Product classification
HS code for Soybeans: 1201.90
Soya beans, other than seed, whether or not broken.
Classification of soybeans under HS 1201.90
Soybeans, other than those intended for sowing, are classified under HS code 1201.90. This code falls under Chapter 12 (Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits) and heading 1201 (Soya beans, whether or not broken). The "other" designation in 1201.90 covers the vast majority of global soybean trade, including beans destined for industrial oil crushing, the production of soy-based foods like tofu and soy milk, and direct use in animal feed. The beans can be whole or broken, but they must be dried. Fresh or green soybeans (edamame) are generally excluded from this chapter and classified as vegetables.
- Covers
- Yellow soybeans for oil extraction
- Black soybeans
- Food-grade soybeans (for tofu or soy milk)
- Broken soybeans
- Feed-grade soybeans
- Also under 1201.90
- Cargill Soybeans
- Bunge Soybeans
- ADM Soybeans
- Louis Dreyfus Company Soybeans
Codes often confused with 1201.90
Common mistake. A common error is misclassifying fresh green soybeans (edamame) under this code; fresh soybeans in the pod are actually classified under 0708.10 as leguminous vegetables. Another misclassification involves 1201.10, which is strictly for seeds intended for sowing. Importers must also be careful not to use 1208.10, which is for soybeans that have been ground into flour or meal, whereas 1201.90 is for the beans in their raw, unground state.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120190 (the code used for soybeans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120190 (the code used for soybeans) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world imports. Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 120190, not only soybeans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $43.5B 59% of world exports
- 2 United States $16.4B 22% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $4.7B 6.3% of world exports
World total: $74.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $50.4B 63% of world imports
- 2 Argentina $2.2B 2.8% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $2.2B 2.7% of world imports
Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $79.5B 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 soybeans
Brazil classifies soybeans under NCM 1201.90.00: HS 1201.90 with 00 added.
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 soybeans
What is the HS code for Soybeans?
The HS code for Soybeans is 120190 (Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken). The HS code for standard commercial soybeans (not for sowing) is 1201.90.
How do I classify Soybeans for customs?
Soybeans is classified under HS code 120190 — Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for edamame?
Fresh or chilled edamame (soybeans in the pod) is classified under 0708.10, while dried soybeans are 1201.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of soybeans (HS 120190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120190 (the code used for soybeans) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($43.5B, 59% of world exports), the United States ($16.4B) and Argentina ($4.7B). World exports came to about $74.3B, 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 soybeans (HS 120190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120190 (the code used for soybeans) in UN Comtrade data were China ($50.4B, 63% of world imports), Argentina ($2.2B) and Egypt ($2.2B). World imports came to about $79.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $2.3B of its chapter 12 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Soybeans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120190 for Soybeans 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 soybeans in Brazil?
In Brazil, soybeans (HS 120190) is classified under NCM 1201.90.00.