Product classification
HS code for Maize seeds: 1005.10
Cereals, maize (corn), seed.
Classification of maize seeds under HS 1005.10
Maize seeds for sowing are classified under HS code 1005.10. Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System covers cereals, and heading 1005 is specifically designated for maize (corn). The subheading 1005.10 is reserved exclusively for seed maize. For a product to qualify for this classification, it must be intended for sowing and typically must meet specific quality and purity standards set by national agricultural authorities. This often involves certification that the seeds are free from certain pests and diseases and have a high germination rate. The distinction between seed maize and maize for consumption (1005.90) is vital because seed maize often benefits from different tariff rates or regulatory exemptions, but it is also subject to stricter phytosanitary controls. The seeds may be treated with fungicides or insecticides to protect them during germination, which does not change their classification under 1005.10, provided they remain identifiable as seeds for sowing. Classification follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, specifically Note 1 to Chapter 10 which clarifies that the heading only covers grains that have not been worked.
- Covers
- Hybrid maize seeds for planting
- Sweet corn seeds for sowing
- Genetically modified (GMO) maize seeds for agricultural use
- Certified organic maize seeds
- Inbred line maize seeds for breeding
- Also under 1005.10
- Pioneer Brand Seeds
- Dekalb Corn Seeds
- Syngenta Corn Seeds
- Bayer Crop Science Corn Seeds
Codes often confused with 1005.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is under HS code 1005.90, which covers maize intended for human consumption or animal feed. If the maize is not specifically certified or packaged for sowing, it falls under the \"other\" category. Another error occurs with sweet corn; while sweet corn seeds for sowing are 1005.10, fresh or chilled sweet corn for food is classified under 0709.99, and frozen sweet corn is under 0710.40. Popcorn (unpopped) is also generally classified under 1005.90 rather than 1005.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100510 (the code used for maize seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100510 (the code used for maize seeds) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.2% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 100510, not only maize seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $923M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $302M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $286M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $342M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 France $221M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $211M 5.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.7B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 maize seeds
Brazil classifies maize seeds under NCM 1005.10.00: HS 1005.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about maize seeds
What is the HS code for Maize seeds?
The HS code for Maize seeds is 100510 (Cereals; maize (corn), seed). The HS code for maize seeds intended for sowing is 1005.10.
How do I classify Maize seeds for customs?
Maize seeds is classified under HS code 100510 — Cereals; maize (corn), seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the seeds are chemically treated?
No, maize seeds treated with fungicides, disinfectants, or other protective coatings remain classified under 1005.10 as long as they are for sowing purposes.
Which countries are the top exporters of maize seeds (HS 100510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100510 (the code used for maize seeds) in UN Comtrade data were France ($923M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($302M) and Hungary ($286M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 maize seeds (HS 100510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100510 (the code used for maize seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($342M, 9.2% of world imports), France ($221M) and Italy ($211M). World imports came to about $3.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Maize seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100510 for Maize 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 maize seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, maize seeds (HS 100510) is classified under NCM 1005.10.00.