Buyer's guide
Common grades and specifications
- Crushing-grade soybeans (bulk commodity)
- Food-grade / non-GMO identity-preserved soybeans for tofu, soy milk and similar
- Key specs: moisture, oil %, protein %, foreign matter, splits, damaged beans
Typical packaging
Bulk vessel, bulk-in-container, or bags for food-grade lots.
Typical minimum order
Commodity crushing beans trade by the vessel; food-grade lots often start at one container.
HS code (4-digit headings)
| Heading | Description |
|---|---|
| 1201 | Soya beans, whether or not broken |
| 1208 | Flours and meals of oil seeds (soy flour) |
| 2304 | Soybean oilcake / meal |
Guidance only. The exact 6- to 10-digit code depends on the product and the importing country's tariff. Confirm with your customs broker.
Incoterms tips
For bulk vessel cargo, FOB, CFR and CIF are the usual Incoterms® 2020 rules (they are for sea and inland waterway only). Name the exact load or discharge port, and agree who appoints the inspection company at loading.
Quality documents to request
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Certificate of origin
- Quality and weight certificates
- Non-GMO / IP certificate if specified
- Fumigation certificate
Sourcing notes
Soybeans are plant-based and accepted as is.
Price benchmark
| Benchmark | Price | m/m |
|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | 515 $/mt | -1.7% |
Source: World Bank Commodity Price Data (The Pink Sheet), Updated on November 03, 2026. Nominal US dollars, CC BY 4.0. Benchmarks are reference prices at named origins/ports, not offers on OfferBulk.