Alfalfa Seeds for Sowing
High-quality alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds specifically intended for sowing to produce forage crops used in livestock feed. Classified under HTS 1209.29.91.96 as seeds of forage plants (other than clover or fescue) of a kind used for sowing per Chapter 12 notes. These seeds are untreated and packaged for agricultural planting.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If not explicitly labeled or intended for sowing
Seeds not of a kind used for sowing fall under 1209.91 as other inedible seeds unfit for human consumption.
If seeds are from cereal crops like ryegrass varieties
Cereal seeds, even for forage, are excluded from 1209 by Chapter note and classified in Chapter 10.
If processed or mixed with herbal parts for non-sowing use
Plants or parts used for other purposes (e.g., herbal extracts) shift to 1211 per Chapter exclusions.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain seed analysis certificates confirming varietal purity and germination rates exceeding 80% for forage use
• Declare as 'for sowing' on entry documents; failure may reclassify to heading 1209.91 for inedible seeds
• Verify phytosanitary certificates from origin to comply with USDA APHIS import requirements for forage seeds
Related Products under HTS 1209.29.91.96
Timothy Grass Seeds for Sowing
Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) seeds packaged for sowing in pastures and hay fields as a key forage crop. Falls under HTS 1209.29.91.96 as 'other' forage plant seeds used for sowing, distinct from clover (1209.21) or fescue (1209.25). Coated varieties for better germination are included if primarily for planting.
Orchard Grass Seeds for Sowing
Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) seeds for establishing forage pastures and hay production. HTS 1209.29.91.96 covers these as other forage plant seeds used for sowing, meeting Chapter 12 definition excluding cereals or vegetables. Ideal for temperate climate livestock grazing.
Ryegrass Forage Seeds for Sowing
Perennial or annual ryegrass (Lolium spp.) seeds for sowing in forage meadows and turf blends. Classified in HTS 1209.29.91.96 as other forage seeds for sowing, provided not cereal rye (Chapter 10 exclusion). Common in dairy pasture mixes.
Birdsfoot Trefoil Seeds for Sowing
Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) legume seeds for sowing in pasture mixes, valued for nitrogen-fixing forage properties. HTS 1209.29.91.96 as other forage plant seeds for sowing, separate from clover (white/red at 1209.21/22). Drought-tolerant forage legume.
Smooth Bromegrass Seeds for Sowing
Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) seeds for establishing long-lived forage grasses in northern climates. Under HTS 1209.29.91.96 for other forage seeds used for sowing per Chapter definitions. Excellent for hay and pasture persistence.
Crown Vetch Seeds for Sowing
Crown vetch (Coronilla varia) seeds for erosion control and forage cover crops. HTS 1209.29.91.96 covers as other forage plant seeds for sowing, legume family excluding clovers. Used in roadside and pasture stabilization.