Product classification
HS code for Palm kernels: 1207.10
Oil seeds, palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken.
Classification of palm kernels under HS 1207.10
Palm kernels are classified under HS code 1207.10. This code is found in Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits. Heading 1207 is used for various oil seeds and fruits that are not specifically named in other headings of the chapter. Subheading 1207.10 is the dedicated code for palm nuts and kernels. These are the seeds of the oil palm tree, typically the Elaeis guineensis species. The classification applies to the kernels in their raw or dried state, whether they are whole or broken. The primary factor for classification under 1207.10 is that the kernels are intended for oil extraction and have not yet undergone the extraction process. Once the kernels are processed to remove the oil, the resulting products are classified elsewhere. This code is distinct from those used for edible nuts or seeds used primarily for sowing, although palm kernels are almost exclusively used for industrial oil production.
- Covers
- Whole palm kernels
- Broken palm kernels
- Dried palm nuts
- Palm kernels for crushing
- Also under 1207.10
- Sime Darby Plantation Palm Kernels
- Wilmar International Palm Kernels
- Golden Agri-Resources Palm Kernels
- IOI Corporation Palm Kernels
- Musim Mas Palm Kernels
Codes often confused with 1207.10
Common mistake. Palm kernels are sometimes misclassified under 0801.11 (coconuts) due to the term "nut," or under 1209 if they are intended for sowing. Another common error is confusing them with the residue left after oil extraction, which belongs in 2306.60. Importers must also distinguish them from palm fruit (the fleshy part), which is classified under 1207.10 as well, as the heading covers both the nuts and the kernels.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120710 (the code used for palm kernels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120710 (the code used for palm kernels) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 68% of world imports. Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its exports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher. Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 46% of its imports here ($4.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 120710, not only palm kernels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $82M 65% of world exports
- 2 Panama $6.0M 4.7% of world exports
- 3 Costa Rica* ~$5.8M 4.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its exports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $127M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $90M 68% of world imports
- 2 India $11M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Guatemala $7.6M 5.7% of world imports
Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 46% of its imports here ($4.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $133M 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 palm kernels
Brazil splits HS 1207.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1207.10.10Palm nuts and kernels for sowing
- 1207.10.90Palm nuts and kernels, 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 palm kernels
What is the HS code for Palm kernels?
The HS code for Palm kernels is 120710 (Oil seeds; palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken). The HS code for palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken, is 1207.10.
How do I classify Palm kernels for customs?
Palm kernels is classified under HS code 120710 — Oil seeds; palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are palm kernels classified differently if they are broken?
No, HS code 1207.10 covers palm kernels whether they are whole or broken, provided they have not been processed for oil extraction.
Which countries are the top exporters of palm kernels (HS 120710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120710 (the code used for palm kernels) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($82M, 65% of world exports), Panama ($6.0M) and Costa Rica (about $5.8M). World exports came to about $127M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its exports here ($1.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of palm kernels (HS 120710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120710 (the code used for palm kernels) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($90M, 68% of world imports), India ($11M) and Guatemala ($7.6M). World imports came to about $133M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Costa Rica did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 46% of its imports here ($4.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Palm kernels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120710 for Palm kernels 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 palm kernels in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120710 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for palm kernels depends on the product's details: 1207.10.10 (Palm nuts and kernels for sowing), 1207.10.90 (Palm nuts and kernels, not for sowing).