Product classification
HS code for Melon seeds: 1207.70
Oil seeds, melon seeds, whether or not broken.
Classification of melon seeds under HS 1207.70
Melon seeds are classified under HS code 1207.70. This classification falls within Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit. Heading 1207 is a category for 'other' oil seeds that are not specifically named in headings 1201 through 1206 (such as soy, peanuts, or sunflower seeds). Subheading 1207.70 specifically identifies melon seeds. This classification applies to the seeds whether they are whole or broken. The primary requirement for classification under this heading is that the seeds are intended for oil extraction or are in their raw, dried state. If the seeds have been prepared for human consumption through roasting or salting, or if they are specifically prepared for sowing, they are excluded from this heading and moved to more specific chapters.
- Covers
- Watermelon seeds (raw or dried)
- Cantaloupe or muskmelon seeds
- Dried melon seeds for oil pressing
- Broken melon seeds
- Also under 1207.70
- Terrasoul Superfoods Watermelon Seeds
- Go Raw Sprouted Watermelon Seeds
- Eden Foods Melon Seeds
- Sun & Seed Organic Melon Seeds
Codes often confused with 1207.70
Common mistake. Melon seeds are frequently misclassified under HS code 1209.91 if they are intended for planting; seeds for sowing must be classified in heading 1209. Another common error is using HS code 2008.19 for roasted or salted melon seeds, as Chapter 20 covers prepared or preserved fruits and nuts. Additionally, if the seeds are imported as birdseed mixtures, they may fall under 1202 or 2309 depending on the composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120770 (the code used for melon seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120770 (the code used for melon seeds) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% 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 120770, not only melon seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $93M 19% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$86M 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $79M 17% of world exports
World total: $478M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $77M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $41M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $38M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $444M 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 codes for melon seeds
Brazil splits HS 1207.70 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1207.70.10Melon seeds for sowing
- 1207.70.90Melon seeds, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about melon seeds
What is the HS code for Melon seeds?
The HS code for Melon seeds is 120770 (Oil seeds; melon seeds, whether or not broken). The HS code for raw or dried melon seeds is 1207.70.
How do I classify Melon seeds for customs?
Melon seeds is classified under HS code 120770 — Oil seeds; melon seeds, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are seeds for planting included in 1207.70?
No, melon seeds specifically put up for sowing (planting) are classified under HS code 1209.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of melon seeds (HS 120770)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120770 (the code used for melon seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($93M, 19% of world exports), Peru (about $86M) and the United States ($79M). World exports came to about $478M, 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 melon seeds (HS 120770)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120770 (the code used for melon seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($77M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($41M) and Brazil ($38M). World imports came to about $444M, 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 Melon seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120770 for Melon 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 melon seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120770 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for melon seeds depends on the product's details: 1207.70.10 (Melon seeds for sowing), 1207.70.90 (Melon seeds, not for sowing).