HS Code: 120210
Unroasted peanuts
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants, straw, straw and fodder. The core feature of this chapter is that the goods are mainly primary plant products, not deeply processed, used for oil extraction, planting, industrial or medicinal purposes. The headings within the chapter are divided by use and plant species, such as 1201 soybeans, 1202 peanuts, 1203 coconuts, etc. Note: This chapter does not include roasted or further processed peanuts (classified under Chapter 20).
Heading
Heading 1202 covers peanuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken. Includes peanuts in shell, shelled peanut kernels, crushed peanuts, as long as they have not been roasted, cooked or otherwise deeply processed. However, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, flavored peanuts, etc. are all classified under Chapter 20. Under this heading, they are further subdivided based on whether they are for sowing, whether shelled, etc.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 12: indicates Chapter 12, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, etc. Digits 3-4, 02: indicates heading 1202, specifically peanuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked. Digits 5-6, 10: subheading 120210, referring to peanuts in shell, not roasted or otherwise cooked (i.e., peanuts in shell for sowing or other uses). Note: If shelled peanuts, they are classified under 120220; if crushed peanuts, they are also classified under 120220. Therefore, 120210 specifically refers to peanuts in shell and not roasted.
Classification Basis
The product is unroasted peanuts, usually in shell, which matches the description of 120210. If shelled, they should be classified under 120220; if roasted or cooked, they are classified under 2008. The difference from 1201 soybeans is the different species; the difference from 1203 coconuts is the form and composition. Therefore, classification is determined based on the degree of processing and whether they are in shell.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
Declare the commodity name, which should be accurately described as "unroasted peanuts" or "peanuts in shell", avoiding colloquial terms such as "raw peanuts".
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "peanut kernels" or "roasted peanuts", leading to classification errors.
Whether Roasted
Must clearly declare whether roasted or cooked, which is key to classification under 1202 or 2008.
⚠️ Omitting this element or incorrectly declaring as "roasted", causing misclassification of the tariff code.
Whether Shelled
Declare whether the peanuts are in shell; in shell goes to 120210, shelled goes to 120220.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring shelled peanuts as in shell, or vice versa.
Whether for Sowing
If for sowing, declare "for sowing"; otherwise declare "other". For sowing and for food may have different regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Not distinguishing between for sowing and non-sowing, affecting tariffs and regulatory documents.
Degree of Processing
Describe whether they have been crushed, sliced, etc., but not roasted. Crushed peanuts are still classified under 120220.
⚠️ Incorrectly classifying crushed peanuts under 120210.
Origin
Declare the country or region of origin of the peanuts, affecting tariffs and trade agreement applicability.
⚠️ Incorrect declaration of origin, unable to enjoy preferential tariff rates.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "none".
⚠️ Neglecting brand declaration, leading to customs declaration rejection.
Packaging Specifications
Declare packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, bulk, weight per bag, etc.
⚠️ Unclear packaging specifications description, affecting inspection and statistics.
Example:
Product Name: Unroasted peanuts in shell; Whether Roasted: No; Whether Shelled: No; Whether for Sowing: No; Degree of Processing: Not crushed; Origin: China; Brand: None; Packaging Specifications: 50 kg/bag.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the degree of processing and physical state of the commodity. According to HS rules, unroasted or uncooked peanuts are classified under 1202, with those in shell under 120210, and shelled or crushed under 120220. If roasted, cooked, flavored or otherwise deeply processed, they are classified under Chapter 20 (e.g., 2008). At the same time, whether for sowing must be considered; for sowing peanuts may be further subdivided under the subheading. Therefore, when declaring, it is essential to specify whether roasted, whether shelled, and whether for sowing.
Confused Codes:
120220 - Unroasted shelled peanuts
The difference from 120210 is whether shelled. 120210 is in shell, 120220 is shelled or crushed. If peanuts are shelled, even if unroasted, they should be classified under 120220.
200811 - Roasted peanuts
The difference from 120210 is whether roasted. 120210 requires unroasted, while 200811 is roasted or cooked peanuts, with a deeper degree of processing.
1201 - Soybeans
Different species. 1201 is soybeans, 1202 is peanuts. They are distinguished by botanical classification and composition, and should not be confused.
120300 - Coconuts
Different species and form. 1203 is coconuts, including unroasted coconuts, which differ significantly from peanuts in composition and use.
120740 - Sesame seeds
Different species. 120740 is sesame seeds, which differ from peanuts in particle size and composition, and must be accurately identified during classification.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to query the HS code for unroasted peanuts?
A: First confirm whether the peanuts are roasted: unroasted goes to Chapter 12, roasted goes to Chapter 20. Then confirm whether shelled: in shell goes to 120210, shelled goes to 120220. Finally confirm whether for sowing. You can query through the customs tariff or classification decisions.
Q: What is the difference in classification between peanuts in shell and shelled peanuts?
A: Unroasted peanuts in shell are classified under 120210, unroasted shelled peanuts under 120220. The tariff rates and regulatory conditions may differ, and they must be accurately distinguished when declaring.
Q: Which code should crushed peanuts be classified under?
A: Crushed peanuts are broken peanuts, and even if unroasted, they should be classified under 120220 (unroasted shelled peanuts), not 120210. Because 120210 specifically refers to peanuts in shell.
Q: What is the difference in declaration between peanuts for sowing and non-sowing peanuts?
A: Peanuts for sowing may involve plant quarantine approval, and must be declared as "for sowing" when declaring, and relevant certificates may be required. Non-sowing is declared as general trade. They may be further subdivided under the subheading, so attention is needed.
Q: How to distinguish roasted peanuts from unroasted peanuts?
A: Roasted peanuts have undergone heat treatment and are classified under 2008; unroasted peanuts are classified under 1202. When declaring, a description of the processing method must be provided, and customs may inspect if necessary.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing peanuts?
A: Importing peanuts generally requires a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, etc. The specifics depend on the origin and use. Peanuts for sowing also require import approval. It is recommended to consult customs in advance.
Q: What are the declaration elements when classifying peanuts under 120210?
A: Need to declare product name, whether roasted, whether shelled, whether for sowing, degree of processing, origin, brand, packaging specifications, etc. Ensure completeness and accuracy to avoid rejection.
Q: How to determine whether peanuts have been roasted?
A: Roasting usually refers to dry heat processing that causes peanuts to change color and become crisp. If only dried to remove water without roasting characteristics, they can still be classified under 1202. When declaring, the processing method must be truthfully stated.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.