Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including unroasted or roasted coffee, various types of tea, pepper, chili, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices. These goods are typically used for food seasoning, beverage preparation or essential oil extraction, and their classification depends mainly on the degree of processing (such as unground or ground) and botanical origin. This chapter does not include chemically synthesized spices or essential oils (Chapter 33), nor does it include specific preparations as pharmaceuticals or insecticides. Heading 0906 specifically covers cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers. Cinnamon is the bark of plants of the Lauraceae family and is divided into two basic forms according to processing method: unground and ground. This heading includes different varieties such as Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), but all must remain in the natural bark or powder state. It does not include cinnamon essential oil (Chapter 33), cinnamon oleoresin (Chapter 33), or cinnamon extracts used as pharmaceuticals or food additives (Chapter 13 or Chapter 21). Code 090619 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 09 represent Chapter 09 (coffee, tea, maté and spices); digits 3-4, 06, represent heading 0906 (cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers); digits 5-6, 19, represent subheading 090619, specifically "other cinnamon, not crushed or ground." Among these, the 5th digit 1 indicates cinnamon that is not crushed or ground, and the 6th digit 9 indicates "other," namely cinnamon varieties other than Ceylon cinnamon (090611) and cassia (090612). Therefore, this code specifically refers to cinnamon varieties other than Ceylon cinnamon and cassia, and not ground or crushed. This product is classified under 090619 because it is bark of plants of the genus Cinnamomum, has not been ground or crushed, and its variety is not Ceylon cinnamon or cassia. If it were Ceylon cinnamon, it should be classified under 090611; if it were cassia, it should be classified under 090612; if it were ground, it would be classified under 090620. The core difference from adjacent codes lies in variety and degree of processing. 090619 is the residual subheading for unground cinnamon, covering all other unground cinnamon varieties.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including unroasted or roasted coffee, various types of tea, pepper, chili, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices. These goods are typically used for food seasoning, beverage preparation or essential oil extraction, and their classification depends mainly on the degree of processing (such as unground or ground) and botanical origin. This chapter does not include chemically synthesized spices or essential oils (Chapter 33), nor does it include specific preparations as pharmaceuticals or insecticides.
Heading
Heading 0906 specifically covers cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers. Cinnamon is the bark of plants of the Lauraceae family and is divided into two basic forms according to processing method: unground and ground. This heading includes different varieties such as Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), but all must remain in the natural bark or powder state. It does not include cinnamon essential oil (Chapter 33), cinnamon oleoresin (Chapter 33), or cinnamon extracts used as pharmaceuticals or food additives (Chapter 13 or Chapter 21).
Digit Breakdown
Code 090619 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 09 represent Chapter 09 (coffee, tea, maté and spices); digits 3-4, 06, represent heading 0906 (cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers); digits 5-6, 19, represent subheading 090619, specifically "other cinnamon, not crushed or ground." Among these, the 5th digit 1 indicates cinnamon that is not crushed or ground, and the 6th digit 9 indicates "other," namely cinnamon varieties other than Ceylon cinnamon (090611) and cassia (090612). Therefore, this code specifically refers to cinnamon varieties other than Ceylon cinnamon and cassia, and not ground or crushed.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 090619 because it is bark of plants of the genus Cinnamomum, has not been ground or crushed, and its variety is not Ceylon cinnamon or cassia. If it were Ceylon cinnamon, it should be classified under 090611; if it were cassia, it should be classified under 090612; if it were ground, it would be classified under 090620. The core difference from adjacent codes lies in variety and degree of processing. 090619 is the residual subheading for unground cinnamon, covering all other unground cinnamon varieties.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, and a standard Chinese or English product name should be used, such as "other cinnamon, not crushed or ground" or "Unpolished other cinnamon." Variety: Indicate the botanical variety or commercial name of the cinnamon, such as "cassia," "Ceylon cinnamon" or "other cinnamon," to distinguish different subheadings. Processing method: State whether it has been ground, crushed or otherwise processed, such as "not crushed or ground" or "ground," which directly affects subheading classification. State: Describe the appearance and form of the goods, such as "bark," "quills" or "pieces," to help confirm the unground state. Origin: Indicate the country or region of origin of the cinnamon. Varieties from different origins may affect classification (for example, Ceylon cinnamon is mainly produced in Sri Lanka). Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, "none" may be filled in. Brand does not affect classification, but it is a declaration element. Packaging specifications: State the packaging form and weight per piece, such as "25 kg/bag" or "carton-packed," for customs statistics and inspection. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Other cinnamon, not crushed or ground
Variety: Other cinnamon (not Ceylon cinnamon, not cassia)
Processing method: Not crushed or ground
State: Bark quills
Origin: Indonesia
Brand: None
Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag
HS code: 09061900
Declaration element explanation: This product is cinnamon bark produced in Indonesia, not ground, in quill form, and the variety is not Ceylon cinnamon or cassia, so it is classified under 090619. Mistakenly classifying ground cinnamon under 090619, when it should actually be classified under 090620. Mistakenly declaring cassia (090612) as other cinnamon (090619); the two are different varieties. Failure to provide variety information, making it impossible to distinguish 090611, 090612 and 090619.
Product name
The specific name of the declared goods, and a standard Chinese or English product name should be used, such as "other cinnamon, not crushed or ground" or "Unpolished other cinnamon."
⚠️ Filling in only "cinnamon" without indicating "not crushed or ground" or "other," resulting in ambiguous classification.
Variety
Indicate the botanical variety or commercial name of the cinnamon, such as "cassia," "Ceylon cinnamon" or "other cinnamon," to distinguish different subheadings.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring cassia as other cinnamon, or failing to provide variety information.
Processing method
State whether it has been ground, crushed or otherwise processed, such as "not crushed or ground" or "ground," which directly affects subheading classification.
⚠️ Declaring ground cinnamon as not crushed or ground, or failing to indicate the processing state.
State
Describe the appearance and form of the goods, such as "bark," "quills" or "pieces," to help confirm the unground state.
⚠️ Declaring powdered cinnamon as not crushed or ground, which is inconsistent with the actual state.
Origin
Indicate the country or region of origin of the cinnamon. Varieties from different origins may affect classification (for example, Ceylon cinnamon is mainly produced in Sri Lanka).
⚠️ Failure to provide origin information, making it impossible to determine the variety.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, "none" may be filled in. Brand does not affect classification, but it is a declaration element.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or providing incomplete information.
Packaging specifications
State the packaging form and weight per piece, such as "25 kg/bag" or "carton-packed," for customs statistics and inspection.
⚠️ Unclear packaging specification description, such as writing only "bagged."
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Other cinnamon, not crushed or ground
Variety: Other cinnamon (not Ceylon cinnamon, not cassia)
Processing method: Not crushed or ground
State: Bark quills
Origin: Indonesia
Brand: None
Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag
HS code: 09061900
Declaration element explanation: This product is cinnamon bark produced in Indonesia, not ground, in quill form, and the variety is not Ceylon cinnamon or cassia, so it is classified under 090619.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying ground cinnamon under 090619, when it should actually be classified under 090620.
Mistakenly declaring cassia (090612) as other cinnamon (090619); the two are different varieties.
Failure to provide variety information, making it impossible to distinguish 090611, 090612 and 090619.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1) the goods must be bark or flowers of plants of the genus Cinnamomum; 2) they must not be ground or crushed; 3) the variety must not be Ceylon cinnamon (090611) or cassia (090612). If the above conditions are met, they are classified under 090619. Degree of processing is key; once ground, they are classified under 090620. Variety distinction requires reference to botanical characteristics or commercial practice, such as Ceylon cinnamon being thinner and sweet, while cassia is thicker and pungent. 090611 Ceylon cinnamon, not crushed or ground: The variety is Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), mainly produced in Sri Lanka, with thin bark and a sweet taste. 090619 covers other varieties. 090612 Cassia, not crushed or ground: The variety is cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), with thick bark and a pungent taste, mainly produced in China and Vietnam. 090619 covers other varieties. 090620 Cinnamon, crushed or ground: The processing state is ground or crushed; regardless of variety, it is classified under this code. 090619 is the unground state. 09061100 Ceylon cinnamon, not crushed or ground (8-digit): The 8-digit code is more detailed, but the core difference is the same as 090611. 09061900 is the 8-digit code for other cinnamon, not crushed or ground. Confirm whether the goods are bark of plants of the genus Cinnamomum. Confirm whether they have not been ground or crushed. Confirm whether the variety is Ceylon cinnamon or cassia. Confirm whether they belong to other cinnamon varieties. Check whether packaging and origin information are complete.
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1) the goods must be bark or flowers of plants of the genus Cinnamomum; 2) they must not be ground or crushed; 3) the variety must not be Ceylon cinnamon (090611) or cassia (090612). If the above conditions are met, they are classified under 090619. Degree of processing is key; once ground, they are classified under 090620. Variety distinction requires reference to botanical characteristics or commercial practice, such as Ceylon cinnamon being thinner and sweet, while cassia is thicker and pungent.
Confused Codes：
090611 - Ceylon cinnamon, not crushed or ground
The variety is Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), mainly produced in Sri Lanka, with thin bark and a sweet taste. 090619 covers other varieties.
090612 - Cassia, not crushed or ground
The variety is cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), with thick bark and a pungent taste, mainly produced in China and Vietnam. 090619 covers other varieties.
090620 - Cinnamon, crushed or ground
The processing state is ground or crushed; regardless of variety, it is classified under this code. 090619 is the unground state.
09061100 - Ceylon cinnamon, not crushed or ground (8-digit)
The 8-digit code is more detailed, but the core difference is the same as 090611. 09061900 is the 8-digit code for other cinnamon, not crushed or ground.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the goods are bark of plants of the genus Cinnamomum.
✓ Confirm whether they have not been ground or crushed.
✓ Confirm whether the variety is Ceylon cinnamon or cassia.
✓ Confirm whether they belong to other cinnamon varieties.
✓ Check whether packaging and origin information are complete.
❓ FAQ
How can it be determined whether cinnamon is "not crushed or ground"? Not crushed or ground means it has not been ground or crushed and is usually in the original bark state, quill form or pieces. If it is in powder form, it is ground and should be classified under 090620. This can be determined by appearance and processing method, and if necessary by referring to processing records. What are the main differences between 090619 and 090611, 090612? The main difference lies in the variety. 090611 is Ceylon cinnamon, 090612 is cassia, and 090619 is other cinnamon varieties besides those two. Varieties can be distinguished by botanical characteristics, origin and commercial name, such as Ceylon cinnamon produced in Sri Lanka and cassia produced in China and Vietnam. If the cinnamon has been ground but the variety is other cinnamon, which code should it be classified under? Ground cinnamon is classified under 090620 regardless of variety, because the degree of processing takes precedence over variety. 090619 applies only to other cinnamon that is not crushed or ground. Is a phytosanitary certificate required for declaration? Yes. As a plant product, cinnamon generally requires an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country upon import and must comply with China's entry plant quarantine requirements. Specific requirements can be checked in relevant announcements of the General Administration of Customs. How can the tax rate for 090619 be checked? Tax rates may change. The latest tax rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Attention should be paid to applicable conditions such as MFN rates and agreement rates. How should cinnamon products sold through cross-border e-commerce be declared? Cross-border e-commerce must declare the HS code according to the actual state of the goods. If it is other cinnamon, not crushed or ground, use 090619; if it is ground, use 090620. At the same time, elements such as product name, variety and processing method must be provided to ensure compliance. Does the origin of cinnamon affect classification? Origin may affect variety determination and therefore classification. For example, cinnamon produced in Sri Lanka is usually Ceylon cinnamon (090611), while cinnamon produced in China is mostly cassia (090612). However, final classification must be based on both variety and processing method. If the cinnamon variety cannot be determined, how should it be declared? It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or the customs classification department and provide samples or detailed information. If it cannot be determined, it may first be declared as "other cinnamon," but the risk of classification error must be borne.
Q: How can it be determined whether cinnamon is "not crushed or ground"?
A: Not crushed or ground means it has not been ground or crushed and is usually in the original bark state, quill form or pieces. If it is in powder form, it is ground and should be classified under 090620. This can be determined by appearance and processing method, and if necessary by referring to processing records.
Q: What are the main differences between 090619 and 090611, 090612?
A: The main difference lies in the variety. 090611 is Ceylon cinnamon, 090612 is cassia, and 090619 is other cinnamon varieties besides those two. Varieties can be distinguished by botanical characteristics, origin and commercial name, such as Ceylon cinnamon produced in Sri Lanka and cassia produced in China and Vietnam.
Q: If the cinnamon has been ground but the variety is other cinnamon, which code should it be classified under?
A: Ground cinnamon is classified under 090620 regardless of variety, because the degree of processing takes precedence over variety. 090619 applies only to other cinnamon that is not crushed or ground.
Q: Is a phytosanitary certificate required for declaration?
A: Yes. As a plant product, cinnamon generally requires an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country upon import and must comply with China's entry plant quarantine requirements. Specific requirements can be checked in relevant announcements of the General Administration of Customs.
Q: How can the tax rate for 090619 be checked?
A: Tax rates may change. The latest tax rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Attention should be paid to applicable conditions such as MFN rates and agreement rates.
Q: How should cinnamon products sold through cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must declare the HS code according to the actual state of the goods. If it is other cinnamon, not crushed or ground, use 090619; if it is ground, use 090620. At the same time, elements such as product name, variety and processing method must be provided to ensure compliance.
Q: Does the origin of cinnamon affect classification?
A: Origin may affect variety determination and therefore classification. For example, cinnamon produced in Sri Lanka is usually Ceylon cinnamon (090611), while cinnamon produced in China is mostly cassia (090612). However, final classification must be based on both variety and processing method.
Q: If the cinnamon variety cannot be determined, how should it be declared?
A: It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or the customs classification department and provide samples or detailed information. If it cannot be determined, it may first be declared as "other cinnamon," but the risk of classification error must be borne.
⚠️ 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.