Product classification

HS code for Poppy seeds: 1207.91

Oil seeds, poppy seeds, whether or not broken.

Classification of poppy seeds under HS 1207.91

Poppy seeds are classified under HS code 1207.91 within the Harmonized System. This classification falls under Chapter 12, which encompasses 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 1207.91 is the specific international code for poppy seeds. These seeds are primarily harvested for culinary use or oil extraction. The classification applies regardless of whether the seeds are whole or broken, provided they have not been processed into a finished oil or medicinal extract, which would move them to different chapters. The botanical source is typically Papaver somniferum. Because poppy seeds contain very low levels of opiates, they are treated as a food product or oil seed rather than a controlled substance in this specific heading, though import regulations vary by country. The HS code 1207.91 is used globally to track the trade of these seeds for the baking industry and for the production of poppy seed oil.

Covers
  • Blue poppy seeds for baking
  • White poppy seeds
  • Crushed poppy seeds for oil pressing
  • Culinary poppy seeds
  • Whole poppy seeds for food manufacturing
Also under 1207.91
  • McCormick Poppy Seeds
  • Bob's Red Mill Poppy Seeds
  • Frontier Co-op Poppy Seeds
  • Penzeys Spices Poppy Seeds

Codes often confused with 1207.91

Common mistake. Poppy seeds are often misclassified under 1209.91, which is the code for seeds of herbaceous plants used for sowing (planting). If the seeds are intended for agricultural planting rather than consumption or oil extraction, 1209 is more appropriate. Additionally, poppy straw (the plant parts) is classified under 1211.40, and poppy seed oil is classified under 1515.90. Confusion also occurs with 0909, which covers seeds of anise, badian, fennel, or coriander, but poppy seeds are strictly oil seeds in Chapter 12.

1209.91Seeds; vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing12.09Seeds, fruit and spores; of a kind used for sowing1211.40Poppy straw; of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered1515.90Fixed vegetable fats and oils and their fractions n.e.c. in heading 1515; other than linseed, maize (corn), castor, sesame, microbial oils, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified09.09Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway or juniper

Top exporters and importers of HS 120791 (the code used for poppy seeds), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120791 (the code used for poppy seeds) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 12% 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 120791, not only poppy seeds.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Czechia $65M
  2. 2 Hungary $24M
  3. 3 Slovakia $17M

World total: $182M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Poland $24M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$23M
  3. 3 Slovakia $18M

World total: $191M 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 poppy seeds

Brazil splits HS 1207.91 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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 poppy seeds

What is the HS code for Poppy seeds?

The HS code for Poppy seeds is 120791 (Oil seeds; poppy seeds, whether or not broken). The HS code for poppy seeds is 1207.91, categorized under oil seeds and oleaginous fruits.

How do I classify Poppy seeds for customs?

Poppy seeds is classified under HS code 120791 — Oil seeds; poppy seeds, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are poppy seeds for planting classified here?

No, poppy seeds specifically intended for sowing or planting are classified under HS code 1209.91.

Which countries are the top exporters of poppy seeds (HS 120791)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120791 (the code used for poppy seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($65M, 36% of world exports), Hungary ($24M) and Slovakia ($17M). World exports came to about $182M, 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 poppy seeds (HS 120791)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 120791 (the code used for poppy seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($24M, 12% of world imports), Russia (about $23M) and Slovakia ($18M). World imports came to about $191M, 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 Poppy seeds the same in all countries?

The base HS code 120791 for Poppy 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 poppy seeds in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 120791 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for poppy seeds depends on the product's details: 1207.91.10 (Poppy seeds for sowing), 1207.91.90 (Poppy seeds, not for sowing).