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HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of seaweeds and other algae (non-food uses) (HS 121229) totaled $3.0M in April 2026, traded with 25 countries.
Importers of Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses) paid $168K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $1.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataAlgae and seaweeds not intended for human consumption — covering industrial-grade material used in agar, carrageenan, alginate production, animal feed, and agricultural amendments — are classified under a single line (1212290000) and are widely traded as raw inputs for the food-ingredient, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Canada and Chile are the leading suppliers, with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil also significant sources reflecting tropical and temperate aquaculture production zones. Unlike their edible counterparts under 121221, these products are not subject to FDA food-safety prior notice requirements, but USDA APHIS phytosanitary rules still apply to raw or minimally processed marine plant material. Correct separation from edible-grade algae at the classification stage is important, as the two subheadings carry different regulatory pathways.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
APHIS phytosanitary requirements for marine algae depend on the species, origin, and processing state. Dried and heat-treated material generally carries lower pest-risk and may not require a phytosanitary certificate, but raw or lightly processed seaweed from certain origins may be subject to inspection or permit requirements. Importers should consult the APHIS FAVIR database and, where uncertain, request a ruling before the first shipment.
Supporting documentation typically includes the commercial invoice specifying the industrial end use (e.g., agar extraction, carrageenan processing, fertilizer), a product specification sheet confirming the grade and processing state, and, where applicable, a manufacturer's declaration. CBP may request additional evidence if the product's appearance is consistent with food-grade material; maintaining a clear paper trail from the foreign supplier is advisable.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHILE | $1.5M | $142K | -$1.3M |
| CANADA | $723K | $193K | -$530K |
| PHILIPPINES | $244K | -- | -$244K |
| INDONESIA | $182K | -- | -$182K |
| BRAZIL | $89K | $10K | -$80K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212290000 | SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE, NESOI | $3.0M | 10.07% | $168K |
SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE, NESOI
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1212290000 | SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE, NESOI | $560K |
SEAWEEDS & OTHER ALGAE, NESOI
55.3K 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALAIS, ME | $983K | -- | -$983K |
| HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT, TX | $540K | -- | -$540K |
| NEWARK, NJ | $418K | -- | -$418K |