Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including coffee and its products, tea and maté, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc. These goods are mostly tropical or subtropical plant products, mainly used as beverages, condiments or spices, and hold an important position in international trade. Heading 0905 specifically covers vanilla, including neither crushed nor ground vanilla and crushed or ground vanilla. Vanilla is the fruit of the orchid plant Vanilla, which after fermentation and drying has a rich aroma and is widely used in the food, beverage, cosmetics and tobacco industries. This heading is divided into two subheadings: neither crushed nor ground (0905.10) and crushed or ground (0905.20). The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices); digits 3-4, 05, represent heading 0905 (Vanilla); digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 0905.20 (Crushed or ground vanilla). Therefore, 090520 fully indicates crushed or ground vanilla, that is, vanilla that has been ground into powder form. This product is crushed or ground vanilla. Because it has undergone grinding processing, it does not belong to neither crushed nor ground vanilla (0905.10), and is therefore classified under 0905.20. At the same time, vanilla is a spice, different from goods of other chapters, such as fruits of Chapter 8 or oil seeds of Chapter 12, and is therefore correctly classified under Chapter 9.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including coffee and its products, tea and maté, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc. These goods are mostly tropical or subtropical plant products, mainly used as beverages, condiments or spices, and hold an important position in international trade.
Heading
Heading 0905 specifically covers vanilla, including neither crushed nor ground vanilla and crushed or ground vanilla. Vanilla is the fruit of the orchid plant Vanilla, which after fermentation and drying has a rich aroma and is widely used in the food, beverage, cosmetics and tobacco industries. This heading is divided into two subheadings: neither crushed nor ground (0905.10) and crushed or ground (0905.20).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices); digits 3-4, 05, represent heading 0905 (Vanilla); digits 5-6, 20, represent subheading 0905.20 (Crushed or ground vanilla). Therefore, 090520 fully indicates crushed or ground vanilla, that is, vanilla that has been ground into powder form.
Classification Basis
This product is crushed or ground vanilla. Because it has undergone grinding processing, it does not belong to neither crushed nor ground vanilla (0905.10), and is therefore classified under 0905.20. At the same time, vanilla is a spice, different from goods of other chapters, such as fruits of Chapter 8 or oil seeds of Chapter 12, and is therefore correctly classified under Chapter 9.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be filled in as "crushed or ground vanilla" or "vanilla powder", avoiding colloquial names or brand names. Processing method: Explain the processing state of the vanilla, such as "crushed or ground" or "ground into powder", to distinguish it from neither crushed nor ground vanilla. Composition specifications: Describe the purity of the vanilla and whether other substances have been added, such as "pure vanilla powder, no additives". Packaging specifications: Explain the packaging form and net weight, such as "aluminum foil bag, 25 kg/carton". Brand type: Fill in the brand name or indicate "no brand", used for customs intellectual property protection. Origin: Fill in the country/region where the vanilla is grown or produced, such as "Madagascar". Use: Explain the final use of the vanilla, such as "for food flavoring" or "for cosmetics". Product name: crushed or ground vanilla; Processing method: ground into powder; Composition specifications: pure vanilla powder, no additives; Packaging specifications: aluminum foil bag, 25 kg/carton; Brand type: no brand; Origin: Madagascar; Use: for food flavoring. Misdeclaring crushed or ground vanilla as neither crushed nor ground vanilla, resulting in an incorrect subheading. Ignoring the declaration of the processing method and writing only "vanilla", which may result in classification under 0905.10. Failure to indicate in the composition specifications whether other substances have been added; if sugar is added, it may be classified under another heading.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be filled in as "crushed or ground vanilla" or "vanilla powder", avoiding colloquial names or brand names.
⚠️ Filling it in as "vanilla powder" or "vanillin", resulting in incorrect classification.
Processing method
Explain the processing state of the vanilla, such as "crushed or ground" or "ground into powder", to distinguish it from neither crushed nor ground vanilla.
⚠️ Omitting the processing method and writing only "vanilla", which may result in classification under the neither crushed nor ground subheading.
Composition specifications
Describe the purity of the vanilla and whether other substances have been added, such as "pure vanilla powder, no additives".
⚠️ Failure to indicate whether other ingredients such as sugar or carriers have been mixed in.
Packaging specifications
Explain the packaging form and net weight, such as "aluminum foil bag, 25 kg/carton".
Fill in the brand name or indicate "no brand", used for customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ The brand does not match the goods, or it is not declared truthfully.
Origin
Fill in the country/region where the vanilla is grown or produced, such as "Madagascar".
⚠️ False declaration of origin, affecting tariff preferences.
Use
Explain the final use of the vanilla, such as "for food flavoring" or "for cosmetics".
⚠️ Vague use, such as "industrial use", which may raise doubts.
Example： Product name: crushed or ground vanilla; Processing method: ground into powder; Composition specifications: pure vanilla powder, no additives; Packaging specifications: aluminum foil bag, 25 kg/carton; Brand type: no brand; Origin: Madagascar; Use: for food flavoring.
Common Mistakes：
Misdeclaring crushed or ground vanilla as neither crushed nor ground vanilla, resulting in an incorrect subheading.
Ignoring the declaration of the processing method and writing only "vanilla", which may result in classification under 0905.10.
Failure to indicate in the composition specifications whether other substances have been added; if sugar is added, it may be classified under another heading.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the processing state of the commodity: crushed or ground vanilla has been ground and is in powder form, distinguishing it from neither crushed nor ground vanilla (whole or broken vanilla pods). At the same time, it must be confirmed that the commodity is pure vanilla and not mixed with other substances; otherwise, it may be classified under other headings (such as 2106 or 3302). 090510 Vanilla, neither crushed nor ground: Neither crushed nor ground vanilla consists of whole or broken vanilla pods and has not been ground; crushed or ground vanilla is in powder form, with a different degree of processing. 090611 Cinnamon, neither crushed nor ground: Cinnamon is a plant of the Lauraceae family and is different from vanilla; moreover, cinnamon is neither crushed nor ground, and its processing state differs from that of crushed or ground vanilla. 130219 Vegetable saps and extracts: Vanilla extract belongs to extracts, whereas crushed or ground vanilla is directly ground plant material and has not undergone an extraction process. 210690 Other food preparations: If crushed or ground vanilla is mixed with other substances, it may be classified under 2106 rather than 0905.20. Confirm whether the commodity has undergone grinding processing. Confirm whether the commodity is pure vanilla with no additives. Confirm whether the commodity is used for flavoring rather than as an extract. Check the consistency between the processing method and the declaration elements. Check whether the origin and brand declarations are accurate.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the processing state of the commodity: crushed or ground vanilla has been ground and is in powder form, distinguishing it from neither crushed nor ground vanilla (whole or broken vanilla pods). At the same time, it must be confirmed that the commodity is pure vanilla and not mixed with other substances; otherwise, it may be classified under other headings (such as 2106 or 3302).
Confused Codes：
090510 - Vanilla, neither crushed nor ground
Neither crushed nor ground vanilla consists of whole or broken vanilla pods and has not been ground; crushed or ground vanilla is in powder form, with a different degree of processing.
090611 - Cinnamon, neither crushed nor ground
Cinnamon is a plant of the Lauraceae family and is different from vanilla; moreover, cinnamon is neither crushed nor ground, and its processing state differs from that of crushed or ground vanilla.
130219 - Vegetable saps and extracts
Vanilla extract belongs to extracts, whereas crushed or ground vanilla is directly ground plant material and has not undergone an extraction process.
210690 - Other food preparations
If crushed or ground vanilla is mixed with other substances, it may be classified under 2106 rather than 0905.20.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity has undergone grinding processing.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is pure vanilla with no additives.
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is used for flavoring rather than as an extract.
✓ Check the consistency between the processing method and the declaration elements.
✓ Check whether the origin and brand declarations are accurate.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between the HS codes for crushed or ground vanilla and neither crushed nor ground vanilla? Crushed or ground vanilla is classified under 0905.20, and neither crushed nor ground vanilla is classified under 0905.10. The difference lies in whether it has undergone grinding processing: crushed or ground vanilla is in powder form, while neither crushed nor ground vanilla consists of whole or broken pods. How should vanilla powder be classified if sugar has been added? Vanilla powder with added sugar is no longer pure vanilla and may be classified under 2106 (other food preparations) or under another heading depending on the ingredients, requiring specific analysis. How can I check the import tariff rate for crushed or ground vanilla? Tariff rates change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or China International Trade Single Window, or consult a professional customs broker. What are the declaration elements for crushed or ground vanilla? They include product name, processing method, composition specifications, packaging specifications, brand type, origin, use, etc., subject to customs requirements. Under which HS code should vanilla extract be classified? Vanilla extract is usually classified under 1302.19 (vegetable saps and extracts), not 0905.20, because the extract has undergone an extraction process. What are the common customs declaration errors for crushed or ground vanilla? Common errors include misdeclaring it as neither crushed nor ground vanilla, failing to indicate the processing method, unclear composition specifications, and false declaration of origin. What should be noted when selling vanilla powder through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to ensure the HS code is correct, the declared value is truthful, understand the importing country's regulatory requirements for food spices, and retain relevant supporting documents. How can crushed or ground vanilla be distinguished from vanilla essence? Crushed or ground vanilla is physically ground powder, while vanilla essence is a chemically synthesized or extracted liquid, usually classified under 3302 (mixtures of odoriferous substances for industrial use).
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for crushed or ground vanilla and neither crushed nor ground vanilla?
A: Crushed or ground vanilla is classified under 0905.20, and neither crushed nor ground vanilla is classified under 0905.10. The difference lies in whether it has undergone grinding processing: crushed or ground vanilla is in powder form, while neither crushed nor ground vanilla consists of whole or broken pods.
Q: How should vanilla powder be classified if sugar has been added?
A: Vanilla powder with added sugar is no longer pure vanilla and may be classified under 2106 (other food preparations) or under another heading depending on the ingredients, requiring specific analysis.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for crushed or ground vanilla?
A: Tariff rates change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or China International Trade Single Window, or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What are the declaration elements for crushed or ground vanilla?
A: They include product name, processing method, composition specifications, packaging specifications, brand type, origin, use, etc., subject to customs requirements.
Q: Under which HS code should vanilla extract be classified?
A: Vanilla extract is usually classified under 1302.19 (vegetable saps and extracts), not 0905.20, because the extract has undergone an extraction process.
Q: What are the common customs declaration errors for crushed or ground vanilla?
A: Common errors include misdeclaring it as neither crushed nor ground vanilla, failing to indicate the processing method, unclear composition specifications, and false declaration of origin.
Q: What should be noted when selling vanilla powder through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to ensure the HS code is correct, the declared value is truthful, understand the importing country's regulatory requirements for food spices, and retain relevant supporting documents.
Q: How can crushed or ground vanilla be distinguished from vanilla essence?
A: Crushed or ground vanilla is physically ground powder, while vanilla essence is a chemically synthesized or extracted liquid, usually classified under 3302 (mixtures of odoriferous substances for industrial use).
⚠️ 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.