HS 120730

Castor Oil Seeds

U.S. imports of castor oil seeds (HS 120730) totaled $0 in April 2026, traded with 2 countries.

Last updated: April 2026 data

Castor seeds (Ricinus communis) are the raw material for castor oil, a specialty industrial lubricant and chemical feedstock with applications in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Entering under a single 10-digit line (1207300000), they are subject to USDA APHIS phytosanitary controls, and importers should note that castor seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic substance, which can trigger additional scrutiny from CBP and other agencies. Haiti and Uzbekistan are the leading US suppliers under this heading.

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Exports

$3K

Imports: $0 to 2 countries

Surplus of $3K (net exporter)

Trade balance: surplus of $3K (net exporter)

YTD: $10K imported (April 2026)

Top Import Sources

View all

1HAITI$0
0.0%
2UZBEKISTAN$0
0.0%

View all 2 trading partners

Import Trend (12 months)

Monthly import values over time

Geographic Breakdown

PLANTS & PARTS ETC FOR MEDICAMENTS ETC NESOI

HS 121190

$28.7M

VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR SOWING

HS 120991

$26.9M

LOW ERUCIC ACID RAPE/COLZA SEEDS W/NOT BROKEN

HS 120510

$25.0M

SOYBEANS, NESOI

HS 120190

$16.5M

SUNFLOWER SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN

HS 120600

$14.2M

OIL SEEDS & OLEAGINOUS FRUITS W/NT BROKEN, NESOI

HS 120799

$13.5M

Suppliers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do castor seeds face any special security or safety screening at US ports of entry?

Yes. Because castor seeds naturally contain ricin — a substance listed as a select agent — shipments may receive heightened scrutiny from US Customs and Border Protection and potentially other federal agencies. Importers should ensure complete and accurate documentation and be prepared for additional inspection. Consulting a licensed customs broker experienced with this commodity is strongly advisable.

What are the primary industrial end-uses that drive US imports of castor seeds?

Castor seeds are crushed to produce castor oil, which is used as a high-performance lubricant, a plasticizer in nylon and other polymers, a base for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and a feedstock for biodiesel. The specialty chemical sector is the primary driver of US import demand, as domestic castor cultivation is negligible.