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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of sesame seeds (SITC 22250) totaled $5.8M in April 2026, traded with 33 countries.
Importers of Sesame Seeds paid $578K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $5.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Sesame Seeds imports of $5.8M in April 2026 ran 11% above the year-to-date monthly average of $5.2M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSesame seeds are a globally traded oilseed and food ingredient used in tahini, baked goods, confectionery, and sesame oil production, with the US relying heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. FDA food-safety oversight is the primary admissibility framework, and sesame became a major labeling and allergen compliance issue following the FASTER Act of 2021, which designated sesame as the ninth major food allergen in the US — a regulatory shift that affects imported sesame seeds and products derived from them. Pesticide residue compliance is also a recurring concern, as FDA has detained sesame shipments from multiple origins for pesticide violations.
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The FASTER Act, effective January 1, 2023, designated sesame as a major food allergen under US law. Importers of sesame seeds destined for food use must ensure that downstream labeling complies with allergen declaration requirements. Additionally, facilities handling sesame must address cross-contact controls, which affects how importers document and communicate allergen status to US buyers.
FDA has issued import alerts for sesame seeds from certain origins due to repeated detections of pesticide residues — including ethylene oxide — that exceed US tolerances. Importers should request pesticide residue test certificates from accredited laboratories before shipment and verify whether the origin country is subject to an active FDA import alert, which can result in automatic detention. Consulting a licensed customs broker or FDA regulatory specialist is advisable given the complexity of admissibility review.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDIA | $2.1M | $30K | -$2.1M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $10K | $1.9M | +$1.9M |
| GUATEMALA | $1.2M | -- | -$1.2M |
| PAKISTAN | $933K | -- | -$933K |
| NIGERIA | $723K | -- | -$723K |
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Monthly import values over time