Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
Free
This item enters the United States duty-free. No import duty is charged regardless of origin country.
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
$1.65/t
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 1213.00.00.00 Covers
Straw and husks from cereal grains such as wheat, barley, oat, rye, and rice, in an unprepared state. The material may be chopped, ground, pressed, or formed into pellets and still stay in this heading, as long as it has not been otherwise prepared. Typical uses are animal bedding, roughage feed, mulch, and industrial fiber.
Notes for Importers
Common products include baled wheat straw, rice husks and rice hull pellets, and chopped straw for bedding. Straw that has been further prepared, for example cleaned, bleached, or dyed for decorative use, moves to chapter 14, and hay or forage crops belong in heading 1214. Straw and plant litter are regulated by USDA APHIS for pest risk, and imports from many countries face restrictions or treatment requirements.
Product Category
Vegetable Products
This chapter includes cereals, flour, malt, edible vegetables, edible fruit, coffee, tea, spices, and related plant-based food products.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 1213.00.00.00 |
| Description | Cereal straw and husks, unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, pressed or in the form of pellets |
| Chapter | 12 - Vegetable Products |
| General Duty Rate | Free |
| Rate Type | Free |
| Special Rates | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pelletizing straw change the classification?
No. Heading 1213 explicitly allows the straw or husks to be chopped, ground, pressed, or in pellet form. Only further preparation, such as bleaching or dyeing, moves the product out of this heading.
Is hay classified under this code?
No. Hay, alfalfa, and similar forage products fall under heading 1214. This heading is limited to straw and husks of cereal plants.
Can I freely import straw into the US?
Not always. USDA APHIS restricts straw and plant litter from many countries due to pest and disease risk, and shipments may require permits, treatment, or be prohibited depending on origin.
What is the HTS code 1213.00.00.00 used for?
HTS code 1213.00.00.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Cereal straw and husks, unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, pressed or in the form of pellets. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 1213.00.00.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 1213.00.00.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Vegetable Products products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 1213.00.00.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 1213.00.00.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.