Product classification
HS code for Lucerne seeds: 1209.21
Seeds of forage plants, lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of lucerne seeds under HS 1209.21
Lucerne seeds intended for sowing are classified under HS code 1209.21. Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and various grains, but heading 1209 is specifically dedicated to seeds, fruit, and spores of a kind used for sowing. Within this heading, the Harmonized System differentiates between various types of forage plants. Subheading 1209.21 is the specific designation for alfalfa (lucerne) seeds. To qualify for this code, the seeds must be of a quality and variety suitable for planting to grow new crops. This is often verified by phytosanitary certificates, seed purity documentation, or germination test results. If the seeds were intended for human consumption (e.g., for sprouting as a vegetable) or for oil extraction, they might be classified elsewhere, but the primary classification for the international agricultural seed trade is 1209.21. The classification follows the principle that seeds for sowing are distinct from seeds used for food, industrial, or feed purposes.
- Covers
- Alfalfa sowing seeds
- Certified lucerne seeds (e.g., Medicago sativa)
- Dormant and non-dormant lucerne varieties for planting
- Inoculated lucerne seeds (coated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria)
- Also under 1209.21
- Pioneer Alfalfa Seeds
- Forage Genetics International Alfalfa
- DLF Alfalfa Seeds
- Barenbrug Alfalfa Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.21
Common mistake. Lucerne seeds are frequently confused with 1214.10, which covers lucerne meal and pellets used for animal feed. They may also be misclassified under 1209.22 (clover seeds) or 1209.91 (vegetable seeds) if the botanical species is not clearly identified. Furthermore, if the seeds are intended for human consumption as sprouts, some jurisdictions may require classification under 0713 (dried leguminous vegetables) or 1209.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120921 (the code used for lucerne seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120921 (the code used for lucerne seeds) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 120921, not only lucerne seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $84M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $66M 17% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $56M 15% of world exports
World total: $382M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $34M 11% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$27M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $26M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $308M 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 seeds
Brazil classifies lucerne seeds under NCM 1209.21.00: HS 1209.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lucerne seeds
What is the HS code for Lucerne seeds?
The HS code for Lucerne seeds is 120921 (Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing). The HS code for lucerne (alfalfa) seeds of a kind used for sowing is 1209.21.
How do I classify Lucerne seeds for customs?
Lucerne seeds is classified under HS code 120921 — Seeds of forage plants; lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include seeds treated with fungicides?
Yes, seeds for sowing that have been treated with fungicides, insecticides, or bacterial inoculants remain classified under 1209.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of lucerne seeds (HS 120921)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120921 (the code used for lucerne seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($66M) and Egypt ($56M). World exports came to about $382M, 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 seeds (HS 120921)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120921 (the code used for lucerne seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($34M, 11% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $27M) and the United States ($26M). World imports came to about $308M, 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 seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120921 for Lucerne seeds 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 seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, lucerne seeds (HS 120921) is classified under NCM 1209.21.00.