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HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of cotton seeds for sowing (HS 120721) totaled $277K in April 2026, traded with 3 countries.
Importers of Cotton Seeds for Sowing paid $12K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 4.3% on $277K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Cotton Seeds for Sowing imports of $277K in April 2026 ran 31% below the year-to-date monthly average of $403K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataCotton planting seed is a tightly regulated agricultural input classified under a single 10-digit line (1207210000), with USDA APHIS exercising strict oversight to prevent the introduction of cotton pests — particularly boll weevil — and to enforce plant variety protection rules. Israel is the leading recorded supplier to the US under this heading, alongside Costa Rica and Turkey, reflecting the specialized nature of this trade in proprietary or regionally adapted cotton varieties. Import permits from APHIS are typically required, and shipments may be subject to treatment or destruction if regulated pests are detected. Variety and phytosanitary documentation must accompany each shipment.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Yes. USDA APHIS generally requires an import permit for cotton seeds intended for planting, as cotton is a host for regulated pests including boll weevil. The permit application must be submitted before shipment, and APHIS may impose treatment, inspection, or growing-season conditions as permit stipulations. Importers should contact APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine well in advance of the intended import date.
Many commercial cotton varieties are protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act or utility patents held by seed developers. Importing protected varieties without authorization from the rights holder can constitute infringement independent of customs classification. Importers should verify that they hold valid licensing agreements for any proprietary variety before arranging shipment, as CBP may coordinate with rights holders on recordation of protected plant varieties.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAUDI ARABIA | -- | $1.9M | +$1.9M |
| COSTA RICA | $160K | -- | -$160K |
| TURKEY | $106K | -- | -$106K |
| MEXICO | -- | $103K | +$103K |
| ISRAEL | $12K | -- | -$12K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1207210000 | COTTON SEEDS FOR SOWING | $277K | 4.30% | $12K |
COTTON SEEDS FOR SOWING
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1207210000 | COTTON SEEDS FOR SOWING | $2.0M |
COTTON SEEDS FOR SOWING
5.3M 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAVANNAH, GA | -- | $1.9M | +$1.9M |
| PORT EVERGLADES, FL | $160K | -- | -$160K |
| HOUSTON, TX | $106K | -- | -$106K |