Product classification
HS code for Sunflower seeds: 1206.00
Oil seeds, sunflower seeds, whether or not broken.
Classification of sunflower seeds under HS 1206.00
Sunflower seeds are classified under HS code 1206.00 because they are primarily categorized as oil seeds within the Harmonized System. Chapter 12 encompasses oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit. The classification 1206.00 specifically targets sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus), whether they are whole, broken, or intended for sowing. The primary determinant for this code is the state of the seed; it must be raw or simply processed (e.g., cleaned or broken) without having undergone significant preparation like roasting or seasoning. This code applies to seeds used for oil extraction, bird feed, or further agricultural planting. The botanical nature of the sunflower seed as an oleaginous fruit dictates its placement here rather than with cereals or vegetable seeds. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the seeds are intended for human consumption or industrial use, provided they remain in their raw, unroasted state.
- Covers
- Raw sunflower seeds in shell
- Hulled sunflower seeds (kernels), raw
- Sunflower seeds for sowing
- Broken sunflower seeds for animal feed
- Sunflower seeds for oil crushing
- Also under 1206.00
- David Seeds Roasted & Salted Sunflower Seeds
- Spitz Sunflower Seeds
- Frito-Lay Sunflower Seeds
- SunOpta Sunflower Kernels
- Viterra Sunflower Seeds
Codes often confused with 1206.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2008.19. While 1206.00 covers raw or simply processed seeds, 2008.19 is reserved for seeds that have been roasted, salted, or otherwise prepared as snacks. Another common error involves HS code 1209.91, which covers vegetable seeds for sowing; however, sunflower seeds are specifically excluded from 1209 and must remain in 1206.00 even if intended for planting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120600 (the code used for sunflower seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120600 (the code used for sunflower seeds) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 17% 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 120600, not only sunflower seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $937M 18% of world exports
- 2 Romania $930M 17% of world exports
- 3 Bulgaria $758M 14% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $886M 17% of world imports
- 2 Romania $322M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Bulgaria $321M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 sunflower seeds
Brazil splits HS 1206.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1206.00.10Sunflower seeds for sowing
- 1206.00.90Sunflower seeds, not for sowing
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sunflower seeds
What is the HS code for Sunflower seeds?
The HS code for Sunflower seeds is 120600 (Oil seeds; sunflower seeds, whether or not broken). The HS code for raw sunflower seeds, whether or not broken or for sowing, is 1206.00.
How do I classify Sunflower seeds for customs?
Sunflower seeds is classified under HS code 120600 — Oil seeds; sunflower seeds, whether or not broken. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are roasted sunflower seeds classified under 1206.00?
No, roasted or salted sunflower seeds are classified under HS code 2008.19 as prepared nuts and seeds.
Which countries are the top exporters of sunflower seeds (HS 120600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120600 (the code used for sunflower seeds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($937M, 18% of world exports), Romania ($930M) and Bulgaria ($758M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 sunflower seeds (HS 120600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120600 (the code used for sunflower seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($886M, 17% of world imports), Romania ($322M) and Bulgaria ($321M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Sunflower seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120600 for Sunflower 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 sunflower seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 120600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sunflower seeds depends on the product's details: 1206.00.10 (Sunflower seeds for sowing), 1206.00.90 (Sunflower seeds, not for sowing).