Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants, straw, fodder. The goods in this chapter are mostly primary plant products, including oil crops such as soybeans, peanuts, rapeseed, sunflower seeds, as well as hops, medicinal plants, fodder plants, etc. This chapter is an important chapter in agricultural trade, involving multiple uses such as food, oil extraction, seed use, etc. When classifying, attention should be paid to the degree of processing and use. Heading 1201 covers soybeans, whether or not broken. Soybeans are an important oil crop and source of protein feed, including seed soybeans and non-seed soybeans (such as for oil extraction, food, etc.). Under this heading, it is further subdivided into two subheadings according to use: seed and non-seed. Note: soybean flour, soybean meal and pellets are classified under 1208, soybean oil under 1507, and defatted soybean flour (soybean meal) under 2304. First 2 digits 12: indicates Chapter 12, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants, straw, fodder. Digits 3-4 01: indicates heading 1201, specifically soybeans, whether or not broken. Digits 5-6: subheading level, 1201.10 is seed soybeans, 1201.90 is other soybeans (non-seed). Seed soybeans must meet relevant planting standards and usually require seed inspection certificates; non-seed soybeans include those for oil extraction, food, etc. Soybeans are classified under 1201 because they are oil seeds and have not undergone further processing (such as oil extraction or milling). If soybeans are broken but not further processed, they are still classified under 1201; if made into soybean flour, they are classified under 1208; if soybean oil is extracted, it is classified under 1507; if soybean meal after oil extraction, it is classified under 2304. Therefore, according to the degree of processing and use, soybeans are correctly classified under 1201.

Product name: Declare the commodity name, and indicate "soybeans" and the specific use, such as "seed soybeans", "non-seed soybeans (for oil extraction)", etc. Whether for seed use: Clearly indicate whether they are for planting. Seed soybeans require relevant certificates, such as seed inspection certificates. Whether broken: Declare whether the soybeans have been broken. Broken soybeans are still classified under 1201, but must be declared truthfully. Origin: Declare the country or region of origin of the soybeans, which affects tariffs and trade measures. Brand: Declare the brand or trademark of the soybeans. If there is no brand, declare "none". Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method and specifications, such as bulk, bagged (50 kg per bag), etc. Use: Declare the specific use of the soybeans, such as oil extraction, food, feed, etc. Protein content: Declare the protein content of the soybeans. Some countries or regions have requirements. Product name: Non-seed soybeans (for oil extraction); Whether for seed use: No; Whether broken: No; Origin: Brazil; Brand: None; Packaging specifications: Bulk; Use: Oil extraction; Protein content: 35%. Mistakenly declaring seed soybeans as non-seed, resulting in inability to enjoy seed import preferences. Ignoring the declaration of broken status. Broken soybeans and unbroken soybeans are classified the same, but it affects inspection. Incorrect origin declaration, such as declaring Argentine soybeans as Brazilian soybeans, may lead to differences in anti-dumping duties.

Core criteria for classification: 1. Whether the product is soybeans (including seed and non-seed); 2. Whether it has been broken (breaking does not affect classification under 1201); 3. Whether it has undergone further processing (such as milling, oil extraction, etc.). If soybeans are only broken, they are still classified under 1201; if made into soybean flour, under 1208; if soybean oil is extracted, under 1507; if soybean meal after oil extraction, under 2304. In addition, seed soybeans must meet seed standards. 1208 Soybean flour: Soybean flour is a powdered product made by grinding soybeans, classified under 1208; while 1201 only includes unground soybeans, and even if broken, they are not flour. 1507 Soybean oil: Soybean oil is oil extracted from soybeans, classified under 1507; while 1201 is soybeans themselves, with no oil extracted. 2304 Soybean meal: Soybean meal is the residue after oil extraction from soybeans, classified under 2304; while 1201 is whole soybeans, with no oil extracted. 0713 Dried beans: 0713 includes shelled dried beans, such as mung beans, adzuki beans, etc., but soybeans are not included in this heading because they are oil seeds. 1202 Peanuts: Peanuts are classified under 1202 and, like soybeans, belong to oil seeds, but they are a different variety and must be distinguished during classification. Confirm whether the product is whole soybeans or only broken. Confirm whether they are for seed use; seed use requires certificates. Confirm whether they have undergone processing such as milling or oil extraction. Confirm that origin and brand information are accurate. Confirm that packaging specifications and use are clearly declared.

For soybeans under HS code 120100, how are seed and non-seed distinguished? Seed soybeans must meet planting standards and usually require seed inspection certificates, and the subheading is 1201.10; non-seed soybeans include those for oil extraction, food, etc., and the subheading is 1201.90. When declaring, it is necessary to clearly indicate whether they are for seed use and submit corresponding certificates. Which code should broken soybeans be classified under? Broken soybeans are still classified under 1201, because heading 1201 includes soybeans "whether or not broken". However, if further ground into flour, they are classified under 1208. What is the difference in HS codes between soybean flour and soybean meal? Soybean flour is classified under 1208 and is a powdered product made by grinding soybeans; soybean meal is classified under 2304 and is the residue after oil extraction from soybeans. The two have different processing techniques and uses, so they are classified differently. What elements need to be declared for imported soybeans? It is necessary to declare product name, whether for seed use, whether broken, origin, brand, packaging specifications, use, protein content, etc. Specific requirements may be adjusted according to customs requirements. How can I check the import tariff rate for soybeans? It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 120100 and the country of origin to obtain the most-favored-nation rate, agreement rate, etc. Tariff rates may change, so it is recommended to rely on the latest query. What are the consequences of incorrect origin declaration for soybeans? Incorrect origin declaration may lead to tariff differences, evasion of anti-dumping duties, or even be deemed smuggling, resulting in penalties such as fines and downgrading. Be sure to declare truthfully. Is there a difference in HS codes between genetically modified soybeans and non-genetically modified soybeans? HS code 120100 does not distinguish between genetically modified and non-genetically modified, but some countries or regions have special requirements and require relevant certificates, such as GMO certificates, at the time of declaration. How should the packaging specifications of soybeans be declared? Packaging specifications should be declared in detail, such as bulk, bagged (50 kg per bag), containerized, etc. Bulk soybeans need to indicate the mode of transport, and bagged soybeans need to indicate the weight per bag.