Product classification
HS code for Seed millet: 1008.21
Cereals, millet, seed.
Classification of seed millet under HS 1008.21
Millet is classified under Chapter 10, which covers cereals. Heading 1008 includes buckwheat, millet, and canary seed, among other cereals. The classification of seed millet under 1008.21 is based on GRI 1 and GRI 6. The term "seed" in the context of the Harmonized System refers to grain that is intended for sowing and propagation. This is often evidenced by the grain's purity, germination rate, and treatment. Millet varieties such as proso, pearl, and foxtail are all grouped under this heading when they are destined for agricultural planting. It is important to distinguish these from other seeds in Chapter 12; while Chapter 12 generally covers seeds, fruit, and spores used for sowing, Note 1 to Chapter 10 specifies that the chapter includes grains even if they are intended for sowing, provided they are not worked. Therefore, cereal seeds like millet remain in Chapter 10. The 1008.21 code is specific to the seed variety, whereas 1008.29 covers millet used for food or animal feed. Proper classification ensures that the product is subject to the correct agricultural regulations and duty rates applicable to planting materials.
- Covers
- Proso millet seeds for sowing
- Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) seeds
- Foxtail millet seeds for propagation
- Finger millet seeds intended for planting
- Also under 1008.21
- Advanta Seeds (pearl millet varieties)
- Syngenta (various seed types)
- Pioneer (millet hybrids)
- local agricultural co-ops
Codes often confused with 1008.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 1008.29, which is used for millet intended for human consumption or animal feed. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 1209.29, which covers other seeds for sowing, but cereal grains must remain in Chapter 10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 100821 (the code used for seed millet), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 100821 (the code used for seed millet) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% 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 100821, not only seed millet.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $11M 34% of world exports
- 2 United States $11M 31% of world exports
- 3 Ethiopia* ~$2.7M 8.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $34M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$3.3M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $3.2M 14% of world imports
- 3 Israel $2.6M 11% of world imports
World total: $23M 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 seed millet
Brazil splits HS 1008.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1008.21.10Pearl millet seed for sowing
- 1008.21.90Other millet seed for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about seed millet
What is the HS code for Seed millet?
The HS code for Seed millet is 100821 (Cereals; millet, seed). The HS code for seed millet is 1008.21, covering all varieties of millet intended for sowing.
How do I classify Seed millet for customs?
Seed millet is classified under HS code 100821 — Cereals; millet, seed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include millet used for birdseed?
If the millet is intended for feeding birds, it should be classified under 1008.29. Code 1008.21 is strictly for seeds intended for agricultural planting.
Which countries are the top exporters of seed millet (HS 100821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 100821 (the code used for seed millet) in UN Comtrade data were India ($11M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($11M) and Ethiopia (about $2.7M). World exports came to about $34M, 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 millet (HS 100821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 100821 (the code used for seed millet) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $3.3M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($3.2M) and Israel ($2.6M). World imports came to about $23M, 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 Seed millet the same in all countries?
The base HS code 100821 for Seed millet 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 millet in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 100821 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for seed millet depends on the product's details: 1008.21.10 (Pearl millet seed for sowing), 1008.21.90 (Other millet seed for sowing).