U.S. imports of Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses) (HS 121229) totaled $2.8M in August 2026, imported from 27 countries.
Importers of Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses) paid $186K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.61% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 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.
60 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 3 of 7 in heading 1212
Subheading 121229 · $2.8M of $17.0M
ImportsExports
Imports
$2.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$565KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $30.9M of Seaweeds and Other Algae (Non-Food Uses) and exported $5.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1212290000 | Seaweeds & Other Algae, NESOI | $2.8M | 6.61% | 55.33% | $186K |
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 | $565K |
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.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Chile together supply 53% of it. Philippines pays 12.5% duty; Canada 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
44.4% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.61% of imports for consumption.