Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including coffee beans, tea leaves, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc. These commodities are mostly plant-derived, used for food seasoning or beverages, and are important agricultural products in international trade. This chapter subdivides headings based on degree of processing (unmilled, milled) and type to meet customs statistical and regulatory needs. Heading 0904 specifically refers to pepper of the genus Piper; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried or crushed or ground. It includes pepper neither crushed nor ground, pepper crushed or ground, dried chili peppers neither crushed nor ground, dried chili peppers crushed or ground, etc. This heading distinguishes pepper from chili peppers and sets subheadings based on whether crushed or ground, reflecting the impact of processing depth on classification and tariffs. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9: Coffee, tea, maté and spices. The 3rd-4th digits 04 represent heading 0904: Pepper; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried or crushed or ground. The 5th-6th digits 12 represent subheading 0904.12, i.e., pepper crushed or ground. Here 12 is the subheading number, specifically referring to pepper that has been crushed or ground, whether black pepper or white pepper, as long as it is in powder form it is classified under this code. This commodity is crushed or ground pepper, i.e., pepper that has been milled into powder, belonging to processed spices. According to HS classification rules, pepper neither crushed nor ground is classified under 0904.11, and pepper crushed or ground is classified under 0904.12. Therefore, ground black pepper should be classified under 090412, not 090411 for pepper neither crushed nor ground or 090421 for chili peppers.

Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be stated as crushed or ground pepper, and indicate the type of pepper, such as black pepper or white pepper. Processing Method: Describe the processing state of the pepper, such as "crushed or ground" or "milled into powder," to ensure correspondence with the code. Ingredient Content: Declare the purity of the pepper, such as whether it is mixed with other substances; pure pepper should be stated as 100% pepper. Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging form, such as bagged or bottled, and the net weight, for statistical and inspection purposes. Brand: Declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "no brand," for customs intellectual property protection. Origin: Declare the country (region) of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade policies. Production Date: Declare the processing or packaging date of the pepper, for food safety traceability. Product Name: Ground Black Pepper; Processing Method: Milled into powder; Ingredient Content: 100% black pepper; Packaging Specifications: 25 kg/bag, net weight 25 kg; Brand: ABC; Origin: Vietnam; Production Date: 2025-01-15. Incorrectly classifying ground pepper under the code for pepper neither crushed nor ground 090411, leading to differences in tariffs and regulatory conditions. Failing to indicate the processing method when declaring, only writing "pepper," which may be questioned by customs regarding classification. Ignoring brand declaration; if infringement is involved, there will be a risk of goods being detained.

The core basis for classification is the subheading structure of HS code 0904 and the processing state. Crushed or ground pepper refers to pepper that has been milled into powder; whether black pepper or white pepper, it is classified under 0904.12. If pepper is neither crushed nor ground, it is classified under 0904.11. It should also be noted that if pepper is mixed with other substances, it may be classified under other codes (such as 0904.22 or 2103). 090411 Pepper neither crushed nor ground: Pepper neither crushed nor ground is whole or broken but not powdered, classified under 090411; crushed or ground pepper is in powder form, classified under 090412. The processing state is the core difference. 090421 Dried chili peppers neither crushed nor ground: Dried chili peppers belong to the genus Capsicum, and even if neither crushed nor ground, they are classified under 090421; pepper belongs to the genus Piper, and when crushed or ground is classified under 090412. Different species. 090422 Dried chili peppers crushed or ground: Crushed or ground dried chili peppers are chili powder, classified under 090422; crushed or ground pepper is pepper powder, classified under 090412. Different plant species. 210390 Other seasonings: If crushed or ground pepper is mixed with other seasonings, it may be classified under 210390; pure crushed or ground pepper remains under 090412. Confirm whether the commodity is a plant of the genus Piper. Confirm whether it has been crushed or ground into powder. Confirm whether it is a single ingredient, not mixed with other substances. Check whether the packaging is for direct retail sale. Check whether the origin and brand declarations are complete.

What is the difference in HS codes between ground black pepper and black pepper neither crushed nor ground? Ground black pepper is classified under 090412, and black pepper neither crushed nor ground is classified under 090411. The difference lies in whether it has been crushed or ground into powder. Customs classifies based on processing state, and tariff rates and regulatory conditions may differ. How can I check the import tariff rate for ground pepper? You can check the latest tariff rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 090412, select the country of origin and trade mode, and the system will display the applicable tariff rate. Note that tariff rates are subject to policy adjustments, and the rate at the time of declaration should prevail. What documents are required when declaring ground pepper? Typically, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, etc. are required. If it is prepackaged food, Chinese label filing and inspection and quarantine certificates are also needed. Specific requirements are subject to customs. Can ground pepper enjoy preferential agreement tariff rates? If the country of origin has a free trade agreement with China and meets the rules of origin, you can apply for the agreement tariff rate. A valid certificate of origin must be provided and declared at customs. How should the "Processing Method" in the declaration elements for ground pepper be filled in? It should be filled in as "crushed or ground" or "milled into powder" to clearly indicate the processing state. If it is neither crushed nor ground, fill in "neither crushed nor ground." Incorrect filling may lead to classification errors and customs clearance delays. What is the difference between ground pepper and pepper powder? Ground pepper is pepper powder; the two are the same commodity. The HS code is 090412 for both. However, if other ingredients (such as starch) are added to the pepper powder, it may be classified under other codes. How should cross-border e-commerce retail ground pepper be declared? Cross-border e-commerce retail imports must be declared through the cross-border e-commerce customs clearance service platform, providing order, payment, and logistics information. The HS code remains 090412, but the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive tax may apply. What is the export tax rebate rate for ground pepper? The export tax rebate rate is determined according to the national policy of the year and can be checked in the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Taxation Administration. Generally, the export tax rebate rate for agricultural products is 0% or low; the latest documents shall prevail.