HS Code 1212.29 : Seaweeds and other algae, Other
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, other is 1212.29. Under the 2026 Japan (Japan Customs / 税関), the representative MFN general duty rate is 3.5% [Japan Customs 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 .29
.29
Seaweeds and other algae, Other
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
9-DIGIT JAPAN TARIFF CODE
1212.29.000
Japan Customs Schedule (実行関税率表)
Customs Authority
Japan Customs (税関)
NACCS Electronic Clearance
Advance Ruling System
Advance Ruling (事前教示)
Valid 3 years across Japan
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 1212.29
Receive an automated email notification whenever Japan Customs or the MOF publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 1212.29.
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: Japanese Trade Remedies (MOF Anti-Dumping / CVD) & Safeguards
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|
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, Other
MODULE 11: Japan Customs Advance Ruling (事前教示制度)
Legally binding tariff classification rulings issued by Japan Customs (税関), valid for 3 years for HS 1212.29.
Query the official Japan Customs Advance Ruling database:
Search Japan Customs Advance Rulings Portal for 1212.29 →Japan Customs 9-Digit Tariff Schedule Lines (1212.29)
| Commodity Code | Description | Duty Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gloiopeltis spp., Porphyra spp., Enteromorpha spp., Monostroma spp., Kjellmaniella spp. or Laminaria spp. | 3.5% | — | |
| 2 Other | 3.5% | — |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1212.21 | Subheading under Heading 1212 | Compare Subheading 1212.21 → |
| 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
USITC HTS Chapter 12 Tariff Schedule (2026) ↗
Official U.S. 10-digit tariff lines and general duty rates for Seaweeds and other algae, Other.
CBP CROSS Ruling Database (1212.29) ↗
Binding customs classification precedents for Heading 1212.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and Japan (Japan Customs / 税関) general duty for Seaweeds and other algae, Other?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and Japan (Japan Customs / 税関), Seaweeds and other algae, Other is classified under HS 1212.29 (Heading 1212, Chapter 12). The representative JP MFN general duty rate is 3.5%.
How is HS 1212.29 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 1212.29 specifically isolates Seaweeds and other algae, Other. 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 1212.29?
Related subheadings under Heading 1212 include 1212.21, 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, Other into Japan?
Importers require a Japan Customs Import Declaration (輸入申告書) lodged via NACCS by a licensed Customs Broker (通関士), Corporate Number, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading.
Can goods under HS 1212.29 enter duty-free under CPTPP or RCEP into Japan?
Yes. Goods originating in CPTPP member states, RCEP nations, EU Member States (Japan-EU EPA), or the United States (Japan-US Trade Agreement) satisfying origin rules enter Japan under preferential rates.
What is the Japanese customs duty and tax de minimis threshold for Seaweeds and other algae, Other?
Under Article 14-18 of the Customs Tariff Law, imported goods with a total CIF value of ¥10,000 JPY or less enter Japan duty-free and tax-free (excluding specified leather/textile items).
How can an importer obtain a Japan Customs Advance Ruling (事前教示) for HS 1212.29?
Importers or customs brokers may submit a written request for an Advance Ruling on Tariff Classification (事前教示制度) to Japan Customs (税関) for legally binding classification valid for 3 years.
What MHLW Food Sanitation Law or MAFF plant quarantine rules apply to HS 1212.29 in Japan?
Imports of food, agricultural, or livestock products under Chapter 12 into Japan require MHLW Food Sanitation Act notification and MAFF Plant Protection Station inspection clearance.
What Consumption Tax (消費税) applies to imports of HS 1212.29 into Japan?
Japan levies Consumption Tax at 10.00% standard (8.00% reduced for food and beverages) on the CIF value plus customs duty. There is no US-style federal VAT/GST distinction.
Are there Merchandise Processing or Harbor Maintenance fees in Japan?
No. Japan does not charge US-style MPF or HMF. Importers pay the applied customs duty plus 10% Consumption Tax; declarations are lodged via NACCS.
What is the importer identification and customs broker requirement in Japan?
Commercial importers require a Corporate Number (法人番号) and typically clear through a licensed Customs Broker (通関士) via the NACCS electronic system.
What prohibited or restricted goods controls apply to HS 1212.29 in Japan?
Certain commodities require METI import approval, or MHLW/MAFF quarantine clearance, prior to Japan Customs release. Some leather and textile items carry tariff-rate quotas.
What Japanese trade remedy (anti-dumping / countervailing) measures apply to HS 1212.29?
Importers must verify whether anti-dumping or countervailing duties administered by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and METI apply to their specific country of origin.
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in Japan?
No. Japan does not charge additional entry processing fees or harbor taxes beyond applied customs duty and 10% Consumption Tax.
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