Product classification
HS code for Millet seeds: 1008.21
Cereals, millet, seed.
Classification of millet seeds under HS 1008.21
Millet seeds are classified under HS code 1008.21 because they fall within Chapter 10 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to cereals. Heading 1008 specifically covers buckwheat, millet, and canary seeds, along with other miscellaneous cereals. The subheading 1008.21 is reserved exclusively for millet that is intended for sowing. To qualify for this specific classification, the seeds must generally meet national agricultural standards for purity and germination and are often treated with chemical agents like fungicides to prevent rot after planting. This classification follows General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the product is a cereal grain and is specifically designated for reproductive purposes (sowing), 1008.21 is the most accurate and specific code available in the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Proso millet seeds for sowing
- Pearl millet seeds for planting
- Finger millet seeds for agricultural use
- Foxtail millet seeds treated for germination
- Barnyard millet seeds for crop production
- Also under 1008.21
- Advanta Seeds (pearl millet varieties)
- Syngenta (various seed types)
- Pioneer (millet hybrids)
- local agricultural co-ops
Codes often confused with 1008.21
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying millet seeds under HS code 1008.29. While 1008.29 also covers millet, it is specifically for millet "other" than seed, meaning grain intended for human consumption or animal feed. Another common mistake is using code 1209.91 or 1209.99, which are for seeds of herbaceous plants or other seeds for sowing. However, because millet is a cereal, Chapter 10 takes precedence over Chapter 12 for the seed form of the grain. Additionally, birdseed mixtures containing millet are often incorrectly placed here; if the millet is part of a mixed bird feed, it may fall under 2309 as a preparation of a kind used in animal feeding.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100821 (the code used for millet seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100821 (the code used for millet seeds) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% 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 100821, not only millet seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $11M 34% of world exports
- 2 United States $11M 31% of world exports
- 3 Ethiopia* ~$2.7M 8.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $34M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$3.3M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $3.2M 14% of world imports
- 3 Israel $2.6M 11% of world imports
World total: $23M 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 millet seeds
Brazil splits HS 1008.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1008.21.10Pearl millet seed for sowing
- 1008.21.90Other millet seed for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about millet seeds
What is the HS code for Millet seeds?
The HS code for Millet seeds is 100821 (Cereals; millet, seed). The HS code for millet seeds intended for sowing is 1008.21.
How do I classify Millet seeds for customs?
Millet seeds is classified under HS code 100821 — Cereals; millet, seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include millet for bird feed?
No, millet intended for bird feed or human consumption is typically classified under HS code 1008.29, as 1008.21 is strictly for seeds meant for planting.
Which countries are the top exporters of millet seeds (HS 100821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100821 (the code used for millet seeds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($11M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($11M) and Ethiopia (about $2.7M). World exports came to about $34M, 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 millet seeds (HS 100821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100821 (the code used for millet seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $3.3M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($3.2M) and Israel ($2.6M). World imports came to about $23M, 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 Millet seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100821 for Millet 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 millet seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100821 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for millet seeds depends on the product's details: 1008.21.10 (Pearl millet seed for sowing), 1008.21.90 (Other millet seed for sowing).