Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including natural or processed products. The core commodities of this chapter are coffee (not roasted, roasted, caffeinated or decaffeinated), tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), maté and spices such as pepper and chili. These commodities are traded in large quantities in international trade and involve food safety, rules of origin, etc. When classifying, attention should be paid to the degree of processing (such as roasting, decaffeination) and the form of packaging. Heading 0901 refers specifically to coffee, including not roasted or roasted coffee, whether or not containing caffeine, as well as coffee husks, coffee skins and similar coffee substitutes. However, note that 0901 covers only coffee itself and does not include coffee products (such as instant coffee, coffee extracts and concentrates, classified under 2101) or beverages containing coffee. This heading is subdivided according to whether it is roasted and whether it is decaffeinated. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices). The 3rd-4th digits 01 represent heading 0901 (Coffee), distinguished from 0902 tea, 0903 maté, etc. The 5th-6th digits 21 are the subheading, indicating roasted coffee, not decaffeinated. Specifically: the 5th digit 2 indicates roasted, and the 6th digit 1 indicates not decaffeinated. If roasted and decaffeinated, it is 090122; if not roasted and not decaffeinated, it is 090111; if not roasted and decaffeinated, it is 090112. The product is roasted coffee, not decaffeinated, and therefore is classified under 090121. If it had been decaffeinated, it should be classified under 090122; if it had not been roasted, it would be classified under 090111 or 090112. The difference between 090121 and the adjacent 090122 is whether it is decaffeinated, while the difference between 090111/090112 is whether it is roasted. In addition, the degree of roasting of coffee beans does not affect classification; as long as it is roasted, it is classified under 090121 or 090122.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including natural or processed products. The core commodities of this chapter are coffee (not roasted, roasted, caffeinated or decaffeinated), tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), maté and spices such as pepper and chili. These commodities are traded in large quantities in international trade and involve food safety, rules of origin, etc. When classifying, attention should be paid to the degree of processing (such as roasting, decaffeination) and the form of packaging.
Heading
Heading 0901 refers specifically to coffee, including not roasted or roasted coffee, whether or not containing caffeine, as well as coffee husks, coffee skins and similar coffee substitutes. However, note that 0901 covers only coffee itself and does not include coffee products (such as instant coffee, coffee extracts and concentrates, classified under 2101) or beverages containing coffee. This heading is subdivided according to whether it is roasted and whether it is decaffeinated.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices). The 3rd-4th digits 01 represent heading 0901 (Coffee), distinguished from 0902 tea, 0903 maté, etc. The 5th-6th digits 21 are the subheading, indicating roasted coffee, not decaffeinated. Specifically: the 5th digit 2 indicates roasted, and the 6th digit 1 indicates not decaffeinated. If roasted and decaffeinated, it is 090122; if not roasted and not decaffeinated, it is 090111; if not roasted and decaffeinated, it is 090112.
Classification Basis
The product is roasted coffee, not decaffeinated, and therefore is classified under 090121. If it had been decaffeinated, it should be classified under 090122; if it had not been roasted, it would be classified under 090111 or 090112. The difference between 090121 and the adjacent 090122 is whether it is decaffeinated, while the difference between 090111/090112 is whether it is roasted. In addition, the degree of roasting of coffee beans does not affect classification; as long as it is roasted, it is classified under 090121 or 090122.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "roasted coffee beans" or "roasted coffee", must be consistent with the HS code description and avoid colloquial names. Processing method: State whether the coffee has been roasted and whether it has been decaffeinated. For example, "roasted, not decaffeinated", the degree of processing must be clear. Ingredient content: The variety, origin, caffeine content (if applicable) of the coffee beans, and whether other substances have been added. Pure coffee beans should state 100% coffee. Packaging specifications: Packaging form and specifications, such as bagged, vacuum-packed, net weight per package, etc. This affects classification and regulatory conditions. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none". Brand affects customs protection of intellectual property rights. Origin: The country or region of origin of the coffee beans, affecting tariff rates and applicability of trade agreements. Production date: The roasting date or packaging date of the coffee, used for food safety supervision and shelf-life determination. GTIN: If there is a Global Trade Item Number, it must be declared; if none, fill in "none". Used for customs data comparison. Product name: Roasted coffee beans; Processing method: Roasted, not decaffeinated; Ingredient content: 100% Arabica coffee beans, caffeine content 1.2%; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag, 100 bags total; Brand: None; Origin: Brazil; Production date: 2025-01-15; GTIN: None. Mistakenly classifying roasted coffee as not roasted (090111), resulting in incorrect tariff and regulatory conditions. Failure to declare "not decaffeinated", incorrectly classifying under 090122, which may involve differences in anti-dumping duties. Failure to provide caffeine content, customs may require supplementary testing, delaying customs clearance. Mistakenly classifying coffee products (such as coffee powder, instant coffee) under 090121, when they should actually be classified under 2101.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "roasted coffee beans" or "roasted coffee", must be consistent with the HS code description and avoid colloquial names.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as "coffee beans" without indicating roasted, or mistakenly written as "green coffee beans".
Processing method
State whether the coffee has been roasted and whether it has been decaffeinated. For example, "roasted, not decaffeinated", the degree of processing must be clear.
⚠️ Failure to declare "not decaffeinated", or mistakenly declaring it as "decaffeinated".
Ingredient content
The variety, origin, caffeine content (if applicable) of the coffee beans, and whether other substances have been added. Pure coffee beans should state 100% coffee.
⚠️ Failure to provide caffeine content, or added other ingredients not declared.
Packaging specifications
Packaging form and specifications, such as bagged, vacuum-packed, net weight per package, etc. This affects classification and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Only writing "bulk" or "retail packaging" without providing specific weight.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none". Brand affects customs protection of intellectual property rights.
⚠️ Failure to declare the brand leading to infringement risk, or the brand not matching the actual product.
Origin
The country or region of origin of the coffee beans, affecting tariff rates and applicability of trade agreements.
⚠️ Mistaking the exporting country for the origin, or failure to provide a certificate of origin.
Production date
The roasting date or packaging date of the coffee, used for food safety supervision and shelf-life determination.
⚠️ Failure to provide the production date, or non-standard date format.
GTIN
If there is a Global Trade Item Number, it must be declared; if none, fill in "none". Used for customs data comparison.
⚠️ Ignoring GTIN, or filling it in incorrectly causing customs clearance delays.
Mistakenly classifying roasted coffee as not roasted (090111), resulting in incorrect tariff and regulatory conditions.
Failure to declare "not decaffeinated", incorrectly classifying under 090122, which may involve differences in anti-dumping duties.
Failure to provide caffeine content, customs may require supplementary testing, delaying customs clearance.
Mistakenly classifying coffee products (such as coffee powder, instant coffee) under 090121, when they should actually be classified under 2101.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the processing state of the product: whether it is roasted and whether it is decaffeinated. According to the HS notes, 0901 includes not roasted or roasted coffee, whether or not containing caffeine. Roasted coffee refers to coffee beans that have undergone heat treatment causing chemical changes, producing aroma and flavor. Not decaffeinated refers to caffeine not having been removed using organic solvents or water treatment. If the coffee beans have been ground but are still pure coffee, they are still classified under 0901; but if made into instant coffee or coffee extracts and concentrates, they are classified under 2101. 090122 Roasted, decaffeinated coffee: The difference from 090121 is whether it is decaffeinated. 090122 has undergone decaffeination treatment, and the caffeine content is usually less than 0.1%, while 090121 is not decaffeinated. 090111 Not roasted, not decaffeinated coffee: The difference from 090121 is whether it is roasted. 090111 is green coffee beans, not roasted, while 090121 is roasted coffee beans. 090112 Not roasted, decaffeinated coffee: The difference from 090121 is that it is not roasted and decaffeinated. 090112 is green coffee beans but decaffeinated, while 090121 is roasted and not decaffeinated. 210111 Coffee extracts and concentrates and preparations with a basis of coffee: 210111 covers coffee extracts, instant coffee and other products, while 090121 is pure coffee beans, not extracted or made into products. 090190 Other coffee and coffee substitutes: 090190 includes coffee husks, coffee skins and coffee substitutes containing coffee, while 090121 is pure coffee beans, roasted and not decaffeinated. Has it been confirmed that the coffee has been roasted? Has it been confirmed that it is not decaffeinated? Is it pure coffee beans with no other substances added? Does it not belong to coffee products (such as instant coffee)? Have the origin and brand been accurately declared?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the processing state of the product: whether it is roasted and whether it is decaffeinated. According to the HS notes, 0901 includes not roasted or roasted coffee, whether or not containing caffeine. Roasted coffee refers to coffee beans that have undergone heat treatment causing chemical changes, producing aroma and flavor. Not decaffeinated refers to caffeine not having been removed using organic solvents or water treatment. If the coffee beans have been ground but are still pure coffee, they are still classified under 0901; but if made into instant coffee or coffee extracts and concentrates, they are classified under 2101.
Confused Codes：
090122 - Roasted, decaffeinated coffee
The difference from 090121 is whether it is decaffeinated. 090122 has undergone decaffeination treatment, and the caffeine content is usually less than 0.1%, while 090121 is not decaffeinated.
090111 - Not roasted, not decaffeinated coffee
The difference from 090121 is whether it is roasted. 090111 is green coffee beans, not roasted, while 090121 is roasted coffee beans.
090112 - Not roasted, decaffeinated coffee
The difference from 090121 is that it is not roasted and decaffeinated. 090112 is green coffee beans but decaffeinated, while 090121 is roasted and not decaffeinated.
210111 - Coffee extracts and concentrates and preparations with a basis of coffee
210111 covers coffee extracts, instant coffee and other products, while 090121 is pure coffee beans, not extracted or made into products.
090190 - Other coffee and coffee substitutes
090190 includes coffee husks, coffee skins and coffee substitutes containing coffee, while 090121 is pure coffee beans, roasted and not decaffeinated.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the coffee has been roasted?
✓ Has it been confirmed that it is not decaffeinated?
✓ Is it pure coffee beans with no other substances added?
✓ Does it not belong to coffee products (such as instant coffee)?
✓ Have the origin and brand been accurately declared?
❓ FAQ
How can I inquire about the tariff rate for 090121? You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party tariff inquiry tools, enter HS code 090121 and the country of origin, and query the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should be used. What is the difference in HS codes between roasted coffee beans and green coffee beans? Green coffee beans (not roasted) are classified under 090111 or 090112, and roasted coffee beans are classified under 090121 or 090122. The difference lies in whether they have been roasted; roasting changes the chemical properties of coffee, so the classification is different. If the coffee beans have been ground but not decaffeinated, which code should they be classified under? Grinding does not affect classification; as long as they are not roasted, they are classified under 090111, and if roasted, under 090121. Grinding is only a physical form change and does not change the roasting and decaffeination status. What are the differences in regulatory conditions between 090121 and 090122? The regulatory conditions for the two may vary by country, usually involving animal and plant quarantine, food safety, etc. Decaffeinated coffee may involve special requirements, but the specific latest customs regulatory conditions need to be checked. Does cross-border e-commerce retail import of coffee beans apply to 090121? Yes, as long as the product is roasted, not decaffeinated coffee beans, regardless of the trade method, it is classified under 090121. However, cross-border e-commerce should pay attention to the positive list and tax policies. Is caffeine content required to be provided when declaring? For 090121, caffeine content is not a mandatory field, but customs may require a test report based on risk assessment. It is recommended to prepare in advance for smooth customs clearance. How to distinguish between 090121 and 210111? 090121 is pure coffee beans, only roasted; 210111 is coffee extracts and concentrates or products, such as instant coffee, coffee extracts. If the coffee beans have been extracted or made into powdered instant products, they are classified under 2101. Does the certificate of origin affect the classification of 090121? The certificate of origin does not affect classification, but it affects the tariff rate and applicability of trade agreements. Classification is based on the attributes of the product itself, and the certificate of origin is used to determine the applicable tariff rate.
Q: How can I inquire about the tariff rate for 090121?
A: You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party tariff inquiry tools, enter HS code 090121 and the country of origin, and query the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest published rates should be used.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between roasted coffee beans and green coffee beans?
A: Green coffee beans (not roasted) are classified under 090111 or 090112, and roasted coffee beans are classified under 090121 or 090122. The difference lies in whether they have been roasted; roasting changes the chemical properties of coffee, so the classification is different.
Q: If the coffee beans have been ground but not decaffeinated, which code should they be classified under?
A: Grinding does not affect classification; as long as they are not roasted, they are classified under 090111, and if roasted, under 090121. Grinding is only a physical form change and does not change the roasting and decaffeination status.
Q: What are the differences in regulatory conditions between 090121 and 090122?
A: The regulatory conditions for the two may vary by country, usually involving animal and plant quarantine, food safety, etc. Decaffeinated coffee may involve special requirements, but the specific latest customs regulatory conditions need to be checked.
Q: Does cross-border e-commerce retail import of coffee beans apply to 090121?
A: Yes, as long as the product is roasted, not decaffeinated coffee beans, regardless of the trade method, it is classified under 090121. However, cross-border e-commerce should pay attention to the positive list and tax policies.
Q: Is caffeine content required to be provided when declaring?
A: For 090121, caffeine content is not a mandatory field, but customs may require a test report based on risk assessment. It is recommended to prepare in advance for smooth customs clearance.
Q: How to distinguish between 090121 and 210111?
A: 090121 is pure coffee beans, only roasted; 210111 is coffee extracts and concentrates or products, such as instant coffee, coffee extracts. If the coffee beans have been extracted or made into powdered instant products, they are classified under 2101.
Q: Does the certificate of origin affect the classification of 090121?
A: The certificate of origin does not affect classification, but it affects the tariff rate and applicability of trade agreements. Classification is based on the attributes of the product itself, and the certificate of origin is used to determine the applicable tariff rate.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.