Specialty Grain Imports

Specialty grain imports – quinoa, amaranth, teff, fonio – classify under HTS 1008 (cereals not elsewhere). Quinoa from Peru/Bolivia heavily dominant. Section 122 stacks on most non-USMCA. Peru FTA may provide preferential treatment for Peruvian quinoa.

This guide covers U.S. import tariff and compliance for specialty grains.

For SMB importers in this category, the practical questions are HTS classification, applicable Section 232/301/122 stacks, FTA opportunities, and regulatory overlay (FDA/USDA/EPA/CPSC where relevant).

HTS classification basics

Quinoa HTS 1008.50. Amaranth HTS 1008.90. Teff HTS 1008.40. Specific subheadings by cleaning/processing.

Tariff stack and rates

Base 0-1% + Section 122 (15% on non-USMCA). Peru FTA preference for Peruvian quinoa.

Country of origin considerations

Peru, Bolivia (quinoa). Ethiopia (teff). India (amaranth). U.S. growing organic quinoa.

Regulatory overlay

USDA APHIS for plant material. FDA food facility registration. Organic certification (USDA, EU, JAS).

Mitigation opportunities

Peru FTA preference. USMCA qualification on Mexican-blended products.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical effective duty rate?

Depends on origin and HTS classification. China-origin: 22-42% effective when Section 301 + Section 122 stack. USMCA-qualifying Mexican production: often 0-3%. Vietnam, India, Korea: 15-17% with Section 122.

Can I qualify under USMCA?

Possible if production occurs in U.S., Mexico, or Canada and meets rules of origin (typically 60% RVC under transaction value or 50% net cost). USMCA-qualifying goods are exempt from Section 122.

Are IEEPA refunds available?

Yes – for entries between April 5, 2025 and February 24, 2026 that paid IEEPA duty. Filed through CBP’s CAPE portal. We file claims on contingency for filings above $50k.

What about Section 232 exposure?

Specific to product type. Steel and aluminum derivatives expansion brought some downstream products into scope. Component-level analysis identifies actual coverage.

How do you help with this category?

Tariff exposure assessment ($2,500-$7,500), classification audit, USMCA qualification, refund recovery, audit response. Independent of any customs brokerage.