Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. This chapter includes coffee (0901), tea (0902), maté (0903), pepper (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg, mace and cardamoms (0908), anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway, etc. (0909), ginger, turmeric, vanilla, bay leaves, curry, etc. (0910). These goods are mostly tropical or subtropical plant-based spices, used for food seasoning, medicinal purposes or industrial extraction. Heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace and cardamoms. Specifically includes: nutmeg neither crushed nor ground (0908.1), mace neither crushed nor ground (0908.2), cardamoms neither crushed nor ground (0908.3). Nutmeg is the dried kernel of the nutmeg tree of the family Myristicaceae; mace is its aril; cardamoms include small cardamom, Amomum villosum, etc. Goods under this heading are mainly used for seasoning, food processing, medicine and the spice industry. Code 090811 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (coffee, tea, spices). Digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 0908 (nutmeg, mace and cardamoms). Digits 5-6, 11, represent subheading 0908.11, specifically nutmeg neither crushed nor ground. Among these, the 5th digit 1 indicates nutmeg, and the 6th digit 1 indicates neither crushed nor ground. Therefore, 090811 specifically refers to whole nutmeg that has not been ground. If it is ground nutmeg, it is classified under 090812. This product is whole nutmeg, which conforms to the description of 0908.11. The uncrushed and unground state is the key distinction from 0908.12 (ground nutmeg). At the same time, mace (0908.2) and cardamoms (0908.3) are excluded because their sources are different. If nutmeg is ground into powder, it is classified under 090812. Therefore, according to the degree of processing and the plant part, it is correctly classified under 090811.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. This chapter includes coffee (0901), tea (0902), maté (0903), pepper (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg, mace and cardamoms (0908), anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway, etc. (0909), ginger, turmeric, vanilla, bay leaves, curry, etc. (0910). These goods are mostly tropical or subtropical plant-based spices, used for food seasoning, medicinal purposes or industrial extraction.
Heading
Heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace and cardamoms. Specifically includes: nutmeg neither crushed nor ground (0908.1), mace neither crushed nor ground (0908.2), cardamoms neither crushed nor ground (0908.3). Nutmeg is the dried kernel of the nutmeg tree of the family Myristicaceae; mace is its aril; cardamoms include small cardamom, Amomum villosum, etc. Goods under this heading are mainly used for seasoning, food processing, medicine and the spice industry.
Digit Breakdown
Code 090811 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (coffee, tea, spices). Digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 0908 (nutmeg, mace and cardamoms). Digits 5-6, 11, represent subheading 0908.11, specifically nutmeg neither crushed nor ground. Among these, the 5th digit 1 indicates nutmeg, and the 6th digit 1 indicates neither crushed nor ground. Therefore, 090811 specifically refers to whole nutmeg that has not been ground. If it is ground nutmeg, it is classified under 090812.
Classification Basis
This product is whole nutmeg, which conforms to the description of 0908.11. The uncrushed and unground state is the key distinction from 0908.12 (ground nutmeg). At the same time, mace (0908.2) and cardamoms (0908.3) are excluded because their sources are different. If nutmeg is ground into powder, it is classified under 090812. Therefore, according to the degree of processing and the plant part, it is correctly classified under 090811.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "whole nutmeg" or "Whole nutmeg". Processing method: Explain the processing state of the goods, such as whole, ground, crushed, dried, etc. For 090811, it should be declared as "whole". State: Describe the appearance and form of the goods, such as whole, crushed, powder, etc. Whole nutmeg is usually whole or crushed but not powdered. Use: Explain the final use of the goods, such as food seasoning, medicinal use, extraction of essential oils, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, "none" may be filled in. Specification: Declare the specifications and model of the goods, such as weight per piece, diameter, grade, etc. Packaging specification: Declare the packaging method and weight per package of the goods, such as 25 kg/bag. Origin: Declare the country or region of origin of the goods, which affects tariffs and trade policy. Product name: whole nutmeg; Processing method: whole; State: whole kernels; Use: food seasoning; Brand: none; Specification: diameter 2-3 cm, about 5 g per piece; Packaging specification: 25 kg/bag; Origin: Indonesia. Mistakenly classifying whole nutmeg under ground nutmeg (090812), resulting in tariff differences. Confusing nutmeg with mace (090822), the latter being the aril, which is classified differently. Ignoring the declaration of processing method and writing only "nutmeg", which may cause customs to question the classification.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "whole nutmeg" or "Whole nutmeg".
⚠️ Writing only "nutmeg" without indicating that it is whole, or mistakenly writing "nutmeg powder".
Processing method
Explain the processing state of the goods, such as whole, ground, crushed, dried, etc. For 090811, it should be declared as "whole".
⚠️ Filling in "dried" but not stating whether it has been ground, resulting in ambiguous classification.
State
Describe the appearance and form of the goods, such as whole, crushed, powder, etc. Whole nutmeg is usually whole or crushed but not powdered.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting crushed but unground nutmeg as "ground".
Use
Explain the final use of the goods, such as food seasoning, medicinal use, extraction of essential oils, etc.
⚠️ The description of use is too broad, such as "for food", without specific explanation.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, "none" may be filled in.
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, or filling it in incompletely.
Specification
Declare the specifications and model of the goods, such as weight per piece, diameter, grade, etc.
⚠️ The specification description is unclear, such as writing only "large".
Packaging specification
Declare the packaging method and weight per package of the goods, such as 25 kg/bag.
⚠️ Confusing the packaging unit with the transaction unit.
Origin
Declare the country or region of origin of the goods, which affects tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ False or omitted declaration of origin.
Example： Product name: whole nutmeg; Processing method: whole; State: whole kernels; Use: food seasoning; Brand: none; Specification: diameter 2-3 cm, about 5 g per piece; Packaging specification: 25 kg/bag; Origin: Indonesia.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying whole nutmeg under ground nutmeg (090812), resulting in tariff differences.
Confusing nutmeg with mace (090822), the latter being the aril, which is classified differently.
Ignoring the declaration of processing method and writing only "nutmeg", which may cause customs to question the classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the national subheading notes. 0908.11 is explicitly whole nutmeg. When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) the plant species is nutmeg (Myristica fragrans); 2) the part is the kernel, not the aril; 3) the processing state is whole (including whole, crushed but not powdered). If it has been ground into powder, it is classified under 0908.12. If it is mace, it is classified under 0908.22. If it is other cardamoms, it is classified under 0908.3. 090812 Ground nutmeg: Different processing state: 090811 is whole, 090812 is ground into powder. Grinding changes the form of the goods and affects classification. 090822 Ground mace: Different part: 090811 is the kernel, 090822 is the aril (mace), and it is ground. 090831 Whole cardamoms: Different plant species: 090811 is nutmeg, 090831 is cardamom (such as small cardamom, Amomum villosum, etc.), belonging to different genera and species. 090611 Whole cinnamon: Different plant species and part: cinnamon is bark, nutmeg is kernel, and they are classified under different headings. Has it been confirmed that the goods are nutmeg kernels? Is the processing state whole? Has mace been excluded? Have other cardamoms been excluded? Has the processing method been accurately declared?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the national subheading notes. 0908.11 is explicitly whole nutmeg. When determining, it is necessary to confirm: 1) the plant species is nutmeg (Myristica fragrans); 2) the part is the kernel, not the aril; 3) the processing state is whole (including whole, crushed but not powdered). If it has been ground into powder, it is classified under 0908.12. If it is mace, it is classified under 0908.22. If it is other cardamoms, it is classified under 0908.3.
Confused Codes：
090812 - Ground nutmeg
Different processing state: 090811 is whole, 090812 is ground into powder. Grinding changes the form of the goods and affects classification.
090822 - Ground mace
Different part: 090811 is the kernel, 090822 is the aril (mace), and it is ground.
090831 - Whole cardamoms
Different plant species: 090811 is nutmeg, 090831 is cardamom (such as small cardamom, Amomum villosum, etc.), belonging to different genera and species.
090611 - Whole cinnamon
Different plant species and part: cinnamon is bark, nutmeg is kernel, and they are classified under different headings.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the goods are nutmeg kernels?
✓ Is the processing state whole?
✓ Has mace been excluded?
✓ Have other cardamoms been excluded?
✓ Has the processing method been accurately declared?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between whole nutmeg and ground nutmeg? Whole nutmeg is classified under 090811, and ground nutmeg is classified under 090812. The difference lies in the processing state: whole includes whole, crushed but not powdered; ground refers to ground into powder. When classifying, it is necessary to declare accurately according to the actual state, otherwise it may lead to classification errors and tariff differences. How to distinguish nutmeg from mace? Nutmeg is the kernel, and mace is the aril surrounding the kernel. Nutmeg is classified under 0908.1, and mace is classified under 0908.2. The two differ in appearance: mace is reticulated or torn, orange-red in color; nutmeg is an oval kernel, grayish-brown in color. If nutmeg is crushed but not ground into powder, which code should it be classified under? Nutmeg that is crushed but not ground into powder still belongs to whole nutmeg and is classified under 090811. This is because "whole" includes processing states such as crushing and pressing that have not been made into powder. If it has been ground into powder, it is classified under 090812. From the perspective of customs classification, does the main use of nutmeg affect classification? Use generally does not affect the classification of nutmeg; classification is mainly based on species, part and processing state. Whether used for seasoning, medicine or extraction of essential oils, whole nutmeg is classified under 090811. However, when declaring, the use must be truthfully filled in for customs review. What declaration elements are required for importing whole nutmeg? Product name, processing method, state, use, brand, specification, packaging specification, origin, etc. are required. The processing method must state "whole", and the state must state "whole" or "crushed". These elements help customs classify correctly. What are the consequences if whole nutmeg is mistakenly declared as ground nutmeg? It may lead to classification errors and affect tariff rates and regulatory conditions. Customs may require supplementary duties, fines, or even suspect smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification. How to check the import tariff rate for whole nutmeg? You can check the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window or professional tariff query tools by entering HS code 090811 and the country of origin. Tariff rates may change, and the latest published version should prevail. Are there special inspection and quarantine requirements for whole nutmeg? Yes. As a plant product, imported whole nutmeg must comply with China's plant quarantine requirements and may require an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country and port inspection. For details, consult customs or inspection and quarantine authorities.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between whole nutmeg and ground nutmeg?
A: Whole nutmeg is classified under 090811, and ground nutmeg is classified under 090812. The difference lies in the processing state: whole includes whole, crushed but not powdered; ground refers to ground into powder. When classifying, it is necessary to declare accurately according to the actual state, otherwise it may lead to classification errors and tariff differences.
Q: How to distinguish nutmeg from mace?
A: Nutmeg is the kernel, and mace is the aril surrounding the kernel. Nutmeg is classified under 0908.1, and mace is classified under 0908.2. The two differ in appearance: mace is reticulated or torn, orange-red in color; nutmeg is an oval kernel, grayish-brown in color.
Q: If nutmeg is crushed but not ground into powder, which code should it be classified under?
A: Nutmeg that is crushed but not ground into powder still belongs to whole nutmeg and is classified under 090811. This is because "whole" includes processing states such as crushing and pressing that have not been made into powder. If it has been ground into powder, it is classified under 090812.
Q: From the perspective of customs classification, does the main use of nutmeg affect classification?
A: Use generally does not affect the classification of nutmeg; classification is mainly based on species, part and processing state. Whether used for seasoning, medicine or extraction of essential oils, whole nutmeg is classified under 090811. However, when declaring, the use must be truthfully filled in for customs review.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing whole nutmeg?
A: Product name, processing method, state, use, brand, specification, packaging specification, origin, etc. are required. The processing method must state "whole", and the state must state "whole" or "crushed". These elements help customs classify correctly.
Q: What are the consequences if whole nutmeg is mistakenly declared as ground nutmeg?
A: It may lead to classification errors and affect tariff rates and regulatory conditions. Customs may require supplementary duties, fines, or even suspect smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for whole nutmeg?
A: You can check the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window or professional tariff query tools by entering HS code 090811 and the country of origin. Tariff rates may change, and the latest published version should prevail.
Q: Are there special inspection and quarantine requirements for whole nutmeg?
A: Yes. As a plant product, imported whole nutmeg must comply with China's plant quarantine requirements and may require an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country and port inspection. For details, consult customs or inspection and quarantine authorities.
⚠️ 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.