the product is a refined chemical or mucilage, it belongs in Chapter 13, whereas the raw plant material stays in Chapter 12. Additionally, seaweed-based fertilizers that have been chemically processed may fall under Chapter 31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121229 (the code used for industrial seaweed), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121229 (the code used for industrial seaweed) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% 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 121229, not only industrial seaweed.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $101M 35% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $45M 16% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$28M 9.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $284M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $132M 39% of world imports
- 2 France $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $28M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $335M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 industrial seaweed
Brazil classifies industrial seaweed under NCM 1212.29.00: HS 1212.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial seaweed
What is the HS code for Industrial seaweed?
The HS code for Industrial seaweed is 121229 (Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground). The HS code for seaweed and algae not fit for human consumption is 1212.29.
How do I classify Industrial seaweed for customs?
Industrial seaweed is classified under HS code 121229 — Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dried seaweed for sushi classified here?
No, seaweed intended for human consumption is classified under HS code 1212.21. Code 1212.29 is strictly for industrial or non-food grades.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial seaweed (HS 121229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121229 (the code used for industrial seaweed) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($101M, 35% of world exports), Ireland ($45M) and Peru (about $28M). World exports came to about $284M, 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 industrial seaweed (HS 121229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121229 (the code used for industrial seaweed) in UN Comtrade data were China ($132M, 39% of world imports), France ($31M) and the United States ($28M). World imports came to about $335M, 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 Industrial seaweed the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121229 for Industrial seaweed 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 industrial seaweed in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial seaweed (HS 121229) is classified under NCM 1212.29.00.