HS Code 1207.21 : Cotton seeds, Seed
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
Tariff data verified: July 2026
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for cotton seeds, seed is 1207.21. Under the 2026 South Africa (SARS), the representative MFN general duty rate is 9.4% [SARS Customs].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Subheading .21
.21
Cotton seeds, Seed
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean UnionCanadaMexicoChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaSouth KoreaGermanyNetherlandsBrazilTürkiyeChinese TaipeiVietnamThailandIndonesiaMalaysiaSingaporeSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesSouth AfricaEgyptIsraelChileColombiaPeruPhilippinesPakistanNew ZealandNorwayNigeriaKenyaMoroccoArgentinaEcuadorBangladeshUkraineKazakhstanQatarKuwaitOmanJordanBahrainSri LankaTunisiaGhanaCôte d'IvoireGeorgiaCambodiaPanamaCosta RicaDominican Republic
South Africa (SARS Customs / SACU Tariff)
1207.21
MODULE 5: SOUTH AFRICA IMPORT DUTY & VAT BREAKDOWN
Notice: South African customs entry, SACU tariff classification, MFN duties, and 15% import VAT are governed by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Always verify declarable lines with SARS prior to import.
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MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
PREFERENTIAL RULE
Certificate of Origin (If Claiming FTA)
Required only when claiming zero-duty preference under USMCA, KORUS, or GSP.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
Standard Entry
This commodity does not carry mandatory PGA pre-clearance flags under the ACE message set.
MODULE 8: SOUTH AFRICA Trade Remedies & Safeguards
South African Revenue Service (SARS) Anti-Dumping / Trade Defence
Standard SARS Customs Tariff 2026
Steel & Commodity Safeguards
Exempt (Non-Steel Commodity)
Regulatory Compliance Status
Standard Statutory Clearance
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
Browse all preferential trade calculators & compliance tools in our Customs Tools Hub ↗.
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN | WCO Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Status | Standard MFN Rate | Applies to all WTO member states for Cotton seeds, Seed. |
| FTA | South Africa Preferential & Regional Trade Agreements | Free / Concessional | Subject to official Certificate of Origin & Rules of Origin (RoO) requirements. |
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Cotton seeds, Seed
MODULE 11: SARS Tariff Determination
Legally binding tariff classification determinations issued by SARS Customs for HS 1207.21.
Query official SARS portal:
Search SARS Portal for 1207.21 →SARS South Africa Declarable Lines (1207.21)
National line-level (8/10-digit) detail for South Africa (SARS): coverage in progress.
Universal 6-digit WCO backbone applied rate: 9.4%. Confirm the full national commodity code at the official source (SARS Customs).
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1207.10 | Subheading under Heading 1207 | HS 1207.10 South Africa Duty & Entry Rules → |
| 1207.29 | Subheading under Heading 1207 | HS 1207.29 South Africa Duty & Entry Rules → |
| 1207.30 | Subheading under Heading 1207 | HS 1207.30 South Africa Duty & Entry Rules → |
| 1207.40 | Subheading under Heading 1207 | HS 1207.40 South Africa Duty & Entry Rules → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
SARS Customs & Excise Tariff Schedule ↗
Official South Africa SARS MFN tariff items, 15% VAT, and SACU/SADC rules.
SARS Tariff Determination Portal ↗
SARS Customs legally binding tariff classification determinations database.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and United States (USITC HTS) general duty for Cotton seeds, Seed?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and United States (USITC HTS), Cotton seeds, Seed is classified under HS 1207.21 (Heading 1207, Chapter 12). The representative ZA MFN general duty rate is 9.4%.
How is HS 1207.21 distinguished within Heading 1207 (Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken)?
Heading 1207 covers Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken. Subheading 1207.21 specifically isolates Cotton seeds, Seed. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 1207.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 1207.21?
Related subheadings under Heading 1207 include 1207.10, 1207.29, 1207.30, 1207.40, 1207.50, 1207.60, 1207.70, 1207.91. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Cotton seeds, Seed?
Commercial Invoice (detailing Incoterms, currency, and origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill), CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary, and a continuous customs bond are required for formal entries.
Can goods under HS 1207.21 enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in Mexico, Canada, South Korea, or Australia enter duty-free under preference SPI codes (P, KR, AU) provided they satisfy Regional Value Content (RVC) or tariff-shift rules with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the US formal entry threshold for shipments of Cotton seeds, Seed?
Commercial shipments of Cotton seeds, Seed with a customs value exceeding $2,500 USD require formal customs entry (CBP Form 7501) and a continuous entry bond. Informal entry applies to lower values.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP classification ruling for HS 1207.21?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling request under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) to obtain a legally binding tariff classification ruling prior to importation.
What FDA Prior Notice requirements apply to commercial imports under HS 1207.21?
Under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (21 CFR 1.276), FDA Prior Notice must be submitted electronically via ACE or FDA PNSI before arrival.
What import VAT or sales tax applies to HS 1207.21 in South Africa?
Commercial imports of Cotton seeds, Seed under HS 1207.21 into South Africa are subject to 15% VAT, assessed on the entered customs value plus applicable duties.
What is the customs duty de minimis threshold in South Africa?
The customs de minimis threshold for import shipments into South Africa is ZAR 500 (~$27). Consignments under this value may qualify for duty-free or simplified entry under local regulations.
Which authority regulates customs entry and tariff classification in South Africa?
Customs declarations, import duty assessments, and SARS Tariff Determination System for HS 1207.21 are administered by South African Revenue Service (SARS).
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