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Seeds, fruits and spores of a kind used for sowing: > Seeds of forage plants: > Alfalfa (lucerne) seeds > Other
Duty Rate (from China)
Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Subheadings
Products classified under HTS 1209.21.00
Alfalfa Sowing Seeds
High-germination alfalfa seeds specifically cultivated and packaged for sowing in forage crop production. These seeds fall under HTS 1209.21.00 as they are seeds of alfalfa (lucerne), a forage plant, expressly classified as 'seeds of a kind used for sowing' per Chapter 12 notes. They are not excluded products like cereals or spices.
Certified Organic Alfalfa Seeds
Organic-certified alfalfa (lucerne) seeds meeting NOP standards, packaged in small lots for agricultural sowing. Classified under HTS 1209.21.00 as pure alfalfa forage seeds used for sowing, compliant with chapter notes excluding only specific processed or non-sowing items.
Inoculated Alfalfa Seeds
Alfalfa seeds pre-inoculated with rhizobia bacteria to enhance nitrogen fixation when sown. Still classified as alfalfa (lucerne) seeds under HTS 1209.21.00 since inoculation is a common treatment for forage sowing seeds and does not alter the principal heading per chapter notes.
Dormant Alfalfa Seeds
Scarified dormant alfalfa seeds designed for late-season sowing in arid regions. HTS 1209.21.00 applies as these remain 'seeds of alfalfa (lucerne)' for forage planting, with dormancy treatments not affecting sowing classification per legal notes.
High-Protein Alfalfa Variety Seeds
Clover Root Curved alfalfa seeds bred for superior protein content in forage yields, sold in 50lb bags for farm sowing. Fits HTS 1209.21.00 precisely as enumerated alfalfa (lucerne) seeds of forage plants used for sowing.
Pelleted Alfalfa Sowing Seeds
Alfalfa seeds pelleted with clay for precision planting equipment, maintaining 85%+ germination. Remains under HTS 1209.21.00 as pelleting is standard for sowing seeds and does not constitute 'processing' excluding them from the heading.
Winter-Hardy Alfalfa Seeds
Vernem alfalfa variety seeds selected for cold tolerance in northern climates, packaged for direct farm sowing. HTS 1209.21.00 covers all alfalfa (lucerne) forage seeds for sowing per hierarchy.
Irrigated Alfalfa Seeds
Alfalfa seeds optimized for irrigated forage production in arid zones like California or Arizona. Pure sowing seeds of lucerne (alfalfa) under HTS 1209.21.00, meeting chapter definition for forage plant seeds.
GMO Alfalfa Seeds
Genetically modified Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds for herbicide-tolerant forage cropping. Classified under HTS 1209.21.00 as alfalfa sowing seeds; GMO status affects regulation but not tariff heading.
Small Packet Alfalfa Seeds
Retail-packed alfalfa seeds in 1oz packets for home garden or small farm sowing. HTS 1209.21.00 applies regardless of packaging size, as classification follows the seed type for forage sowing.
Film-Coated Alfalfa Seeds
Alfalfa sowing seeds with thin polymer film coating for pest protection and flowability. Thin film coatings are accepted under HTS 1209.21.00 for forage seeds used for sowing.
Multi-Crop Alfalfa Blend Seeds
Predominantly alfalfa seed blends (80% alfalfa) with trace timothy for pasture sowing. If alfalfa exceeds 50%, may still claim 1209.21.00 but often defaults to mixture rules.