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12

Tariff Chapter 12

Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones and kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum) of a kind used primarily for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included

What does heading 1212 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 1212 covers locust beans, seaweed, sugar beet and sugar cane. 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 0-5%. A phytosanitary certificate is required. Products must meet EU food safety standards for mycotoxins, pesticides and GMOs. Genetically modified oilseeds (e.g. Heading 1212 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 1212 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 1212 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 1212

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 0-5%. 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 1212 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 1212 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 1212 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 1212 - key considerations

Heading 1212 covers locust beans, seaweed, sugar beet, sugar cane. 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 1701 or 1302. Key factors: composition, raw material origin and processing method determine correct subheading assignment.

Frequently asked questions

What are the duty rates for locust beans, seaweed and sugar beet (heading 1212)?
EU import duties on heading 1212 products vary considerably. Seaweed benefits from 0% duty. Sugar beet and sugar cane carry specific duties of EUR 23/100 kg and EUR 6.7/100 kg respectively. Apricot kernels face EUR 4.6/100 kg. Ad valorem rates reach up to 5.8% for certain plant products. Locust beans for animal feed carry 5.1% duty. Precise CN code classification is essential due to the wide range of products and rates. 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 are required for importing seaweed and locust beans?
Imports require a phytosanitary certificate (for plant products) or health certificate (for edible seaweed). Edible seaweed must comply with EU standards for heavy metals (iodine, cadmium, arsenic), contaminants and microbiology. Customs declaration and commercial documents are required. Locust bean gum used as a food additive (E410) is subject to food additive regulations. This applies to goods classified under heading 1212 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 heading 1212 products into the EU?
Heading 1212 covers highly diverse products requiring precise classification at the 8-digit CN code level. Seaweed is growing in popularity as a superfood - ensure compliance with food safety standards, particularly regarding iodine and heavy metal content. Sugar cane is subject to strict import quotas and specific duties. Fruit kernels require hydrogen cyanide testing. Transport requires humidity controls to maintain product quality. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.