HS Code 1212Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet, sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones, kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots) used primarily for human consumption, n.e.c.
7 six-digit codes · Heading 12 of 14 in Chapter 12 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
Some traders call it HSN code 1212, and it is split into six-digit subheadings by product.
The WCO writes heading 1212 as a residual bucket: goods of Chapter 12that answer to “Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet, sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones, kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots) used primarily for human consumption, n.e.c.” and that no more specific heading in the chapter already claims. It still carries 7 six-digit codes, 121221 through 121299, so “other” is not the end of the classification here. The heading is number 12 of 14 in Chapter 12, Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder, which runs to 50 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 1212
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 121221 | Seaweeds and other algae; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
| 121229 | Seaweeds and other algae; not fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
| 121291 | Sugar beet; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
| 121292 | Locust beans (carob); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
| 121293 | Sugar cane; fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
| 121294 | Chicory roots (chicorium intybus sativum); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
| 121299 | Vegetable products; fit for human consumption, n.e.c. in heading no. 1212, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground |
What HS code 1212 covers
Heading 1212 groups plant products that people eat or use as food. Fruit stones and kernels also belong here when they are mainly for human consumption.
The goods can be fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, and they may be ground. Items that do not match a named product go into an 'other' code. That is what n.e.c. means: not elsewhere classified. Think of it as a catch-all for edible plant products that no other heading names.
List of HS codes of heading 1212
Each six-digit subheading names one product. Customs forms use the product to choose the code, because the state of the goods is the same in every line.
- 121221: seaweeds and algae that are fit for people to eat.
- 121291: sugar beet.
- 121293: sugar cane.
- 121294: chicory roots.
- 121299: other vegetable products for human consumption that no code above names.
Seaweed HS code: food vs non-food, 121221 and 121229
Seaweed has two codes. The split depends on one test: is it fit for human consumption? If yes, use 121221. If no, use 121229.
Both codes cover the same forms, so a dried, ground or frozen load can fall under either one. Only the intended use of the seaweed decides. Write the purpose clearly on your papers so the code matches the goods.
How to pick the right code: 1212 vs 1211 vs 1214
Start with the use of the plant. The path is Section II, then Chapter 12, then heading 1212, then the six-digit subheading.
Heading 1211 is for plants and plant parts used mainly in perfumery, in pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes. Heading 1214 is for forage and fodder products such as swedes, mangolds, hay, lucerne and clover.
If your goods are food-type plant products, 1212 is the likely home. If they are for medicine, scent, pest control, animal feed or planting, check the other headings first. The HS code classifier can help you test a product description.
Find importers and exporters under HS 1212
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Nearby headings in Chapter 12
- 1202Ground-nuts; not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken3 codes
- 1203Copra1 code
- 1204Oil seeds; linseed, whether or not broken1 code
- 1205Rape or colza seeds; whether or not broken2 codes
- 1206Sunflower seeds; whether or not broken1 code
- 1207Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.c. in chapter 12; whether or not broken10 codes
- 1208Flours and meals of oil seeds or oleaginous fruits; other than those of…2 codes
- 1209Seeds, fruit and spores; of a kind used for sowing10 codes
- 1210Hop cones, fresh or dried, whether or not ground, powdered or in the form of…2 codes
- 1211Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used…6 codes
- 1213Cereal straw and husks, unprepared; whether or not chopped, ground, pressed…1 code
- 1214Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin…2 codes
Who ships under 1212?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 7 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section II: Vegetable Products, chapters 06–14.
HS Code 1212: common questions
What is HS code 1212?
It is a four-digit heading in Chapter 12, under Section II, Vegetable Products. It covers locust beans, seaweeds, sugar beet, sugar cane, chicory roots and similar edible plant products. It is sometimes written as HSN code 1212.
What is the HS code for locust beans (carob)?
Locust beans, also called carob, fit for human consumption fall under 121292. They are covered whether fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or ground.
What is the HS code for seaweed for food vs non-food use?
Seaweed and algae fit for human consumption use 121221.
Which HS code covers sugar cane and sugar beet?
Both codes are for the food-grade plant in its fresh, chilled, frozen or dried form.
Is chicory root classified under HS 1212?
Yes. Chicory roots have their own code, 121294. The heading text also names unroasted chicory roots used for human consumption.
What is the difference between HS 1211 and HS 1212?
Heading 1211 is for plants used mainly in perfumery, pharmacy or for insecticidal and fungicidal purposes.
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