Sunflower
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1206000031 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1206000020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1512110025 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1512110035 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐ป Sunflower Products (Seeds & Oil) | HS Code Classification & Duty Breakdown 2026
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Know Your Sunflower Products!
Sunflower products are primarily divided into two main categories in international trade: Sunflower Seeds (agricultural raw materials) and Sunflower Oil (processed vegetable oils). The key distinction lies in the purpose (sowing vs. oil extraction) and the degree of processing (raw/crude vs. refined/modified).
โ ๏ธ Key Classification Criteria: - Seeds for Sowing: Must be viable for planting. - Seeds for Oil Stock: Broken or intact, intended for crushing. - Crude Oil: Unrefined, not chemically modified. - Certified Organic Oil: Specific subtype of crude oil with organic certification.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Below are the specific HS Codes derived from the provided data, mapped to their descriptions and tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Type |
|---|---|---|---|
1206.00.00.31 |
Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken For sowing | Agricultural planting, breeding | โ Sowing |
1206.00.00.20 |
Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken For use as oil stock | Industrial crushing, oil extraction | โ Oil Stock |
1512.11.00.25 |
Sunflower-seed or safflower oil, crude, Certified organic | Organic food supply chain, premium markets | โ Organic Crude Oil |
1512.11.00.35 |
Sunflower-seed or safflower oil, crude, Other | General industrial use, non-organic crude oil | โ Standard Crude Oil |
๐ Critical Distinction: - Seeds (
1206): Classify based on end-use. "Sowing" vs. "Oil Stock" results in different HS Code endings but identical tax rates in this dataset. - Oil (1512): Classify based on quality and certification. "Certified Organic" (1512.11.00.25) is tariff-free, while "Other" crude oil (1512.11.00.35) incurs specific duties.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Breakdown
โ Applicable Country: USA (US)
โ Origin: China (CN) [Implied by "Additional Tariff" structure]
โ Status: As per provided data
๐ฏ 1. 1206.00.00.31 & 1206.00.00.20 โโ Sunflower Seeds (Sowing & Oil Stock)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 / Trade War Tariff) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value ร 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (High duty threshold) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 Tariffs apply to agricultural commodities from designated origins. |
๐ Explanation: - Both Sowing Seeds and Oil Stock Seeds fall under Chapter 12. - Despite having different sub-headings for end-use, the tax burden is identical (25%). - This 25% is an additional tariff on top of a 0% base duty, effectively making the total rate 25%.
๐ฏ 2. 1512.11.00.25 โโ Crude Sunflower Oil (Certified Organic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value ร 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ ๏ธ Check Thresholds (Low duty may allow de minimis depending on value) |
| Legal Basis | Specific preferential treatment for certified organic crude vegetable oils. |
๐ Explanation: - Zero Duty! This is the most advantageous classification for organic producers. - Must possess valid Certified Organic documentation to qualify for
1512.11.00.25. - Failure to provide organic certification may result in reclassification to1512.11.00.35, triggering the higher tax.
๐ฏ 3. 1512.11.00.35 โโ Crude Sunflower Oil (Other/Standard)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 1.7ยข/kg + 3.4% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% (Specific/Ad Valorem Additional) |
| Total Tax Rate | 1.7ยข/kg + 3.4% + 7.5% |
| Calculation Basis | (Weight ร $0.017) + (CIF Value ร 3.4%) + (CIF Value ร 7.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (Complex mixed duty structure) |
| Legal Basis | Standard crude oil tariff + Additional duty for specific origins. |
๐ Explanation: - This is a Mixed Duty structure: Specific duty (per kg) + Ad Valorem duty (%). - 1.7 cents per kilogram is a specific duty applied to the weight. - 3.4% is the base ad valorem rate. - 7.5% is the additional tariff applied to the CIF value. - Total Effective Rate: Depends on the weight-to-value ratio (price per kg), but significantly higher than the organic variant.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required For | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Phytosanitary Certificate | Seeds (1206) |
Mandatory for agricultural imports to prevent pests/diseases. |
| โ Statement of End-Use | Seeds (1206) |
Explicitly state: "For Sowing" OR "For Oil Stock". Misstatement can lead to penalties. |
| โ Organic Certification (USDA NOP or Equivalent) | Oil (1512.11.00.25) |
Critical! Without this, the product will be reclassified to 1512.11.00.35 (Taxable). |
| โ Commercial Invoice | All | Must clearly describe the product, HS Code, and origin. |
| โ Packing List | All | Include net/gross weight for the specific duty calculation on 1512.11.00.35. |
| โ Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | All | Proof of title and transport. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ โSowing vs. Oil, Organic is Free, Weight Counts for Oil!โ
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Misclassified |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds for planting | 1206.00.00.31 |
If declared as "Oil Stock", same tax, but phytosanitary rules may differ. |
| Seeds for crushing | 1206.00.00.20 |
If declared as "Sowing", customs may reject for lacking viability proof. |
| Organic Crude Oil | 1512.11.00.25 |
If no organic cert provided โ Reclassified to 1512.11.00.35 โ Tax +7.5% + Specific Duty. |
| Standard Crude Oil | 1512.11.00.35 |
Ensure weight is declared accurately for the 1.7ยข/kg specific duty. |
โ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Containers (Seeds + Oil) | Must separate declarations. Do not combine under one HS Code. |
| Broken Seeds | "Broken or not broken" does not change the HS Code for seeds (1206), but ensure description matches. |
| Refined Oil | NOT COVERED IN DATA. The provided data only covers Crude, not chemically modified oil. Refined oil (1512.19) would have different HS codes and duties. |
| Safflower Oil Mix | The HS Codes 1512.11 cover both Sunflower and Safflower oil. If mixed, declare as the predominant content or seek customs ruling. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Market | Recommended HS Code (Oil) | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 1512.11.00.25 (Organic) |
0% | Organic Cert | Best Rate |
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 1512.11.00.35 (Standard) |
1.7ยข/kg + 10.9% | Standard | High complexity |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 1512.11 | Varies (often 0-10%) | EU Organic | Different classification system |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 1512.11 | ~5-10% | N/A | Import quotas may apply |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 1512.11 | ~15-30% | BIS | High protective duties |
๐ Conclusion: - Organic Certification is Key to Cost Saving in the US market. - Seeds have a flat 25% additional tariff regardless of use (sowing vs. oil). - Standard Crude Oil has a complex mixed duty, making accurate weight declaration crucial.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring organic oil as "Other" (1512.11.00.35) without valid organic certification.
๐ Consequence: Pay ~10.9% + 1.7ยข/kg instead of 0%. Massive cost increase.
โ Error 2: Using the same HS Code for "Refined" and "Crude" oil.
๐ Consequence: Refined oil is NOT covered in this data. Misclassification can lead to seizure or heavy penalties as refined oil has different tariff lines (1512.19).
โ Error 3: Ignoring the "Specific Duty" (1.7ยข/kg) on 1512.11.00.35.
๐ Consequence: Underpayment of duties based on weight, leading to post-entry audits and fines.
โ Error 4: Failing to specify "For Sowing" vs. "For Oil Stock" on seed invoices. ๐ Consequence: Customs may hold shipment for verification, causing delays, though tax rate is the same in this dataset.
โ Correct Practice:
"Crude Sunflower Seed Oil, Certified Organic, 1000 Liters, USDA Organic Certified, HS: 1512.11.00.25"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximize Savings!
๐ฏ Remember the Mnemonic:
๐น "Seeds 25%, Organic Free, Standard Mixed, Refine Elsewhere!" ๐น "Organic Cert is your best friend, it saves 10%+ and adds credibility!"
๐ Pro Tip: - For Seeds: Always include a Phytosanitary Certificate. - For Organic Oil: Ensure the Organic Certificate matches the shipment batch. - For Standard Oil: Calculate the Total Duty carefully using weight and value.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a Customs Broker for Pre-Ruling if importing mixed batches or unclear end-uses. ๐ Verify Organic Status before shipping to avoid unexpected duties on
1512.11.00.35.
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Your Profit Margin Depends on the Right HS Code!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.