Product classification
HS code for Vegetable seeds: 1209.91
Seeds, vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing.
Classification of vegetable seeds under HS 1209.91
Vegetable seeds intended for sowing are classified under HS code 1209.91. This code is part of Chapter 12, which includes oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit. Heading 1209 is specifically dedicated to seeds, fruit, and spores of a kind used for sowing. The classification under 1209.91 is reserved for vegetable seeds, which are distinguished from other types of seeds such as sugar beet seeds (1209.10), lucerne seeds (1209.21), or flower seeds (1209.30). To qualify for this classification, the seeds must be of a variety used for growing vegetables and must be intended for planting. This is often evidenced by their packaging, labeling, or treatment (such as being coated with fungicides or pigments). The classification follows GIR 1, as the heading text explicitly covers seeds for sowing. It is important to note that the botanical nature of the seed determines its placement here, provided it is not specifically excluded by the chapter notes, such as leguminous vegetables which have their own classification when dried.
- Covers
- Tomato seeds for sowing
- Onion and leek seeds
- Lettuce and cabbage seeds
- Carrot and radish seeds
- Cucumber and pumpkin seeds
- Eggplant (aubergine) seeds
- Also under 1209.91
- Syngenta Tomato Seeds
- Sakata Lettuce Seeds
- Bejo Zaden Carrot Seeds
- Johnny's Selected Seeds Pepper
- Monsanto Vegetable Seeds
Codes often confused with 1209.91
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with vegetables intended for human consumption, which are classified in Chapter 7 (HS codes 0701 to 0713). For example, dried peas or beans used for food are 0713, while those specifically prepared and labeled for sowing are 1209.91. Another common error is misclassifying vegetable seeds as flower seeds (1209.30) or other seeds of herbaceous plants (1209.99). Additionally, potato tubers (seed potatoes) are classified under 0701.10, not 1209.91, despite being used for planting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 120991 (the code used for vegetable seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 120991 (the code used for vegetable seeds) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 11% 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 120991, not only vegetable seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $2.7B 42% of world exports
- 2 France $662M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $650M 10% of world exports
World total: $6.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $686M 11% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $521M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $374M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $6.1B 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 vegetable seeds
Brazil classifies vegetable seeds under NCM 1209.91.00: HS 1209.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vegetable seeds
What is the HS code for Vegetable seeds?
The HS code for Vegetable seeds is 120991 (Seeds; vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing). The HS code for vegetable seeds of a kind used for sowing is 1209.91.
How do I classify Vegetable seeds for customs?
Vegetable seeds is classified under HS code 120991 — Seeds; vegetable seeds, of a kind used for sowing. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are seeds treated with pesticides still classified under 1209.91?
Yes, seeds that have been treated with fungicides, insecticides, or other protective coatings remain classified under 1209.91 as long as they are intended for sowing.
Which countries are the top exporters of vegetable seeds (HS 120991)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 120991 (the code used for vegetable seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($2.7B, 42% of world exports), France ($662M) and the United States ($650M). World exports came to about $6.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of vegetable seeds (HS 120991)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 120991 (the code used for vegetable seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($686M, 11% of world imports), Mexico ($521M) and the United States ($374M). World imports came to about $6.1B, 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 Vegetable seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 120991 for Vegetable 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 vegetable seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, vegetable seeds (HS 120991) is classified under NCM 1209.91.00.