HS 120721

Cotton Seeds for Sowing

U.S. imports of cotton seeds for sowing (HS 120721) totaled $277K in April 2026, traded with 3 countries.

Last updated: April 2026 data

Classified under a single 10-digit line (1207210000), cotton seeds of a kind used for sowing are subject to strict USDA APHIS phytosanitary controls, including potential restrictions tied to boll weevil eradication programs and biotechnology regulations governing genetically engineered seed varieties. Israel and Costa Rica are among the leading suppliers to the US market. Importers should be aware that APHIS permit requirements for planting seed can differ substantially from those applied to cotton seed destined for crushing or feed, making end-use documentation essential at entry.

Track Cotton Seeds for Sowing and get alerts when trade data updates

Create a free account to build your watchlist

Create free account

Exports

$2.0M

Imports

$277K

from 3 countries · YTD: $1.6M

Surplus of $1.7M (net exporter)

Trade balance: surplus of $1.7M (net exporter)

YTD: $1.6M imported (April 2026)

7 shipments/month

Top Import Sources

View all

1COSTA RICA

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

Suppliers

Supplier Network

Are you a supplier of this product?

Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 120721 — Cotton Seeds for Sowing. Be the first supplier listed.

Trade Tools

HS Code Lookup Trade Balance Calculator All Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Does importing cotton seed for sowing require an APHIS permit?

Yes. USDA APHIS requires an import permit for cotton seeds intended for planting, and the seeds must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. Additional conditions may apply depending on the origin, including treatment requirements related to boll weevil or other regulated pests. Importers should obtain the relevant APHIS permit well in advance of shipment.

How does biotechnology regulation affect the import of cotton seeds for sowing?

Genetically engineered cotton seed varieties may require USDA APHIS review under biotechnology regulations before they can be imported for planting. Importers should confirm whether the specific variety has received APHIS regulatory status determination, as unapproved GE varieties may be subject to permit conditions or may not be admissible for planting purposes.