Product classification
HS code for Sesame seeds: 1207.40
Oil seeds, sesamum seeds, whether or not broken.
Classification of sesame seeds under HS 1207.40
Sesame seeds are classified under HS code 1207.40. This code is situated within Chapter 12, which encompasses oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, as well as industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1207 specifically covers "Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken," excluding those specified in headings 1201 through 1206 (such as soya beans, groundnuts, and sunflower seeds). Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) are primarily traded for oil extraction or for use in the food industry. The classification 1207.40 applies to the seeds in their raw, dried, or broken state. It also includes seeds that have been hulled (decorticated), as this physical process does not change the essential character of the seed as an oil seed. However, once the seeds are roasted or otherwise prepared for direct consumption as a snack, they typically move out of Chapter 12 and into Chapter 20.
- Covers
- Raw white, black, and brown sesame seeds
- Hulled or decorticated sesame seeds
- Broken sesame seeds not further processed
- Sesame seeds intended for oil expression
- Dried sesame seeds in bulk packaging
- Also under 1207.40
- McCormick Sesame Seeds
- Roland Foods Sesame Seeds
- Eden Organic Sesame Seeds
- Kadoya Sesame Oil (derived from seeds)
- various brands of tahini.
Codes often confused with 1207.40
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1209.99, which covers seeds for sowing. While sesame seeds are seeds, they are specifically named in 1207.40, and according to General Interpretative Rule 3(a), specific descriptions take precedence over general ones. Another common error is using HS code 2008.19 for roasted sesame seeds. If the seeds have been roasted or seasoned, they are considered "prepared" and must be classified under Chapter 20. Additionally, sesame seed flour or meal is classified under 1208.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120740 (the code used for sesame seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120740 (the code used for sesame seeds) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% 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 120740, not only sesame seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $578M 15% of world exports
- 2 India $454M 12% of world exports
- 3 Nigeria $300M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.0B 44% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $369M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Japan $303M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 codes for sesame seeds
Brazil splits HS 1207.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1207.40.10Sesame seeds for sowing
- 1207.40.90Sesame seeds, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about sesame seeds
What is the HS code for Sesame seeds?
The HS code for Sesame seeds is 120740 (Oil seeds; sesamum seeds, whether or not broken). The HS code for sesame seeds, whether or not broken or hulled, is 1207.40.
How do I classify Sesame seeds for customs?
Sesame seeds is classified under HS code 120740 — Oil seeds; sesamum seeds, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are roasted sesame seeds included in this code?
No, roasted sesame seeds are generally classified under HS code 2008.19 as prepared nuts and seeds, as the roasting process exceeds the preservation methods allowed in Chapter 12.
Which countries are the top exporters of sesame seeds (HS 120740)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120740 (the code used for sesame seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($578M, 15% of world exports), India ($454M) and Nigeria ($300M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 sesame seeds (HS 120740)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120740 (the code used for sesame seeds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 44% of world imports), Türkiye ($369M) and Japan ($303M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Sesame seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120740 for Sesame 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 sesame seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120740 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sesame seeds depends on the product's details: 1207.40.10 (Sesame seeds for sowing), 1207.40.90 (Sesame seeds, not for sowing).