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HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of carob (locust beans) (HS 121292) totaled $143K in July 2026, traded with 13 countries.
Importers of Carob (Locust Beans) paid $14K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $143K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Carob (Locust Beans) imports of $143K in July 2026 ran 15% below the year-to-date monthly average of $168K.
Last updated: July 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.
7 shipments/mo
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.
Subheading 6 of 7 in heading 1212
Subheading 121292 · $143K of $18.6M
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212920000 | Locust Beans, Fresh, Chilled, Frozen or Dried | $143K | 10.00% | 100.00% | $14K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1212920000 | Locust Beans, Fresh, Chilled, Frozen or Dried | $4K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$143KYoY · Pro
Exports
$4KYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProFewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade above $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Spain and Morocco together supply 100% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
the effective duty rate is 10.00%.