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12
Tariff Chapter 12
Groundnuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken
What does heading 1202 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 1202 covers groundnuts (peanuts). These products are important in international agricultural trade, used in the food, feed, oil and pharmaceutical industries. Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0-12%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. Products must meet EU food safety standards for mycotoxins, pesticides and GMOs. Genetically modified oilseeds (e.g. Heading 1202 is part of Chapter 12 (vegetable products and foodstuffs) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 1202 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 1202 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 1202
These products are important in international agricultural trade, used in the food, feed, oil and pharmaceutical industries. Import of these products into the EU is subject to duty rates of 0-12%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. soy) require EU approval. A phytosanitary certificate confirming freedom from quarantine organisms is required. GMO seeds and products require EU approval of the transformation event. Products must meet EU standards for mycotoxins, pesticides and contaminants. Check whether the exporting country benefits from tariff preferences. When importing goods under heading 1202 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 1202 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 1202 are subject to phytosanitary or food safety controls. Required documentation includes: phytosanitary certificates, health certificates, pesticide residue test results. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 1202 - key considerations
Heading 1202 covers groundnuts/peanuts. Classification under this heading requires precise determination of product type, processing level and intended use. CN subheadings divide products in detail by physical and chemical characteristics. Common classification errors involve confusion with headings 1508 or 2008. Key factors: composition, raw material origin and processing method determine correct subheading assignment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the duty rates for groundnuts/peanuts (heading 1202)?
EU import duty on groundnuts under heading 1202 is 0% across all subheadings - for sowing (1202 30), in shell (1202 41) and shelled (1202 42). The zero rate applies under the erga omnes tariff regardless of country of origin. Additional tariff rate quotas may be available under trade agreements. The exact CN subheading classification determines non-tariff requirements. Roasted peanuts are classified under heading 2008, not 1202. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required for importing groundnuts?
Groundnut imports require a phytosanitary certificate and customs declaration. Due to high aflatoxin contamination risk, groundnuts are subject to intensified controls under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. A health certificate and laboratory test results for aflatoxins from the exporting country are required. Products from certain countries (e.g., China, India) face increased border control frequency. Products must also comply with EU pesticide residue and contaminant limits. This applies to goods classified under heading 1202 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What should importers consider when bringing groundnuts into the EU?
Groundnuts are among the most strictly controlled products for aflatoxin contamination in the EU. Exceeding permitted limits (4 micrograms/kg aflatoxin B1) results in consignment rejection. Select suppliers with quality certifications (HACCP, BRC, IFS). Transport and storage require humidity and temperature controls. The duty rate is 0% across all subheadings of 1202. Roasted peanuts are classified under heading 2008, not 1202. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
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