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Forsythia Bush Seeds

Forsythia bush seeds (Forsythia suspensa) are collected from deciduous shrubs and prepared for sowing to grow plants with early spring blooms. As seeds of shrubs used for sowing, they are covered by heading 12.09 per chapter note 3. In packages of 500 g or less, they classify under tariff item 1209.99.20.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN TariffSurtaxesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China5.5%—5.5%
🇲🇽Mexico5.5%—5.5%
🇺🇸United States5.5%—5.5%
🇩🇪Germany5.5%—5.5%
🇯🇵Japan5.5%—5.5%

More Specific Codes

This product may fall under a more specific subheading:

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

1209.99.10Lower: Free vs 5.5%

If the forsythia seeds are packaged in bulk or in units over 500 g

The bulk packaging places the seeds under the sibling item for larger quantities.

Not sure which classification is right?

The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.

Import Tips & Compliance

• Verify the seeds are clean and dry to prevent fungal growth during shipping

• Include the botanical name on the commercial invoice to facilitate customs clearance

• Check if the CFIA requires a permit for Forsythia species

Related Products under Tariff item 1209.99.20

Azalea Shrub Seeds

Azalea shrub seeds (Rhododendron simsii) are fine seeds intended for sowing to grow compact ornamental shrubs. Chapter note 3 includes seeds of ornamental flowers and shrubs in heading 12.09 as 'seeds of a kind used for sowing.' When packaged in quantities not exceeding 500 g, they fall under tariff item 1209.99.20.

Boxwood Shrub Seeds

Boxwood shrub seeds (Buxus sempervirens) are harvested from evergreen boxwood plants and prepared for sowing to establish hedges and landscape plantings. As seeds of shrubs used for sowing, they are covered by heading 12.09 per chapter note 3. In packages of 500 g or less, they classify under tariff item 1209.99.20.

Holly Shrub Seeds

Holly shrub seeds (Ilex aquifolium) are harvested from English holly plants and prepared for sowing to grow holiday and landscape plants. Chapter note 3 includes seeds of shrubs and ornamental plants in heading 12.09. When packaged in quantities not exceeding 500 g, they fall under tariff item 1209.99.20.

Hydrangea Shrub Seeds

Hydrangea shrub seeds (Hydrangea macrophylla) are tiny seeds intended for sowing to grow popular flowering shrubs for gardens. As seeds of ornamental shrubs used for sowing, they are included in heading 12.09 under chapter note 3. In packages of 500 g or less, they classify under tariff item 1209.99.20.

Lilac Shrub Seeds

Lilac shrub seeds (Syringa vulgaris) are collected from common lilac shrubs and prepared for sowing to grow ornamental flowering plants. As seeds of shrubs used for sowing, they are covered by heading 12.09 per chapter note 3. In packages of 500 g or less, they classify under tariff item 1209.99.20.

Rhododendron Shrub Seeds

Rhododendron shrub seeds (Rhododendron spp.) are dust-like seeds intended for sowing to grow ericaceous shrubs for acidic soil gardens. As seeds of ornamental shrubs used for sowing, they are included in heading 12.09 under chapter note 3. In packages of 500 g or less, they classify under tariff item 1209.99.20.