HSChapter 12
Castor seeds (Ricinus communis) are the raw material for castor oil, a specialty industrial vegetable oil used in lubricants, coatings, plastics, and pharmaceuticals — distinct from edible oilseeds in both chemistry and end-use markets. A single tariff line (1207300000) covers all castor seeds whether or not broken, and the heading is not subdivided by end use in the US schedule. Haiti and Uzbekistan are the leading suppliers to the US market. Because castor seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic compound, importers should be aware that shipments may attract heightened scrutiny from CBP and other agencies; proper labeling and documentation of industrial end use are essential.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Castor seeds naturally contain ricin, a select agent and potential biological threat. While commercial castor seed trade is legal, CBP and other federal agencies may apply heightened scrutiny to shipments. Importers should maintain thorough documentation of the industrial end use (e.g., castor oil processing), ensure shipments are clearly labeled, and be prepared to demonstrate that the product is destined for a legitimate commercial processor. Consulting a licensed customs broker familiar with this commodity is strongly advisable.
Castor seeds that are simply broken or de-hulled but not yet extracted remain classifiable under 1207300000 as long as the oil has not been separated. Once the oil is extracted, the product moves to Chapter 15. Intermediate processing steps such as flaking or expelling that do not result in oil separation generally do not change the Chapter 12 classification, but importers should confirm the specific processing stage with a customs broker if there is any ambiguity.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 120730 — Castor Oil Seeds, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Subheading 10 of 10 in heading 1207
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1207300000 | Castor Oil Seeds, Whether or not Broken | — | -- | -- |
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
YoY · free accountFewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade above $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.