Loading...
HSChapter 12
U.S. imports of seaweeds and other algae (non-food uses) (HS 121229) totaled $3.8M in July 2026, traded with 27 countries.
Importers of Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses) paid $295K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 9.9% on $3.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses) imports of $3.8M in July 2026 ran 26% above the year-to-date monthly average of $3.0M.
Last updated: July 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.
97 shipments/mo
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.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 121229 — Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses). Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212290000 | Seaweeds & Other Algae, NESOI | $3.8M | 7.80% | 78.95% | $295K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1212290000 | Seaweeds & Other Algae, NESOI | $475K |
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
$3.8MYoY · Pro
Exports
$475KYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Chile and Canada together supply 66% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
21.1% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 7.80%.