HTS US: 1208.XX.XXXX
Description
Heading 1208 encompasses flours and meals obtained from oil seeds or oleaginous fruits, excluding those of mustard. These products are typically the residual solids remaining after oil extraction and are widely used in animal feed, food processing, and various industrial applications.
The heading includes varieties derived from different oil seeds, with particular emphasis on soybean meal due to its global importance. The materials covered under this heading are generally characterized by their high protein content and variable oil residues, depending on the extraction process.
Code Hierarchy
- Section II: Vegetable Products (Chapters 06-14)
- Chapter 12: Oil Seeds and Oleaginous Fruits; Miscellaneous Grains, Seeds and Fruits; Industrial or Medicinal Plants; Straw and Fodder (1201-1214)
- Heading 1208: Flours and meals of oil seeds or oleaginous fruits, other than those of mustard.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
1208.XX.XXXX– Further breakdown specifies the exact source and certification status.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 6-digit HS heading 1208 is subdivided into specific 8-digit and 10-digit HTS codes for precise classification:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1208.10.00 | Of soybeans | Meal and flour derived specifically from soybeans, a major source for animal feed and food ingredients. |
1208.10.00.10 |
Certified organic | Soybean meal certified as organic according to USDA or equivalent standards. |
1208.10.00.90 |
Other | Non-organic soybean meals and flours. |
| 1208.90.00.00 | Other | Flours and meals from oil seeds or oleaginous fruits other than soybeans and mustard, including sunflower, cottonseed, and others. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
It is important to note exclusions to avoid misclassification:
- Mustard seed flours and meals are excluded and classified under heading 1207.
- Pure oils extracted from these seeds fall under Chapter 15 (e.g., 1507 for soybean oil).
- Prepared or processed foods containing these meals are generally classified under Chapter 21 or 22.
Notes
- Organic Certification: Products labeled under 1208.10.00.10 must meet recognized organic production standards and be certified accordingly.
- Usage: These flours and meals are predominantly used as high-protein animal feed components but can also be ingredients in food formulations and industrial products.
- Tariffs and Trade: Duty rates may vary based on the product’s origin, certification, and end use, with some categories benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of certified organic soybean meal.US HTS Code:
1208.10.00.10(Certified organic soybean meal)Unit of Quantity: Metric Ton (MT)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS listings; organic certification may impact rates.
Additional Requirements: Organic certification documents and possible inspection upon import.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 1207: Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (including mustard seeds).
- HTS 1507: Soybean oil and its fractions.
- HTS 1206: Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken.
- HTS 1209: Seeds, fruit and spores, for sowing.











