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12092100
OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUITS; MISCELLANEOUS GRAINS, SEEDS AND FRUIT; INDUSTRIAL OR MEDICINAL PLANTS; STRAW AND FODDER›Seeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing

Lucerne (alfalfa) seeds

Standard EU duty
2.5%
VAT
8%
Additional duties / sanctions
3 rules
ERGA OMNESBYRU
Docs required
12 docs
C085Y146C644Y9297P237P24+6
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty2.5%—R1734/96
Additional duties / sanctions
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNES (excl. RU, BY)Additional dutiesSee notes2 condition(s)R1227/25
BYAdditional duties50%—R1227/25
RUAdditional duties50%—R1227/25
Preferences
AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 0%GSP+ 0%IL 0%IS 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XK 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
TM01026In case the goods are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation or from Belarus, the additional customs duty based on Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 is applied.
TM01026In case the goods are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation or from Belarus, the additional customs duty based on Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 is applied.
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
TM01026In case the goods are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation or from Belarus, the additional customs duty based on Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1227 is applied.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

FRgold25-02906

Alfalfa seeds for sowing

nasiona lucernyGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
FRgold25-01763

Spinach seeds for sowing

nasiona szpinakuGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
FRgold25-01778

Parsley seeds for sowing

nasiona pietruszkiGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
FRgold25-01758

Cucumber seeds for sowing

nasiona ogórkaGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
FRgold25-02911

Sweet pepper seeds for sowing

nasiona papryki (Capsicum annuum)GRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Classification of lucerne seed

CN code 120921 covers lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa) seed for sowing. Lucerne is the world's most important forage crop, valued for its high protein content and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Lucerne seed imported into the EU is used for establishing meadows and pastures and feed production. Classification under 120921 applies exclusively to seed intended for sowing, confirmed by trade documentation. Major exporters include the USA, Canada, Australia, and Mediterranean countries. Seed quality is assessed based on purity, germination capacity, and freedom from weeds.

Phytosanitary and seed requirements

Importing lucerne seed is subject to strict phytosanitary requirements under Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. Seeds must be free from quarantine organisms. Seed quality requirements are regulated by EU seed directives, including Directive 66/401/EEC on forage seed marketing. An ISTA or equivalent certificate is required to confirm seed quality parameters. Lucerne seed may be subject to GMO requirements if from genetically modified varieties, though commercial GM lucerne cultivation is limited in the EU.

Trade and import practice

Importers should indicate CN code 120921 with phytosanitary certificates, seed quality certificates, and origin documents. Imports from the USA and Canada may benefit from tariff preferences. Transport in bags under dry conditions. In 2026, demand for lucerne seed is growing as part of sustainable agriculture and reduced nitrogen fertilisation.

Certification of lucerne seeds for sowing

Lucerne (alfalfa) seeds for sowing under CN 1209 21 are subject to rigorous phytosanitary and seed certification requirements. EU imports require an official ISTA certificate confirming germination capacity, purity and freedom from seed-borne diseases. Seeds must be free from quarantine organisms under Regulation (EU) 2016/2031. A phytosanitary certificate is mandatory. Main suppliers are Australia, USA and Chile. Lucerne (Medicago sativa) as a fodder crop is essential for European agriculture and livestock farming.

Frequently asked questions

What quality requirements apply to lucerne sowing seed?
Lucerne sowing seed must meet purity, minimum germination, and weed seed freedom requirements under Directive 66/401/EEC. An ISTA or equivalent certificate confirms seed quality parameters.
Can GMO lucerne seed be imported into the EU?
Importing genetically modified lucerne seed requires EU authorisation under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 or (EU) 2015/2283. GM lucerne cultivation in the EU is currently limited, and GMO seed imports for sowing are subject to specific regulations.
Where does most lucerne seed imported into the EU originate?
Major lucerne seed exporters are the USA, Canada, and Australia. Imports may benefit from tariff preferences under relevant trade agreements. Current rates are available in the TARIC system.
What certificates are needed for lucerne seed CN 1209 21 import?
Import of lucerne seed CN 1209 21 requires a phytosanitary certificate, ISTA certificate (germination, purity) and variety documentation. Seeds must be free from quarantine organisms.

Useful tools & resources

Customs calculators
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