Chapter 12 HS Codes: Chapter 12 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 12 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 12 commodities. It groups 14 4-digit WCO headings and 50 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 12
Headings
14 Headings
Subheadings
50 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 12 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 1201 | Soybeans, whether or not broken | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 1201 → |
| Heading 1202 | Peanuts (ground-nuts), not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken | 3 subheadings | Browse Heading 1202 → |
| Heading 1203 | Copra | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1203 → |
| Heading 1204 | Flaxseed (linseed), whether or not broken | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1204 → |
| Heading 1205 | Rape or colza seeds, whether or not broken | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 1205 → |
| Heading 1206 | Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1206 → |
| Heading 1207 | Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken | 10 subheadings | Browse Heading 1207 → |
| Heading 1208 | Flours and meals of oil seeds or oleaginous fruits, other than those of mustard | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 1208 → |
| Heading 1209 | Seeds, fruits and spores of a kind used for sowing | 10 subheadings | Browse Heading 1209 → |
| Heading 1210 | Hop cones, fresh or dried, whether or not ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 1210 → |
| Heading 1211 | Plants 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 powdered | 6 subheadings | Browse Heading 1211 → |
| 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 | 7 subheadings | Browse Heading 1212 → |
| Heading 1213 | Cereal straw and husks, unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, pressed or in the form of pellets | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 1213 → |
| Heading 1214 | Rutabagas (swedes), mangolds, fodder roots, hay, alfalfa (lucerne), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pellets | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 1214 → |
Chapter 12 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1201.10 | Soybeans, whether or not broken, Seed | 1201 | View 1201.10 → |
| 1201.90 | Soybeans, whether or not broken, Other | 1201 | View 1201.90 → |
| 1202.30 | Peanuts (ground-nuts), not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken, Seed | 1202 | View 1202.30 → |
| 1202.41 | Peanuts (ground-nuts), not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken, Other, In shell | 1202 | View 1202.41 → |
| 1202.42 | Other, Shelled, whether or not broken | 1202 | View 1202.42 → |
| 1203.00 | Copra | 1203 | View 1203.00 → |
| 1204.00 | Flaxseed (linseed), whether or not broken | 1204 | View 1204.00 → |
| 1205.10 | Low erucic acid rape or colza seeds | 1205 | View 1205.10 → |
| 1205.90 | Rape or colza seeds, whether or not broken, Other | 1205 | View 1205.90 → |
| 1206.00 | Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken | 1206 | View 1206.00 → |
| 1207.10 | Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken, Palm nuts and kernels | 1207 | View 1207.10 → |
| 1207.21 | Cotton seeds, Seed | 1207 | View 1207.21 → |
| 1207.29 | Cotton seeds, Other | 1207 | View 1207.29 → |
| 1207.30 | Castor oil seeds | 1207 | View 1207.30 → |
| 1207.40 | Sesame seeds | 1207 | View 1207.40 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 12 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 12 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 12 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 12?
Chapter 12 (Chapter 12 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 1201 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 12?
Chapter 12 contains 14 official 4-digit WCO headings and 50 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 12 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 12 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 12 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 12?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 12.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 12?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 12 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 12 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 12 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 12?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.