What is the HS classification for sesame seed?

Sesame seed is classified under HS code 120740 as oil seeds; sesamum seeds, whether or not broken.

How are sesame seeds graded and specified?

Sesame seeds are graded based on whether they are broken or whole, and are categorized as oil seeds for trade, primarily for oil extraction or food use.

What are the common uses of sesame seeds in trade?

The primary uses of sesame seeds in trade are oil extraction and incorporation into food products.

Sesame Seed

Sesame seed is an oilseed harvested for its edible kernels. It is traded as a raw agricultural commodity.

Prices, specifications and international trade for sesame seed under HS 120740.

Sesame Seed Price

$1,025USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Sesame Seed Historical Unit Values

Sesame seed is quoted in USD/t at IND. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Sesame Seed Exports and Imports

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Brazil led reported sesame seed exports in 2025, at $578M.

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Sesame Seed Specifications and Quality

Sesame seed grading factors include Purity, Moisture, and Free Fatty Acid (FFA).

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for sesame seed considers Purity, Moisture, and Free Fatty Acid (FFA).

Purity
Buyers require a minimum purity of 99.98% for sortex‑cleaned sesame seed.
Moisture
Moisture content should not exceed 5% to ensure storage stability.
Free Fatty Acid (FFA)
FFA levels are limited to ≤2% to maintain oil quality.

Typical Specification Ranges

Sesame seed specifications record oil content, moisture, ffa. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.

Oil Content	48–52 %
Moisture	up to 5.00 %
FFA	up to 2.00 %

Common Defects

Recorded defects for sesame seed include Foreign Matter, Admixture, and Broken Seeds.

Foreign Matter
Maximum allowable foreign matter is 0.2% of the lot.
Admixture
Admixture content must not exceed 0.2%.
Broken Seeds
Broken seeds are limited to 1% of the total weight.

Certifications

Certifications documented for sesame seed include ISO and HACCP. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

ISO
Suppliers often certify compliance with ISO food safety standards.
HACCP
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point certification is commonly required.

Sesame Seed Facts and HS Code

Sesame seed belongs to oilseeds within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 120740.

Sesame Seed HS Code

Also known as	Hulled sesame
Category	Oilseeds — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed
HS codes	120740
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	IND

Uses & Risks

Sesame seed uses, related products and documented risks.

Uses and Related Commodities

Leading origins	Brazil, Chad, China, Ethiopia, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania

Sesame Seed Questions

What is the HS classification for sesame seed?: Sesame seed is classified under HS code 120740 as oil seeds; sesamum seeds, whether or not broken.
How are sesame seeds graded and specified?: Sesame seeds are graded based on whether they are broken or whole, and are categorized as oil seeds for trade, primarily for oil extraction or food use.
What are the common uses of sesame seeds in trade?: The primary uses of sesame seeds in trade are oil extraction and incorporation into food products.