Product classification
HS code for Lucerne meal: 1214.10
Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets.
Classification of lucerne meal under HS 1214.10
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 1214.10
- Standlee Premium Western Forage Alfalfa Pellets
- Manna Pro Alfalfa Pellets
- Triple Crown Alfalfa Pellets
Codes often confused with 1214.10
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121410 (the code used for lucerne meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121410 (the code used for lucerne meal) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 22% 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 121410, not only lucerne meal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $91M 26% of world exports
- 2 France $45M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $42M 12% of world exports
World total: $354M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$75M 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Saudi Arabia $44M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $33M 9.5% of world imports
World total: $342M 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 lucerne meal
Brazil classifies lucerne meal under NCM 1214.10.00: HS 1214.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lucerne meal
What is the HS code for Lucerne meal?
The HS code for Lucerne meal is 121410 (Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets). The specific HS code for lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets is 1214.10.
How do I classify Lucerne meal for customs?
Lucerne meal is classified under HS code 121410 — Lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lucerne pellets classified differently than meal?
No, both lucerne meal and lucerne pellets are grouped together under the same subheading 1214.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of lucerne meal (HS 121410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121410 (the code used for lucerne meal) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($91M, 26% of world exports), France ($45M) and Italy ($42M). World exports came to about $354M, 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 lucerne meal (HS 121410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121410 (the code used for lucerne meal) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $75M, 22% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($44M) and the United States ($33M). World imports came to about $342M, 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 Lucerne meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121410 for Lucerne meal 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 lucerne meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, lucerne meal (HS 121410) is classified under NCM 1214.10.00.