U.S. exports of cotton seeds for sowing (HS 120721) totaled $253K in August 2026, exported to 3 countries.
Last updated: August 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.
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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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ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
$253KYoY · 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.
Subheading 6 of 10 in heading 1207
Subheading 120721 · $253K of $17.1M
Exports · August 2026
destination
Mexico and Barbados together take 100% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1207210000 | Cotton Seeds for Sowing | — | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1207210000 | Cotton Seeds for Sowing | $253K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.