Product classification
HS code for Seed corn: 1005.10
Cereals, maize (corn), seed.
Classification of seed corn under HS 1005.10
Seed corn, or maize, is classified under HS code 1005.10. Within Chapter 10 (Cereals), heading 1005 covers maize in all its forms, but the first subheading is reserved exclusively for seed. This classification is based on the intended use of the grain for sowing rather than for human consumption, animal feed, or industrial processing. To qualify for 1005.10, the maize must generally be certified by agricultural agencies and meet specific standards for germination and genetic purity. Seed corn is frequently treated with protective coatings (such as colorants or fungicides) to distinguish it from food-grade corn and to ensure crop viability. This distinction is critical for customs purposes, as many countries have specific phytosanitary regulations and different tariff structures for reproductive plant material. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, provided the documentation supports the "seed" designation.
- Covers
- Hybrid seed corn for commercial farming
- Sweet corn seeds for planting
- Popcorn seeds intended for sowing
- Genetically modified (GMO) maize seeds for planting
- Certified organic corn seeds
- Also under 1005.10
- Pioneer Brand Seeds
- Dekalb Corn Seeds
- Syngenta Corn Seeds
- Bayer Crop Science Corn Seeds
Codes often confused with 1005.10
Common mistake. Seed corn is often misclassified under HS code 1005.90, which covers "other" maize intended for consumption or industrial use. Another common error is classifying sweet corn seeds under 0712.90 (dried vegetables) or 0710.40 (frozen sweet corn). However, if the sweet corn is dried and intended for sowing, 1005.10 is the correct code. Corn that has been ground into flour or meal must be classified in Chapter 11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100510 (the code used for seed corn), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100510 (the code used for seed corn) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.2% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 100510, not only seed corn.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $923M 26% of world exports
- 2 United States $302M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $286M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $342M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 France $221M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $211M 5.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.7B 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 corn
Brazil classifies seed corn under NCM 1005.10.00: HS 1005.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about seed corn
What is the HS code for Seed corn?
The HS code for Seed corn is 100510 (Cereals; maize (corn), seed). The HS code for maize (corn) intended for sowing is 1005.10.
How do I classify Seed corn for customs?
Seed corn is classified under HS code 100510 — Cereals; maize (corn), seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include all varieties of corn seeds?
Yes, whether it is field corn, sweet corn, or popcorn, if the grain is specifically for sowing and meets the "seed" criteria, it falls under 1005.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of seed corn (HS 100510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100510 (the code used for seed corn) in UN Comtrade data were France ($923M, 26% of world exports), the United States ($302M) and Hungary ($286M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 seed corn (HS 100510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100510 (the code used for seed corn) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($342M, 9.2% of world imports), France ($221M) and Italy ($211M). World imports came to about $3.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Seed corn the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100510 for Seed corn 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 corn in Brazil?
In Brazil, seed corn (HS 100510) is classified under NCM 1005.10.00.