1209.21.00 - Alfalfa (lucerne) seeds

This HTS category, 1209.21.00, specifically covers alfalfa seeds, also commonly known as lucerne seeds, when intended for sowing. These seeds are primarily used for agricultural purposes to cultivate forage crops, crucial for livestock feed. Their classification falls within Chapter 12, which deals with oil seeds, oleaginous fruits, and other miscellaneous seeds and fruits used for sowing or industrial/medicinal purposes.

Within the broader classification of "Seeds of forage plants," 1209.21.00 is distinguished from its siblings by its botanical identity. For instance, while 1209.22 covers clover seeds and 1209.23.00 pertains to fescue seeds, this specific heading is exclusively for alfalfa. Similarly, it differs from rye grass (1209.25.00) and Kentucky blue grass (1209.24.00.00) by the distinct species of forage plant represented. The "Other" category (1209.29) serves as a residual for any forage plant seeds not otherwise specified.

Further subdivisions exist within this classification to denote the quality or origin of the alfalfa seeds. Subcategories like 1209.21.00.20 for "Certified" seeds and 1209.21.00.40 for "Other" alfalfa seeds allow for more granular reporting and statistical analysis. This distinction is important for tracking the movement of seeds that meet specific agricultural standards for purity and viability versus those that do not.