Vegetable seeds for sowing from India
India exported $134 million of vegetable seeds for sowing (HS 1209.91) in FY2025-26, up 6.4% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 0% US import duty, against 25% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 0%China 25%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $134MUp 6.4% on last year
- HS code
- 1209.91Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 25.0 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 6 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1209.91.10.00 | Vegetable seeds: Cauliflower | 5.9¢/kg | – | – |
| 1209.91.20.00 | Vegetable seeds: Celery | Free | 0% | 25% |
| 1209.91.40.00 | Vegetable seeds: Onion | Free | 0% | 25% |
| 1209.91.50.00 | Vegetable seeds: Parsley | 0.68¢/kg | – | – |
| 1209.91.60 | Vegetable seeds: Pepper | Free | 0% | 25% |
| 1209.91.80 | Vegetable seeds: Other | 1.5¢/kg | – | – |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of vegetable seeds for sowing
India's exports to all countries under HS 1209.91, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 1209.91 is 4.8%, ranging from 3% to 8.3% across tariff lines, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 0.9% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free for most lines, with restrictions on some. 12099130: Restricted.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on vegetable seeds for sowing from India?
0% on the 6 US tariff lines under HS 1209.91, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 25%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for vegetable seeds for sowing?
1209.91, under heading 1209 (Seeds, fruits and spores of a kind used for sowing). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export vegetable seeds for sowing?
Yes. India exported $134 million under HS 1209.91 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.