Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous seeds and fruits, industrial or medicinal plants, straw, fodder and forage. Most goods in this chapter are primary plant products, including oil crops such as soybeans, peanuts, linseed, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds, as well as hops, algae, sugar beets, and sugarcane. The key characteristic is that they are not deeply processed or are only subjected to primary treatment such as roasting or milling, but it should be noted that roasted peanuts still fall under this chapter, while those further processed into food may fall under Chapter 20. Heading 1202 covers ground-nuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken. It specifically includes seed peanuts, other not roasted peanuts (shelled or unshelled), and roasted peanuts (shelled or unshelled). Note: peanut butter, peanut oil, and other deeply processed products are not classified under this heading; if roasted peanuts are further seasoned or made into snacks, they may fall under Chapter 20. This heading mainly covers primary processed peanuts used as oilseeds or for direct consumption. Code 120220 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "12" represent Chapter 12: Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder. Digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 1202: Ground-nuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken. Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 1202.20: Ground-nuts, roasted. Note: 1202.10 is seed peanuts, and 1202.30 is other not roasted peanuts. Therefore, 120220 specifically refers to peanuts that have been roasted, whether or not shelled or broken. Roasted peanuts are classified under 120220 because they have been roasted but not further processed into food. If the peanuts are not roasted, they are classified under 120230 (other not roasted peanuts); if for seed use, under 120210. If after roasting they are seasoned or made into peanut butter, peanut candy, etc., they exceed the scope of Chapter 12 and should be classified under Chapter 20 (e.g., 2008). Therefore, roasting is the key processing threshold, but it does not change their basic character as oil seeds.
Chapter
Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, miscellaneous seeds and fruits, industrial or medicinal plants, straw, fodder and forage. Most goods in this chapter are primary plant products, including oil crops such as soybeans, peanuts, linseed, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds, as well as hops, algae, sugar beets, and sugarcane. The key characteristic is that they are not deeply processed or are only subjected to primary treatment such as roasting or milling, but it should be noted that roasted peanuts still fall under this chapter, while those further processed into food may fall under Chapter 20.
Heading
Heading 1202 covers ground-nuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken. It specifically includes seed peanuts, other not roasted peanuts (shelled or unshelled), and roasted peanuts (shelled or unshelled). Note: peanut butter, peanut oil, and other deeply processed products are not classified under this heading; if roasted peanuts are further seasoned or made into snacks, they may fall under Chapter 20. This heading mainly covers primary processed peanuts used as oilseeds or for direct consumption.
Digit Breakdown
Code 120220 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "12" represent Chapter 12: Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder. Digits 3-4 "02" represent heading 1202: Ground-nuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked, whether or not shelled or broken. Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 1202.20: Ground-nuts, roasted. Note: 1202.10 is seed peanuts, and 1202.30 is other not roasted peanuts. Therefore, 120220 specifically refers to peanuts that have been roasted, whether or not shelled or broken.
Classification Basis
Roasted peanuts are classified under 120220 because they have been roasted but not further processed into food. If the peanuts are not roasted, they are classified under 120230 (other not roasted peanuts); if for seed use, under 120210. If after roasting they are seasoned or made into peanut butter, peanut candy, etc., they exceed the scope of Chapter 12 and should be classified under Chapter 20 (e.g., 2008). Therefore, roasting is the key processing threshold, but it does not change their basic character as oil seeds.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the state of the goods, such as "roasted peanut kernels" or "roasted peanuts in shell." Whether Roasted: Clearly state whether the goods have been roasted; roasting is the key condition for classification under 120220. Whether Shelled: State whether the peanuts are in shell, which affects subheading subdivision but all remain under 120220. Whether Broken: State whether the peanuts have been broken; breaking does not affect classification under 120220. Processing Method: Describe the processing method in detail, such as roasting temperature, time, and whether seasoned. Use: Declare the use of the peanuts, such as for consumption, oil extraction, or as raw material for food processing. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "none." Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, boxed, net weight, etc. Product Name: Roasted peanut kernels; Whether Roasted: Yes; Whether Shelled: Shelled; Whether Broken: No; Processing Method: Roasted at 150°C for 30 minutes, unseasoned; Use: Direct consumption; Brand: ABC; Packaging Specifications: 25 kg/bag. Failing to clearly declare whether roasted, which may lead to classification under 120230. Ignoring seasoning; if seasoned, they may be classified under 2008 rather than 120220. Confusing shelled with unshelled; although both fall under 120220, this affects statistics.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the state of the goods, such as "roasted peanut kernels" or "roasted peanuts in shell."
⚠️ Writing only "peanuts" without indicating whether they are roasted, leading to classification disputes.
Whether Roasted
Clearly state whether the goods have been roasted; roasting is the key condition for classification under 120220.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring unroasted peanuts as roasted, or vice versa.
Whether Shelled
State whether the peanuts are in shell, which affects subheading subdivision but all remain under 120220.
⚠️ Ignoring the shelled status, resulting in incomplete declaration.
Whether Broken
State whether the peanuts have been broken; breaking does not affect classification under 120220.
⚠️ Incorrectly classifying broken peanuts under other codes.
Processing Method
Describe the processing method in detail, such as roasting temperature, time, and whether seasoned.
⚠️ Failing to state whether seasoned; if seasoned, they may be classified under Chapter 20.
Use
Declare the use of the peanuts, such as for consumption, oil extraction, or as raw material for food processing.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as "for consumption" without distinguishing direct consumption from processing.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "none."
⚠️ Omitting the brand, resulting in incomplete declaration elements.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, boxed, net weight, etc.
Failing to clearly declare whether roasted, which may lead to classification under 120230.
Ignoring seasoning; if seasoned, they may be classified under 2008 rather than 120220.
Confusing shelled with unshelled; although both fall under 120220, this affects statistics.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the processing state of the goods. Roasted peanuts must have undergone roasting but not further seasoning or processing into food. Roasting is the key distinction from unroasted peanuts (120230). At the same time, it is necessary to confirm whether they are for seed use (120210). If peanuts are seasoned after roasting or made into peanut butter, etc., they exceed Chapter 12 and are classified under Chapter 20. In addition, breaking and shelling do not affect classification under 120220, but must be stated in the declaration. 120230 Other not roasted peanuts: 120230 is unroasted peanuts, while 120220 is roasted peanuts. The core difference is whether they have undergone roasting. 120210 Seed peanuts: 120210 is seed peanuts, whether or not roasted, but actual seed peanuts are usually not roasted. If roasted, they may still be classified under 120220, but if the seed purpose is clear, they are classified under 120210. 200811 Peanut butter: 200811 is peanut butter, made from peanuts through grinding, seasoning, and other deep processing, and has exceeded the scope of Chapter 12. 200819 Other prepared or preserved peanuts: 200819 includes roasted and seasoned peanuts or peanuts made into snacks, while 120220 refers only to simply roasted, unseasoned peanuts. Have they been roasted? Are they seasoned or further processed? Are they for seed use? Are they shelled or broken? Are they used for oil extraction or direct consumption?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the processing state of the goods. Roasted peanuts must have undergone roasting but not further seasoning or processing into food. Roasting is the key distinction from unroasted peanuts (120230). At the same time, it is necessary to confirm whether they are for seed use (120210). If peanuts are seasoned after roasting or made into peanut butter, etc., they exceed Chapter 12 and are classified under Chapter 20. In addition, breaking and shelling do not affect classification under 120220, but must be stated in the declaration.
Confused Codes:
120230 - Other not roasted peanuts
120230 is unroasted peanuts, while 120220 is roasted peanuts. The core difference is whether they have undergone roasting.
120210 - Seed peanuts
120210 is seed peanuts, whether or not roasted, but actual seed peanuts are usually not roasted. If roasted, they may still be classified under 120220, but if the seed purpose is clear, they are classified under 120210.
200811 - Peanut butter
200811 is peanut butter, made from peanuts through grinding, seasoning, and other deep processing, and has exceeded the scope of Chapter 12.
200819 - Other prepared or preserved peanuts
200819 includes roasted and seasoned peanuts or peanuts made into snacks, while 120220 refers only to simply roasted, unseasoned peanuts.
Self-Check:
✓ Have they been roasted?
✓ Are they seasoned or further processed?
✓ Are they for seed use?
✓ Are they shelled or broken?
✓ Are they used for oil extraction or direct consumption?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between roasted peanuts and unroasted peanuts? Roasted peanuts are classified under 120220, and unroasted peanuts under 120230. The difference lies in whether they have undergone roasting. Roasting is a heat treatment that cooks the peanuts but does not season them. If not roasted, even if shelled or broken, they are classified under 120230. If roasted peanuts are seasoned, which code should they be classified under? If roasted peanuts have been seasoned (such as with salt or sugar), they exceed the scope of Chapter 12 and should be classified under Chapter 20, specifically 200819 (other prepared or preserved peanuts). This is because seasoning changes their basic character and makes them a directly edible food. Why can't peanut butter be classified under 120220? Peanut butter is a product made from peanuts through grinding, seasoning, and other deep processing, and is no longer simply roasted peanuts. According to HS rules, peanut butter is classified under 200811, in Chapter 20. 120220 covers only simply roasted peanuts. Which code should roasted seed peanuts be classified under? Seed peanuts are usually classified under 120210, but if roasted, they may lose their seed value. If still used for seed purposes and roasting is only to prevent sprouting, etc., judgment should be made based on the actual situation. Generally, seed peanuts are not roasted; if roasted, they may be classified under 120220. How can I check the import tariff rate for roasted peanuts? The tariff rate must be determined according to the specific country, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked through the customs administration website, tariff commission announcements, or professional customs declaration systems. Note that rates change, so the latest announcement should prevail. When declaring roasted peanuts, which elements are most prone to error? The most common error is failing to clearly declare whether they are roasted, leading to classification errors. Second, ignoring elements such as whether seasoned or whether shelled. It is recommended to fill in each declaration element strictly and retain processing documentation. For cross-border e-commerce sales of roasted peanuts, how should the HS code be selected? If simply roasted and unseasoned, choose 120220; if seasoned or made into snacks, choose 200819. Judgment should be based on the actual state of the product, and attention should be paid to the customs requirements of the destination country to avoid customs clearance problems caused by classification errors. What is the difference between roasted peanuts and baked peanuts? In HS codes, roasting and baking are generally regarded as the same processing method and are both classified under 120220. However, if seasoned after baking, they are classified under 200819. The difference lies in whether they are seasoned, not in the heating method.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between roasted peanuts and unroasted peanuts?
A: Roasted peanuts are classified under 120220, and unroasted peanuts under 120230. The difference lies in whether they have undergone roasting. Roasting is a heat treatment that cooks the peanuts but does not season them. If not roasted, even if shelled or broken, they are classified under 120230.
Q: If roasted peanuts are seasoned, which code should they be classified under?
A: If roasted peanuts have been seasoned (such as with salt or sugar), they exceed the scope of Chapter 12 and should be classified under Chapter 20, specifically 200819 (other prepared or preserved peanuts). This is because seasoning changes their basic character and makes them a directly edible food.
Q: Why can't peanut butter be classified under 120220?
A: Peanut butter is a product made from peanuts through grinding, seasoning, and other deep processing, and is no longer simply roasted peanuts. According to HS rules, peanut butter is classified under 200811, in Chapter 20. 120220 covers only simply roasted peanuts.
Q: Which code should roasted seed peanuts be classified under?
A: Seed peanuts are usually classified under 120210, but if roasted, they may lose their seed value. If still used for seed purposes and roasting is only to prevent sprouting, etc., judgment should be made based on the actual situation. Generally, seed peanuts are not roasted; if roasted, they may be classified under 120220.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for roasted peanuts?
A: The tariff rate must be determined according to the specific country, trade agreements, etc. It can be checked through the customs administration website, tariff commission announcements, or professional customs declaration systems. Note that rates change, so the latest announcement should prevail.
Q: When declaring roasted peanuts, which elements are most prone to error?
A: The most common error is failing to clearly declare whether they are roasted, leading to classification errors. Second, ignoring elements such as whether seasoned or whether shelled. It is recommended to fill in each declaration element strictly and retain processing documentation.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of roasted peanuts, how should the HS code be selected?
A: If simply roasted and unseasoned, choose 120220; if seasoned or made into snacks, choose 200819. Judgment should be based on the actual state of the product, and attention should be paid to the customs requirements of the destination country to avoid customs clearance problems caused by classification errors.
Q: What is the difference between roasted peanuts and baked peanuts?
A: In HS codes, roasting and baking are generally regarded as the same processing method and are both classified under 120220. However, if seasoned after baking, they are classified under 200819. The difference lies in whether they are seasoned, not in the heating method.
⚠️ 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.