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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.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| HONDURAS | -- | $3K | +$3K |
| HAITI | -- | -- | -- |
| UZBEKISTAN | -- | -- | -- |
Supplier Network
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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 % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1207300000 | CASTOR OIL SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN | $0 | -- |
CASTOR OIL SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1207300000 | CASTOR OIL SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN | $3K |
CASTOR OIL SEEDS, WHETHER OR NOT BROKEN
2.5K 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
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | -- | $3K | +$3K |
| Florida | -- | -- | -- |
| New York | -- | -- | -- |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIAMI, FL | -- | $3K | +$3K |
| NEWARK, NJ | -- | -- | -- |
| PORT EVERGLADES, FL | -- | -- | -- |