HS Code for Millet

Millet is classified under HS code 1008.29. This falls under Chapter 10, which covers cereals in their grain form. Heading 1008 is a residual category for cereals not elsewhere specified, such as buckwheat, canary seed, and millet. Within this heading, the 1008.2x series is dedicated specifically to millet. The classification logic follows General Interpretative Rule 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and subheadings. The specific subheading 1008.29 is used for millet that is not intended for sowing. This includes grains used for human food, birdseed, or livestock feed. As long as the millet is in its grain form—whether or not it has been cleaned or color-sorted—it remains in Chapter 10. If the millet were to be further processed, such as being ground into flour or worked into groats (pearled), it would move to Chapter 11. The distinction between 1008.21 (seed for sowing) and 1008.29 (other) is based on the botanical purity and the packaging, which must indicate its use as a planting seed to qualify for the former. This grain is a staple in many arid regions and its classification is vital for agricultural statistics and food security monitoring.

Products Included

• Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)
• Finger millet (Eleusine coracana)
• Proso millet for consumption
• Foxtail millet for bird feed

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is using 1008.21 for food-grade millet. Code 1008.21 is strictly for seeds for sowing. Another error is using 1209.29, which covers other seeds for sowing but excludes cereals. If the millet is pearled or hulled, it should be classified under 1104.29 rather than 1008.29.

FAQ

What is the HS code for millet?

The HS code for millet (other than seed for sowing) is 1008.29.

Is birdseed millet classified here?

Yes, millet used as birdseed is typically classified under 1008.29 unless it is mixed with other seeds, which might move it to 1209.