Chia seeds|HS Code

Chia seeds harmonized system code

Product Overview Chia Seeds, classified under the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) 1207, are tiny, nutritional powerhouse seeds derived from the Salvia Hispanica plant. The seeds are oval-shaped, measuring about 1 mm in diameter, and come in colors ranging from white, black to brown. The processing level typically varies from raw to toasted, with raw seeds being the most popular commercially. Key quality attributes include freshness, absence of foreign material, and consistent size and color. Within the HS Code 1207, Chia Seeds fall under the subcategory of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, whether or not mixed together. They are extensively used in the food service industry, in retail and in food processing industries for their high omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein content. Chia Seeds' market positioning lies in their nutritional benefits, versatility in culinary applications, and increasing popularity in health-conscious consumer segments. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications Chia Seeds are classified under the HS Code 1207.99, where '12' represents Chapter for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, '07' indicates the Heading for other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, and '99' designates the Subheading for other seeds and fruits. The classification rationale is based on the seeds' oil content and their use in various food applications. Chia Seeds are commonly packaged in airtight bags to preserve freshness and are shipped in dry, cool conditions to prevent spoilage. The quality standards for Chia Seeds include an oil content of approximately 30%, a maximum moisture content of 10%, and the absence of live insects and mold. These standards are designed to comply with the World Trade Organization and customs documentation requirements. The detailed and accurate classification of Chia Seeds under the HS Code 1207.99 ensures seamless international trade and facilitates customs clearance.

Chia seeds Chapter Note

1.- Heading 12.07 applies, inter alia, to palm nuts and kernels, cotton seeds, castor oil seeds, sesamum seeds, mustard seeds, safflower seeds, poppy seeds and shea nuts (karite nuts). It does not apply to products of heading 08.01 or 08.02 or to olives (Chapter 7 or Chapter 20). 2.- Heading 12.08 applies not only to non-defatted flours and meals but also to flours and meals which have been partially defatted or defatted and wholly or partially refatted with their original oils. It does not, however, apply to residues of headings 23.04 to 23.06. 3.- For the purposes of heading 12.09, beet seeds, grass and other herbage seeds, seeds of ornamental flowers, vegetable seeds, seeds of forest trees, seeds of fruit trees, seeds of vetches (other than those of the species Vicia faba) or of lupines are to be regarded as “seeds of a kind used for sowing”. Heading 12.09 does not, however, apply to the following even if for sowing : (a) Leguminous vegetables or sweet corn (Chapter 7); (b) Spices or other products of Chapter 9; (c) Cereals (Chapter 10); or (d) Products of headings 12.01 to 12.07 or 12.11. 4.- Heading 12.11 applies, inter alia, to the following plants or parts thereof : basil, borage, ginseng, hyssop, liquorice, all species of mint, rosemary, rue, sage and wormwood. Heading 12.11 does not, however, apply to : (a) Medicaments of Chapter 30; (b) Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations of Chapter 33; or (c) Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, disinfectants or similar products of heading 38.08. 5.- For the purposes of heading 12.12, the term “seaweeds and other algae” does not include : (a) Dead single-cell micro-organisms of heading 21.02; (b) Cultures of micro-organisms of heading 30.02; or (c) Fertilisers of heading 31.01 or 31.05.