Spices are classified under Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System (HS). The most common 6-digit codes are 0909.31 for whole cumin seed, 0910.30 for turmeric, 0904.21 for whole dried chilli, 0904.11 for whole black pepper, 0909.21 for whole coriander seed and 0910.11 for whole ginger. Ground or crushed forms use a different code from whole spices. Indian exporters declare at eight digits, so always confirm the final code with your customs broker.

What is an HS code and why does it matter?

The Harmonized System is the international product classification used by customs authorities. The first six digits are the same in almost every country. Countries add further digits for their own tariff and statistics, and India uses eight. The code decides the import duty, the documents required, whether special controls apply and how the shipment is recorded in trade statistics. A wrong code can mean the wrong duty, delays at the border or a penalty.

What is the HS code for cumin seed?

Whole cumin seed is HS 0909.31. Cumin that is crushed or ground is HS 0909.32. Both fall under heading 0909, which covers the seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin and caraway.

What is the HS code for coriander?

Coriander seed that is neither crushed nor ground is HS 0909.21, and crushed or ground coriander seed is HS 0909.22. Coriander shares heading 0909 with cumin.

What is the HS code for turmeric?

Turmeric (curcuma) is HS 0910.30, whether it is traded as dried fingers or as powder. It sits in heading 0910 with ginger, saffron, thyme, bay leaves and curry.

What is the HS code for dried red chilli?

Dried chillies and peppers of the genus Capsicum fall under heading 0904. Whole dried chilli is HS 0904.21, and crushed or ground chilli, including chilli powder, is HS 0904.22.

What is the HS code for black pepper?

Pepper of the genus Piper is also under heading 0904. Whole black pepper is HS 0904.11, and crushed or ground pepper is HS 0904.12.

What is the HS code for ginger?

Ginger is HS 0910.11 when it is neither crushed nor ground, and HS 0910.12 when it is crushed or ground. Dry ginger and ginger powder are classified this way.

What is the HS code for cloves?

Cloves, whole fruit and stems, are HS 0907.10, and crushed or ground cloves are HS 0907.20.

What is the HS code for spice mixtures like garam masala?

Mixtures of different spices that fall under heading 0910 are classified as HS 0910.91. Garam masala and similar blends of several spices are usually declared here, although the exact classification depends on the composition, so check it with your broker.

Why are there more than six digits?

India uses an eight-digit tariff code, adding two digits to the international six. For example, ground ginger is declared under the eight-digit line HS 0910.12.10 on Indian export data. Your own country may add its own digits, so the code on the Indian shipping bill and the code on your import declaration can differ after the sixth digit while still describing the same product.

How do you confirm the right code?

Check the code in your own country's customs tariff, ask your customs broker, and make sure the exporter's invoice carries the same six digits. If the spice is a blend, a treated product or a mixture of different forms, ask for a written ruling or confirmation before you place a large order.

Get the right code with Aromya Spices

Tell us the spice and the form you need, whole or ground, and we will quote against it so your broker can classify the shipment. See the whole spices and powdered spices ranges, or request a quote.