HS 12

Chapter

Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder

HS Code 12 classifies "Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants, straw and fodder" under Section II (Vegetable Products). This chapter-level code is used internationally for customs classification, tariff determination, and trade statistics.

Classification Details

HS Code12

DescriptionOil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder

LevelChapter (2-digit)

SectionII — Vegetable Products

Chapter12

🇺🇸 US Import Duty

Average Duty Rate0.5%

Duty Range0-6.7%

NotesOil seeds: mostly free. Soybeans 0%

Free Trade AgreementsMost FTAs: 0%

Rates are approximate and based on MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariffs. Actual rates may vary by specific product classification. Always verify with USITC for official rates.

Classification Guide

When classifying goods under HS 12, ensure the product matches the specific description. As a chapter-level code, this is a broad category. You'll need to narrow down to a 4-digit heading or 6-digit subheading for customs declaration.

Trade Context

Section II covers vegetable products including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and coffee — essential agricultural commodities.

Regulatory Note

Agricultural products often face seasonal tariffs, quotas, and subsidies. Phytosanitary certificates are typically required.

🇺🇸 US Import Document Checklist

Documents required when importing products under HS 12 into the United States.

Required for All Imports

☑Commercial InvoiceCBP

Detailed invoice from the seller showing product description, quantity, unit price, total value, and terms of sale (Incoterms).

☑Packing ListCBP

Itemized list of contents in each package, including weights, dimensions, and marks/numbers matching the shipping containers.

☑Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway BillCarrier

Transport document issued by the carrier confirming receipt of goods for shipment. Acts as a contract of carriage and receipt.

☑CBP Entry Summary (Form 7501)CBP

The formal customs declaration filed with US Customs and Border Protection for all commercial imports.

☑Importer Security Filing (ISF/10+2)CBP

Must be filed at least 24 hours before ocean cargo is loaded. Required for all ocean shipments to the US.

☑Customs BondCBP

A financial guarantee ensuring payment of duties, taxes, and fees. Required for commercial shipments over $2,500.

FTA Certificate of Origin (for preferential rates)

🤝USMCA Certificate of Origin — self-certification by importer, exporter, or producer. No prescribed format.

🤝Korea-US FTA Certificate of Origin — can be issued by importer, exporter, or producer.

This checklist is for general guidance only. Actual requirements may vary based on specific product, country of origin, and current regulations. Always consult with a licensed customs broker or the relevant agency for official requirements.

Sub-Classifications

12.01Soya beans, whether or not brokenHeading 12.02Ground-nuts; not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or brokenHeading 12.03CopraHeading 12.04Oil seeds; linseed, whether or not brokenHeading 12.05Rape or colza seeds; whether or not brokenHeading 12.06Sunflower seeds; whether or not brokenHeading 12.07Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.c. in chapter 12; whether or not brokenHeading 12.08Flours and meals of oil seeds or oleaginous fruits; other than those of mustardHeading 12.09Seeds, fruit and spores; of a kind used for sowingHeading 12.10Hop cones, fresh or dried, whether or not ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulinHeading 12.11Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powderedHeading 12.12Locust 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.Heading 12.13Cereal straw and husks, unprepared; whether or not chopped, ground, pressed or in the form of pelletsHeading 12.14Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pelletsHeading

Related HS Codes

12.01Soya beans, whether or not broken 1201.10Soya beans; seed, whether or not broken 1201.90Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken 12.02Ground-nuts; not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not 1202.30Ground-nuts; seed, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether 1202.41Ground-nuts; other than seed, not roasted or otherwise cooke 1202.42Ground-nuts; other than seed, not roasted or otherwise cooke 12.03Copra

Related Data Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS Code 12?

What products fall under HS 12?

HS Code 12 covers: Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants, straw and fodder. This is a broad category that includes more specific subcategories. Browse the child codes below for detailed product classifications.

How do I use HS Code 12 for customs?

What are the trade regulations for Vegetable Products?

Agricultural products often face seasonal tariffs, quotas, and subsidies. Phytosanitary certificates are typically required.

Is HS 12 the same in every country?

The first 6 digits of HS codes are standardized worldwide by the World Customs Organization (WCO). However, most countries add additional digits (8-10 total) for their national tariff schedules. Always verify the full code with your destination country's customs authority.

What is the US import duty for HS 12?

The average US import duty for products under HS 12 is approximately 0.5% (range: 0-6.7%). Most FTAs: 0% Note: actual rates depend on the specific product classification and country of origin. Verify with USITC for official rates.

Can I get a lower tariff rate under a Free Trade Agreement?

Most FTAs: 0%. The US has FTAs with 20 countries including Canada, Mexico (USMCA), South Korea (KORUS), Australia, and others. To qualify for preferential rates, goods must meet rules of origin requirements and have proper documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin).

Data verified March 2026 · Source: UN Comtrade & USITC

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