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HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of carob (locust beans) (HS 121292) totaled $102K in April 2026, traded with 12 countries.
Importers of Carob (Locust Beans) paid $10K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $102K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Carob (Locust Beans) imports of $102K in April 2026 ran 38% below the year-to-date monthly average of $165K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataCarob pods and locust beans — the seed-bearing fruit of Ceratonia siliqua — are traded as a natural sweetener substitute, a source of locust bean gum (a widely used food thickener), and a livestock feed ingredient, with Spain the dominant supplier reflecting the Mediterranean basin's near-monopoly on commercial carob cultivation. The single US tariff line (1212920000) covers the commodity in fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried form, meaning the same line applies whether the product arrives as whole dried pods or as cleaned seeds destined for gum extraction. FDA oversight applies to carob destined for food or food-ingredient use, and importers should ensure country-of-origin labeling and any organic certification claims are supported by appropriate documentation. Locust bean gum extracted from carob seeds classifies separately under Chapter 13 once processed.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Whole or split carob pods, seeds, and kibbled carob remain under 1212920000. Once the seeds are processed to extract locust bean gum — even in a semi-refined state — the product moves to Chapter 13 (natural gums and resins) or potentially Chapter 35, depending on the degree of processing. Importers of partially processed carob seed splits should obtain a binding ruling if the processing state is ambiguous.
Yes. Carob and carob-derived ingredients used in food are subject to FDA oversight, including prior notice requirements under the Bioterrorism Act for food shipments. Carob powder used as a cocoa substitute in food manufacturing must also comply with FDA food additive and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) frameworks. Consulting a regulatory specialist familiar with FDA import procedures is recommended for first-time importers.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212920000 | LOCUST BEANS, FRESH, CHILLED, FROZEN OR DRIED | $102K | 10.00% | $10K |
LOCUST BEANS, FRESH, CHILLED, FROZEN OR DRIED
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1212920000 | LOCUST BEANS, FRESH, CHILLED, FROZEN OR DRIED | $15K |
LOCUST BEANS, FRESH, CHILLED, FROZEN OR DRIED
12.0K kg
PLANTS & PARTS ETC FOR MEDICAMENTS ETC NESOI
HS 121190
VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR SOWING
HS 120991
SOYBEANS, NESOI
HS 120190
LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPE/COLZA SEEDS W/NOT BROKEN
HS 120510
OIL SEEDS & OLEAGINOUS FRUITS W/NT BROKEN, NESOI
HS 120799
SUNFLOWER SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN
HS 120600
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORFOLK-NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $58K | -- | -$58K |
| HOUSTON, TX | $24K | -- | -$24K |
| NEWARK, NJ | $19K | -- | -$19K |