Product classification
HS code for Ryegrass seeds: 1209.25
Seeds of forage plants, rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of ryegrass seeds under HS 1209.25
Ryegrass seeds are classified under HS code 1209.25. This classification is found in Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, and various grains and seeds used for sowing. Heading 1209 is specifically for seeds, fruit, and spores of a kind used for sowing. Subheading 1209.25 covers seeds of forage plants, specifically those of the genus Lolium. This includes both Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Italian ryegrass) and Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass). These seeds are used primarily for establishing pastures, hay production, or turf for lawns and sports fields. Unlike cereal grains in Chapter 10, these are classified as forage seeds because they are grown for their vegetative matter rather than for the harvest of the grain for human or animal consumption. The classification is based on the botanical genus and the functional use of the plant as forage or cover.
- Covers
- Perennial ryegrass seeds (Lolium perenne)
- Italian ryegrass seeds (Lolium multiflorum)
- Annual ryegrass seeds
- Turf-grade ryegrass seeds for lawns
- Forage-grade ryegrass seeds for pastures
- Also under 1209.25
- Barenbrug Barpasto Perennial Ryegrass
- DLF ForageMax Ryegrass
- Scotts Turf Builder Annual Ryegrass
- PGG Wrightson Ryegrass
Codes often confused with 1209.25
Common mistake. Ryegrass seeds are often confused with cereal rye seeds (Secale cereale), which are classified under HS code 1002.10. Despite the similar name, they belong to different botanical genera and different HS chapters. They may also be confused with other forage seeds like Fescue (1209.23) or Lucerne (1209.21) if the specific species is not clearly identified on the commercial invoice.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120925 (the code used for ryegrass seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120925 (the code used for ryegrass seeds) in UN Comtrade data was Denmark, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 120925, not only ryegrass seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Denmark $116M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $87M 19% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $54M 12% of world exports
World total: $457M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $66M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $50M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $444M 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 ryegrass seeds
Brazil classifies ryegrass seeds under NCM 1209.25.00: HS 1209.25 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ryegrass seeds
What is the HS code for Ryegrass seeds?
The HS code for Ryegrass seeds is 120925 (Seeds of forage plants; rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing). The HS code for ryegrass seeds (Lolium species) is 1209.25.
How do I classify Ryegrass seeds for customs?
Ryegrass seeds is classified under HS code 120925 — Seeds of forage plants; rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Lolium perenne L.) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ryegrass the same as cereal rye in the HS system?
No. Ryegrass (Lolium) is a forage seed classified under 1209.25, while cereal rye (Secale) is a grain classified under heading 1002.
Which countries are the top exporters of ryegrass seeds (HS 120925)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120925 (the code used for ryegrass seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Denmark ($116M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($87M) and New Zealand ($54M). World exports came to about $457M, 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 ryegrass seeds (HS 120925)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120925 (the code used for ryegrass seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($66M, 15% of world imports), China ($50M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World imports came to about $444M, 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 Ryegrass seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120925 for Ryegrass 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 ryegrass seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, ryegrass seeds (HS 120925) is classified under NCM 1209.25.00.