Product classification
HS code for Poppy straw: 1211.40
Poppy 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 powdered.
Classification of poppy straw under HS 1211.40
Poppy straw is classified under HS code 1211.40. This code is situated within Chapter 12, which covers plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal, or similar purposes. Heading 1211 is the primary category for these botanical materials. Subheading 1211.40 specifically identifies poppy straw, which consists of the stems and seed pods of the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) after the seeds have been removed. This material is highly regulated due to its use in the pharmaceutical industry for the extraction of alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and thebaine. The classification applies to the straw in various forms, including fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, and it may be cut, crushed, or powdered without changing its classification under this heading. Unlike the seeds, which are used for food, the straw is considered a raw material for the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. The Harmonized System distinguishes this from the extracted sap (opium), which is a more processed substance. Accurate classification is vital for compliance with international drug control treaties and national health regulations.
- Covers
- Dried poppy heads (capsules) without seeds
- Crushed poppy straw
- Powdered poppy straw for pharmaceutical use
- Fresh poppy stems for alkaloid extraction
- Pelletized poppy straw
- Also under 1211.40
- Macfarlan Smith (alkaloid producer)
- Johnson Matthey (pharmaceutical ingredients)
- Tasmanian Alkaloids (poppy processing)
- Noramco (API manufacturer).
Codes often confused with 1211.40
Common mistake. Poppy straw is frequently confused with HS code 1207.91, which is reserved for the poppy seeds themselves. Another common error is attempting to classify it under 1302.11, which is the code for opium (the dried sap). While both come from the same plant, 1211.40 is for the vegetable plant parts, whereas 1302 is for vegetable saps and extracts. It should also not be confused with 1404.90, which is a general category for vegetable products not elsewhere specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS 121140 (the code used for poppy straw), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 121140 (the code used for poppy straw) in UN Comtrade data was Hungary, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Portugal, with 98% of world imports. Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 121140, not only poppy straw.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hungary $1.2M 70% of world exports
- 2 Austria $409K 24% of world exports
- 3 Spain $40K 2.4% of world exports
World total: $1.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Portugal $20M 98% of world imports
- 2 North Macedonia $243K 1.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $87K 0.4% of world imports
Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $21M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 code for poppy straw
Brazil classifies poppy straw under NCM 1211.40.00: HS 1211.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about poppy straw
What is the HS code for Poppy straw?
The HS code for Poppy straw is 121140 (Poppy 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 powdered). The HS code for poppy straw is 1211.40, which covers the plant parts used primarily in pharmacy.
How do I classify Poppy straw for customs?
Poppy straw is classified under HS code 121140 — Poppy 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 powdered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the seeds?
No, poppy seeds are classified separately under HS code 1207.91 as oil seeds.
Which countries are the top exporters of poppy straw (HS 121140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 121140 (the code used for poppy straw) in UN Comtrade data were Hungary ($1.2M, 70% of world exports), Austria ($409K) and Spain ($40K). World exports came to about $1.7M, 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 straw (HS 121140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 121140 (the code used for poppy straw) in UN Comtrade data were Portugal ($20M, 98% of world imports), North Macedonia ($243K) and Germany ($87K). World imports came to about $21M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Poppy straw the same in all countries?
The base HS code 121140 for Poppy straw 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 straw in Brazil?
In Brazil, poppy straw (HS 121140) is classified under NCM 1211.40.00.