HS Code for Lucerne meal

Lucerne meal and pellets are classified under HS code 1214.10. Lucerne, commonly known as alfalfa, is a high-protein forage plant essential for livestock nutrition. When it is ground into meal or compressed into pellets for use as animal feed, it falls under heading 1214. This heading covers various forage products like hay, clover, and vetches. Subheading 1214.10 is specific to the processed forms of lucerne—namely meal and pellets. This classification applies regardless of whether the product has been heat-treated to improve its nutritional profile or to facilitate the pelletization process. However, it is important that the product remains essentially lucerne; if it is mixed with other ingredients like molasses or minerals to form a complete animal feed, it may be reclassified under Chapter 23. The classification is guided by General Interpretative Rule 1, focusing on the intended use as fodder and the specific processing state (meal or pellet) described in the subheading text.

Products Included

• Alfalfa meal (ground lucerne)
• Dehydrated lucerne pellets
• Sun-cured lucerne meal
• Lucerne cubes (if meeting the definition of pellets)
• Ground alfalfa for animal feed applications

Common Misclassification

Lucerne meal is often misclassified under 1214.90, which is the residual category for other forage products like hay, clover, or kale. Another common mistake is classifying it under 2309.90 (preparations of a kind used in animal feeding). While lucerne is used for feed, heading 1214 is more specific for the plant material itself. Additionally, lucerne seeds for sowing must be classified under 1209.21 and not 1214.10.

FAQ

What is the HS code for lucerne meal?

The specific HS code for lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets is 1214.10.

Are lucerne pellets classified differently than meal?

No, both lucerne meal and lucerne pellets are grouped together under the same subheading 1214.10.