Sesame Seeds HS Code 1207: A Grade Guide for Importers

Sesame Seeds HS Code: What the Classification Means

Under the international Harmonised System, sesame seeds are classified under Heading 1207 — "Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, whether or not broken." Sesame sits within Chapter 12, which covers oil seeds and oleaginous fruits more broadly.

At the 6-digit HS level, sesame seeds fall under 1207.40 — "Sesame seeds." This heading applies to sesame seeds in their whole form regardless of whether they have been hulled or not — the distinction between Natural (unhulled) and Hulled sesame is a processing and grade distinction, not a separate HS classification at the 6-digit level.

India's 8-digit export classification for sesame seeds is 12074090 — the "other" subheading under 1207.40, which covers sesame not specified for seed (i.e., commercial food-grade and oil-grade sesame). This is the code your supplier should declare on the commercial invoice and that will appear on the shipping bill (India's export customs declaration).

A separate 8-digit subheading (12074010) exists for sesame classified as seed for sowing purposes. Commercial food and oil-grade sesame is correctly classified under 12074090, not 12074010. Confirm the specific subheading with your supplier — a mismatch between the invoice description and the 8-digit code can create customs queries at destination.

How This Classification Affects Your Import

Three practical implications for buyers:

• Import duty rate. The duty applicable to sesame seeds under HS 1207.40 varies by destination. The EU applies one rate; the USA, GCC markets, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries each apply different MFN (most favoured nation) rates. Some destinations offer preferential rates for Indian agricultural exports under bilateral trade arrangements — the HS code is how customs authorities determine which rate applies to your shipment.
• Food safety and contaminant testing. Sesame has been a subject of heightened regulatory attention in the EU and UK in recent years, particularly around salmonella and allergen labelling. For destinations with mandatory border sampling programmes, the HS classification determines which inspection and testing regime applies. Misclassification can divert a shipment to the wrong inspection lane.
• Allergen and labelling obligations. Sesame is a declared major food allergen in the EU, UK, Canada, and USA — the EU, UK, and Canada have required sesame allergen labelling for considerably longer; the USA added sesame as its 9th major allergen under the FASTER Act, effective January 2023. This does not affect the HS code, but it does affect how the product must be described on import documentation and how it is handled through food safety systems. Buyers in these markets should confirm their supplier's allergen management practices before committing to a shipment.

Grade Guide: Natural White, Hulled, and Black Sesame

These three product types are the standard commercial categories for Indian sesame exports. They differ in processing method, physical appearance, oil content, and end-market application — not just in cleaning level.

Natural White (Sortex Cleaned) — ≥99.95% purity, oil content 48–52%: Unhulled sesame seeds that have been sortex cleaned to ≥99.95% overall purity, with white purity (proportion of seeds without discolouration) at ≥99.70%. Moisture ≤6%. The husk is intact, which gives these seeds a mild nuttiness and makes them more shelf-stable than hulled sesame. The standard choice for food manufacturing, bakery applications, and buyers who want the full seed with controlled purity. Sometimes listed as "Natural Sesame" or "Sortex Cleaned Natural" in trade documents.

Hulled (Mechanically Dehulled) — ≥99.95% purity, oil content 50–54%: Sesame seeds from which the outer husk has been mechanically removed, leaving a smooth, cream-white to ivory kernel. Hulled sesame carries higher oil content (50–54%) than the same seeds in their natural form, and the lighter colour and cleaner taste profile make it the preferred choice for tahini production, sesame oil pressing, and food retail applications where appearance matters. Unhulled seeds in a hulled lot should be ≤0.5%. Moisture ≤8%. This is a processed product — confirm with your supplier whether their hulling process is wet or dry, as this affects moisture profile and shelf life.

Black Sesame — ≥99% purity, oil content 44–48%: A distinct variety with a dark, naturally black husk that is not removed. Lower oil content (44–48%) than white sesame varieties, with a stronger, more assertive flavour and a visually distinctive appearance. Moisture ≤7%. Used in confectionery, traditional food products, and health food applications where the characteristic black colour is a feature, not a defect. Confirm purity to ≥99% — at lower purity levels, off-colour seeds (brown, grey) can visually contaminate a black sesame lot.

A note on oil content variation: reported oil content ranges vary with crop season, origin region within India, and testing method. The figures above reflect typical commercial specifications — if your application is sensitive to oil content (e.g., pressing economics), request a CoA from the specific crop batch you are considering rather than relying on generic spec sheet ranges.

Documentation Required for Sesame Import from India

A standard commercial sesame shipment from India will come with the following documents. Confirm each is available before the shipment is booked:

• Commercial Invoice: HS code (12074090), product description (sesame seeds — specifying Natural White, Hulled, or Black), quantity, and unit price. The invoice establishes the customs value and classification. Confirm the grade and processing type are explicitly named on the invoice, not just "sesame seeds."
• Packing List: Quantity per bag or container, gross and net weights, packing format (typically 25 kg or 50 kg PP bags, or as specified). Hulled sesame is sometimes packed in HDPE-lined bags to manage moisture — confirm packing type if this matters to your storage or processing requirements.
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: For sea and air freight respectively. Destination customs will match this against the commercial invoice.
• Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by India's NPPO (plant quarantine authority) confirming the shipment is free from pests and plant diseases. Required for sesame import in most countries. Some destination countries — particularly the USA and certain EU member states — have specific requirements for sesame; confirm with your country's plant quarantine or food safety authority before the shipment is arranged.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Ideally from a third-party NABL-accredited laboratory. For food-grade sesame, the CoA should cover purity, moisture, oil content, foreign matter, and — for EU-bound shipments — salmonella testing and any applicable contaminant limits. For Hulled sesame, confirm whether microbiological parameters are included; the hulling process can introduce contamination risk that raw sesame does not carry.
• Certificate of Origin: Required if you are claiming preferential duty under a trade agreement. Issued by a recognised chamber of commerce in India.
• Fumigation Certificate: Some destination markets require evidence that the shipment has been fumigated (typically with methyl bromide or phosphine). Confirm destination requirements before booking — a fumigation certificate cannot be added after the shipment has left India without re-inspection.

Common Errors to Avoid

Ordering "white sesame" without specifying Natural or Hulled. These are different products with different processing, oil content, moisture profiles, and shelf-life characteristics. "White sesame" on a purchase order is ambiguous — specify "Natural White Sortex Cleaned" or "Mechanically Hulled" explicitly, along with the purity percentage and moisture limit.

Using the sowing-seed subheading (12074010) for commercial sesame. Food and oil-grade sesame is classified under 12074090. The sowing-seed subheading applies to sesame specifically intended as planting material. Confirm the 8-digit code with your supplier and verify it matches the product description on the invoice.

Assuming a salmonella result is included in a standard CoA. For sesame destined for EU, UK, or USA markets, a standard CoA may not include pathogen testing. Request pathogen testing explicitly and confirm the laboratory and test method before the shipment is produced — not after goods have shipped.

Not specifying packing format for Hulled sesame. Hulled sesame without a moisture barrier (e.g., plain woven PP bags) can absorb ambient moisture during transit and storage in humid ports or warehouses. If your logistics chain passes through high-humidity environments, confirm with your supplier that the packing includes a moisture management measure.

Sourcing Sesame Seeds from India

Gujarat is one of India's primary sesame-producing states, alongside Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Indian sesame exports are sourced from multiple growing regions and aggregated at processing facilities in Gujarat before export. The key quality variable at the point of purchase is the cleaning and processing standard applied — sortex cleaning consistency, hulling method (wet vs dry), and the batch-level CoA that accompanies the shipment.

RPM Global Exports supplies Natural White (Sortex Cleaned), Hulled, and Black sesame seeds from Gujarat. Full spec sheets, CoA samples, and grade comparison documentation are available before you place an order. See our sesame seeds buyer guide for a fuller breakdown of sourcing, packaging, and the shipment process.