Product classification
HS code for Palm nuts: 1207.10
Oil seeds, palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken.
Classification of palm nuts under HS 1207.10
Palm nuts and kernels are classified under HS code 120710 as they are oil seeds used for the extraction of vegetable oils. Chapter 12 of the Harmonized System covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit. Heading 1207 is reserved for "Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken," excluding those specifically mentioned in earlier headings like soy beans or peanuts. Subheading 120710 is the dedicated code for palm nuts and kernels. These are the seeds found inside the palm fruit. They are distinct from the fleshy mesocarp of the fruit (which produces palm oil) and are processed separately to produce palm kernel oil. The classification applies regardless of whether the nuts are whole, cracked, or in the form of kernels, provided they have not been processed beyond basic drying or cleaning for oil extraction. They are considered raw agricultural commodities intended for industrial processing.
- Covers
- Whole palm nuts
- Cracked palm kernels
- Dried palm kernels
- Palm nuts for oil crushing
- Unprocessed palm seeds
- 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 nuts are frequently misclassified under HS code 080111 (coconuts) or other edible nuts in Chapter 08. However, because palm nuts are primarily used for oil extraction rather than direct consumption as a fruit or nut, they belong in Chapter 12. They should also not be confused with HS code 1513, which covers the oil extracted from these kernels, or HS code 120791 (poppy seeds) and other unrelated oil seeds.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120710 (the code used for palm nuts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120710 (the code used for palm nuts) 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 nuts.
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 nuts
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 nuts
What is the HS code for Palm nuts?
The HS code for Palm nuts is 120710 (Oil seeds; palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken). The HS code for palm nuts and kernels, whether or not they are broken or cracked, is 120710.
How do I classify Palm nuts for customs?
Palm nuts is classified under HS code 120710 — Oil seeds; palm nuts and kernels, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the palm fruit pulp?
No, the fleshy fruit pulp (mesocarp) used to produce crude palm oil is generally classified elsewhere, while 120710 specifically refers to the hard nut or kernel found inside the fruit.
Which countries are the top exporters of palm nuts (HS 120710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120710 (the code used for palm nuts) 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 nuts (HS 120710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120710 (the code used for palm nuts) 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 nuts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120710 for Palm nuts 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 nuts in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120710 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for palm nuts 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).