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HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of seaweeds and other algae fit for human consumption (HS 121221) totaled $3.7M in July 2026, traded with 27 countries.
Importers of Seaweeds and Other Algae Fit for Human Consumption paid $430K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $3.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: July 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.
210 shipments/mo
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.
Subheading 3 of 7 in heading 1212
Subheading 121221 · $3.7M of $18.6M
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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 | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212210000 | Seaweeds & Other Algae Fit for Human Consumption | $3.7M | 11.69% | 82.28% | $430K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1212210000 | Seaweeds & Other Algae Fit for Human Consumption | $556K |
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$3.7MYoY · Pro
Exports
$556KYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Japan and Korea, South together supply 51% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
17.7% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 11.69%.