Product classification
HS code for Seed barley: 1003.10
Cereals, barley, seed.
Classification of seed barley under HS 1003.10
Seed barley is classified under HS code 1003.10. In the Harmonized System, Chapter 10 covers cereals, and heading 1003 is dedicated specifically to barley. The system distinguishes between barley intended for sowing (seed) and barley for other uses, such as animal feed or malting. To be classified under 1003.10, the product must be recognized as seed by the competent national authorities and is typically required to meet specific purity, germination, and phytosanitary standards. Seed barley is often treated with fungicides or pesticides to protect the grain during germination, and it is usually packaged in a way that indicates its intended use for planting. This classification is vital for international trade because seed grain often qualifies for different duty rates, agricultural subsidies, or stricter biological import controls compared to commercial grain. The classification follows GRI 1, as the subheading specifically identifies "seed" barley.
- Covers
- Certified seed barley for agricultural sowing
- Hybrid barley seeds
- Treated barley grain intended for planting
- Winter and spring barley varieties for sowing
- Pedigreed barley seed
- Also under 1003.10
- Syngenta Barley Seeds
- KWS Barley Seeds
- Limagrain Barley Varieties
- Pioneer Barley Seed
- BASF Barley Seed
Codes often confused with 1003.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 1003.90, which is the "other" category for barley. This code is intended for barley used in animal feed, human food, or the brewing industry (malting barley). If the barley is not certified or clearly labeled for sowing, customs authorities will default to 1003.90. Additionally, if the barley has been further processed (e.g., pearled or kibbled), it moves to heading 1104.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100310 (the code used for seed barley), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100310 (the code used for seed barley) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 18% of world imports. Russia 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 86% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar 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 72% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 100310, not only seed barley.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $19M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $9.7M 10% of world exports
- 3 Poland $8.9M 9.2% of world exports
Russia 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 86% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $96M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $16M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $5.9M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $5.6M 6.2% of world imports
Qatar 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 72% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $90M 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 seed barley
Brazil classifies seed barley under NCM 1003.10.00: HS 1003.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about seed barley
What is the HS code for Seed barley?
The HS code for Seed barley is 100310 (Cereals; barley, seed). The specific HS code for barley intended for sowing is 1003.10.
How do I classify Seed barley for customs?
Seed barley is classified under HS code 100310 — Cereals; barley, seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is seed barley distinguished from malting barley?
Seed barley (1003.10) is specifically for planting and often treated/certified, while malting barley used in beer production is classified as "other" under 1003.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of seed barley (HS 100310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100310 (the code used for seed barley) in UN Comtrade data were France ($19M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($9.7M) and Poland ($8.9M). World exports came to about $96M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia 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 86% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of seed barley (HS 100310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100310 (the code used for seed barley) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($16M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($5.9M) and Tanzania ($5.6M). World imports came to about $90M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar 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 72% of its imports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Seed barley the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100310 for Seed barley 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 seed barley in Brazil?
In Brazil, seed barley (HS 100310) is classified under NCM 1003.10.00.