Skip to main content
12092200
OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUITS; MISCELLANEOUS GRAINS, SEEDS AND FRUIT; INDUSTRIAL OR MEDICINAL PLANTS; STRAW AND FODDERSeeds, fruit and spores, of a kind used for sowing

Clover (Trifolium spp.) seeds

Classification of clover seed

CN code 120922 covers clover (Trifolium spp.) seed for sowing. Clover is one of the most important forage plants in European agriculture, valued for atmospheric nitrogen fixation and high nutritive value. The group includes red clover (T. pratense), white clover (T. repens), and Persian clover (T. resupinatum). Classification under 120922 applies exclusively to sowing seed, requiring confirmation through trade documentation and seed quality certificates. Major exporters include the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and European countries.

Phytosanitary and seed requirements

Clover seed imports are subject to phytosanitary requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and seed quality requirements of Directive 66/401/EEC. Seeds must be free from quarantine organisms and meet minimum purity and germination standards. An ISTA certificate is the standard document confirming quality parameters. Clover seeds may be inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria, which does not affect tariff classification.

Practical import aspects

Importers should indicate CN code 120922 with phytosanitary certificates, ISTA certificates, and origin documents. Preferential rates may be available. Transport in bags under dry conditions. In 2026, demand for clover seed is growing with agricultural policies promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming.

Clover seed import and EU seed requirements

Clover seeds for sowing under CN 1209 22 cover Trifolium species - white clover, red clover and others. EU imports are governed by Seed Directive 66/401/EEC regulating quality standards, purity and germination capacity. Seeds must meet minimum standards: germination capacity min 80% (white clover) or 75% (red clover), botanical purity min 97%. A phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country is mandatory. Main suppliers are New Zealand, USA and Chile. Controls include testing for weed seeds and quarantine organisms.

Frequently asked questions

What clover species does code 120922 cover?
Code 120922 covers all Trifolium species intended for sowing, including red, white, Persian, and other forage clovers. Classification does not depend on species but on the sowing purpose.
Do clover seeds require an ISTA certificate?
An ISTA or equivalent certificate is the standard document confirming clover seed quality for EU imports, covering purity, germination capacity, and weed seed freedom.
Are inoculated clover seeds classified differently?
No. Inoculating clover seeds with Rhizobium bacteria does not change tariff classification. Inoculated seeds are still classified under 120922. The inoculant may be subject to separate regulations.
What minimum standards must clover seed CN 1209 22 meet?
Clover seed CN 1209 22 must have germination capacity min 75-80%, botanical purity min 97% and be free from quarantine organisms under Directive 66/401/EEC.