HS Code 1212.21 : Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for seaweeds and other algae, fit for human consumption is 1212.21. Under the 2026 Canada (CBSA), the representative MFN general duty rate is Free [CBSA Tariff 2026].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 12
Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones and kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum) of a kind used primarily for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included
Heading 1212
Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones and kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum) of a kind used primarily for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included
Subheading .21
.21
Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
Canada (CBSA Customs Tariff 2026)
1212.21.00.00
MODULE 5: CANADIAN IMPORT DUTY & GST/HST BREAKDOWN
🇨🇦 CUSMA / USMCA DUTY-FREE PREFERENCE ELIGIBILITY
Goods originating in the United States or Mexico satisfying CUSMA Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff shift rules enter Canada duty-free under the MUST (United States Tariff) preferential SPI.
Official CBSA Rulings: Request a Canada Border Services Agency [CBSA Advance Ruling ↗]
Notice: Canadian customs entry, duty assessment, and excise taxes are governed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Always verify 10-digit tariff items with a licensed Canadian customs broker.
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 1212.21
Receive an automated email notification whenever the CBSA publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 1212.21.
MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
PREFERENTIAL RULE
Certificate of Origin (If Claiming FTA)
Required only when claiming zero-duty preference under USMCA, KORUS, or GSP.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
Standard Entry
This commodity does not carry mandatory PGA pre-clearance flags under the ACE message set.
MODULE 8: Canadian Trade Remedies (SIMA) & CITT Safeguards
CITT SIMA Anti-Dumping Status
Standard CBSA MFN Tariff
Canadian Steel Safeguards
Exempt (Non-Steel Commodity)
CFIA / Health Canada Control
Standard Statutory Clearance
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUST | Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) | Free | Must meet CUSMA Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff shift rules. |
| CEUT | Canada-European Union CETA Agreement | Free | CETA Origin Declaration issued by EU exporter. |
| CPTP | Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) | Free | CPTPP Certificate of Origin and value-add threshold. |
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption
MODULE 11: CBSA Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification
Legally binding tariff classification advance rulings issued by Canada Border Services Agency for HS 1212.21.
Query official CBSA Advance Rulings (Memorandum D11-11-1):
Search Official CBSA Advance Rulings for 1212.21 →CBSA Canadian 10-Digit Tariff Items (1212.21)
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate | Special (FTA) Rate | Column 2 Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212.21.00.00 | Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption | Free | Free | Free | kg |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1212.29 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.29 → |
| 1212.91 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.91 → |
| 1212.92 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.92 → |
| 1212.93 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.93 → |
| 1212.94 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.94 → |
| 1212.99 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.99 → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
CBSA Customs Tariff (Departmental Consolidation) ↗
Official Canadian 10-digit tariff items and MFN duty rates.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Import GST/HST ↗
Federal GST and provincial HST tax administration.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and Canada (CBSA) general duty for Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and Canada (CBSA), Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption is classified under HS 1212.21 (Heading 1212, Chapter 12). The representative CA MFN general duty rate is Free.
How is HS 1212.21 distinguished within Heading 1212 (Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones and kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum) of a kind used primarily for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included)?
Heading 1212 covers Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones and kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum) of a kind used primarily for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 1212.21 specifically isolates Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 1212.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 1212.21?
Related subheadings under Heading 1212 include 1212.29, 1212.91, 1212.92, 1212.93, 1212.94, 1212.99. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption into Canada?
Importers require a CBSA B3 Canada Customs Coding Form, CARM Client Portal registration, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Cargo Control Document (CCD), and CUSMA Certificate of Origin if claiming preferential tariffs.
Can goods under HS 1212.21 enter duty-free under CUSMA / USMCA into Canada?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in the United States or Mexico satisfying Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff-shift rules enter Canada duty-free under the MUST preferential SPI.
What are the Canadian Low Value Shipment (LVS) de minimis thresholds for Seaweeds and other algae, Fit for human consumption?
Under CUSMA LTA rules, courier shipments from the US or Mexico valued up to C$150 enter Canada duty-free, and shipments up to C$40 enter tax-free.
How can an importer obtain a CBSA Advance Ruling for HS 1212.21?
Importers or foreign exporters may submit a written application to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) under Memorandum D11-11-1 to receive a legally binding Advance Ruling on tariff classification.
What Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements apply to HS 1212.21?
Imports of food and agricultural goods under Chapter 12 require a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license issued by the CFIA and mandatory automated import declaration via the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
What sales tax (GST/HST) applies to imports of HS 1212.21 into Canada?
Imports into Canada incur 5.00% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). Participating provinces assess Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): 13.00% in Ontario and 15.00% in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
What is the CARM Client Portal and Business Number (BN15) requirement for Canada?
Importers must register in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal and obtain a 15-digit CRA Import/Export Business Number (BN15) for commercial declarations.
How does Canadian GST/HST payment and deferral work for imports under HS 1212.21?
Import GST/HST is payable at the time of clearance unless the importer participates in the CBSA Option 2 GST Deferral Program via CARM.
What Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) trade remedies apply to HS 1212.21?
Importers must verify whether Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) anti-dumping or countervailing duties determined by the CITT apply to their product origin.
What CFIA or Health Canada regulatory import permits are required for HS 1212.21?
Commercial imports under HS 1212.21 may require pre-market approval, licenses, or automated declarations via the CBSA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in Canada?
No. Canada does not charge additional entry processing fees or harbor taxes beyond standard CBSA customs duties and applicable GST/HST sales taxes.