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HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of seaweeds and other algae fit for human consumption (HS 121221) totaled $3.5M in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.
Importers of Seaweeds and Other Algae Fit for Human Consumption paid $335K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 13% on $2.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Seaweeds and Other Algae Fit for Human Consumption imports of $3.5M in April 2026 ran 12% below the year-to-date monthly average of $3.9M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataEdible seaweeds and algae — including nori, wakame, kombu, and related products — enter under a single US tariff line (1212210000) and are subject to FDA oversight as food commodities. South Korea is the dominant supplier, with Japan and China also significant sources, reflecting East Asia's deep-rooted aquaculture and processing infrastructure for edible marine algae. Importers should be aware that FDA has issued import alerts related to certain algae products from specific origins due to contamination concerns, making prior notice filing and accurate country-of-origin declaration critical. The distinction between this subheading and 121229 (algae not fit for human consumption) turns on the intended use and processing state of the product, not solely its species.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Classification hinges on the product's condition, processing, and intended use at the time of importation. Seaweeds that are cleaned, dried, or otherwise prepared for direct food use or food ingredient applications fall under 121221. Algae destined for industrial uses — such as agar production, animal feed, or fertilizer — would typically fall under 121229. Importers should document the intended end use and processing state to support the correct classification.
Yes. As a food commodity, edible seaweed imports require FDA prior notice submission before arrival at the US port of entry under the Bioterrorism Act. Shipments without prior notice are subject to refusal of admission. Importers should also monitor FDA's import alert database, as certain origins have faced detention without physical examination for heavy metal or microbial contamination issues.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOREA, SOUTH | $1.3M | $44K | -$1.3M |
| JAPAN | $675K | $31K | -$644K |
| CANADA | $378K | $112K | -$266K |
| CHINA | $339K | -- | -$339K |
| INDIA | $317K | -- | -$317K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212210000 | SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION | $3.5M | 12.54% | $335K |
SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1212210000 | SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION | $663K |
SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
62.6K 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $1.7M | $396K | -$1.3M |
| New York | $408K | -- | -$408K |
| New Jersey | $206K | $46K | -$160K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $1.2M | $47K | -$1.2M |
| NEWARK, NJ | $627K | -- | -$627K |
| OAKLAND, CA | $422K | -- | -$422K |