Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including pepper, chili, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc. These goods are mostly tropical or subtropical agricultural products that undergo primary processing such as drying and grinding, and are used for food seasoning or medicinal purposes. Within the chapter, headings are subdivided by variety and degree of processing, reflecting the logic from raw materials to finished products. Heading 0908 specifically refers to nutmeg, mace, cardamoms and their ground forms, including unground or ground. Nutmeg is the fruit of an evergreen tree, mace is its aril, and cardamom is a similar spice. This heading distinguishes between unground and ground to reflect the degree of processing and trade practice. Code 090812 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (coffee, tea, spices); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 0908 (nutmeg, mace, cardamoms); digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 0908.12, i.e., ground nutmeg. Unground nutmeg falls under 0908.11, mace under 0908.21/22, and cardamoms under 0908.31/32. Therefore, 090812 specifically refers to nutmeg that has undergone grinding processing. This product is ground nutmeg. Because grinding changes its physical form and goes beyond the unground scope, it is classified under 0908.12 rather than 0908.11. At the same time, mace (aril), even if ground, is classified under 0908.22, and cardamom under 0908.32, so accurate distinction must be made according to species and plant part.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including pepper, chili, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc. These goods are mostly tropical or subtropical agricultural products that undergo primary processing such as drying and grinding, and are used for food seasoning or medicinal purposes. Within the chapter, headings are subdivided by variety and degree of processing, reflecting the logic from raw materials to finished products.
Heading
Heading 0908 specifically refers to nutmeg, mace, cardamoms and their ground forms, including unground or ground. Nutmeg is the fruit of an evergreen tree, mace is its aril, and cardamom is a similar spice. This heading distinguishes between unground and ground to reflect the degree of processing and trade practice.
Digit Breakdown
Code 090812 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (coffee, tea, spices); digits 3-4, 08, represent heading 0908 (nutmeg, mace, cardamoms); digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 0908.12, i.e., ground nutmeg. Unground nutmeg falls under 0908.11, mace under 0908.21/22, and cardamoms under 0908.31/32. Therefore, 090812 specifically refers to nutmeg that has undergone grinding processing.
Classification Basis
This product is ground nutmeg. Because grinding changes its physical form and goes beyond the unground scope, it is classified under 0908.12 rather than 0908.11. At the same time, mace (aril), even if ground, is classified under 0908.22, and cardamom under 0908.32, so accurate distinction must be made according to species and plant part.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "ground nutmeg"; avoid common names or vague descriptions. Brand Type: Fill in no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand, etc., and truthfully declare the brand attribute. Processing Method: Explain the grinding method, such as "mechanical grinding" or "pulverizing," to prove the ground state. Composition Content: Declare the purity or active ingredients of nutmeg, such as "myristicin content"; if it is pure, 100% may be written. Packaging Specification: Indicate the packaging form and net weight, such as "25kg/bag" or "1kg/can." Use: Explain the specific use, such as "food seasoning," "medicinal raw material," or "flavor and fragrance." Origin: Fill in the actual country of production of the goods, such as Indonesia or Grenada. Product Name: Ground Nutmeg; Brand Type: No Brand; Processing Method: Mechanical Grinding; Composition Content: Nutmeg 100%; Packaging Specification: 25kg/bag; Use: Food Seasoning; Origin: Indonesia. Mistakenly classifying ground nutmeg under the unground subheading 0908.11, resulting in incorrect classification. Neglecting to declare the "processing method," failing to prove the ground state and possibly being questioned on classification. Confusing mace with nutmeg; mace should be classified under 0908.22 rather than 0908.12.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "ground nutmeg"; avoid common names or vague descriptions.
⚠️ Misreporting as "nutmeg powder" or "cardamom" without clarifying the "ground" state.
Brand Type
Fill in no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand, etc., and truthfully declare the brand attribute.
⚠️ Misreporting OEM production as no brand, leading to subsequent audit risks.
Processing Method
Explain the grinding method, such as "mechanical grinding" or "pulverizing," to prove the ground state.
⚠️ Writing only "processed" is too general and cannot determine whether it is ground.
Composition Content
Declare the purity or active ingredients of nutmeg, such as "myristicin content"; if it is pure, 100% may be written.
⚠️ Neglecting to declare, or mistakenly including additives as main ingredients.
Packaging Specification
Indicate the packaging form and net weight, such as "25kg/bag" or "1kg/can."
⚠️ Writing only "boxed" without providing specific net weight, affecting statistics.
Use
Explain the specific use, such as "food seasoning," "medicinal raw material," or "flavor and fragrance."
⚠️ Vaguely writing "edible" without distinguishing industrial use from direct consumption.
Origin
Fill in the actual country of production of the goods, such as Indonesia or Grenada.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the exporting country or transit country, leading to misuse of tariff preferences.
Mistakenly classifying ground nutmeg under the unground subheading 0908.11, resulting in incorrect classification.
Neglecting to declare the "processing method," failing to prove the ground state and possibly being questioned on classification.
Confusing mace with nutmeg; mace should be classified under 0908.22 rather than 0908.12.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the commodity species, plant part and processing state. The seeds of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), after grinding, are classified under 0908.12; if unground, under 0908.11. Mace (aril) is classified under 0908.21/22, and cardamom under 0908.31/32. Processing state (unground/ground) is the key to distinguishing subheadings at the same level and must be supported by appearance, particle size and process evidence. 090811 Unground nutmeg: Unground nutmeg consists of whole or broken but unground seeds, while 090812 is ground into powder or fine particles. The core difference is whether grinding processing has been carried out. 090822 Ground mace: Mace is the aril of the nutmeg seed; even if ground, it is classified under 0908.22, while 090812 is the grinding of the seed itself. The species part is different. 090832 Ground cardamom: Cardamom is a plant of a different genus (Elettaria cardamomum), with different fruit morphology and aroma, and is classified under 0908.32. It is not the same species as nutmeg. 091091 Mixed seasoning spices: If nutmeg is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 0910.91, while 090812 is only pure ground nutmeg, not mixed with other substances. Confirm that the commodity is nutmeg seed rather than mace or cardamom. Confirm that the processing state is ground (powder or fine particles). Confirm that it is not mixed with other spices and remains a single ingredient. Check whether packaging and labels are consistent with the declaration. Check whether the certificate of origin matches the declaration.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the commodity species, plant part and processing state. The seeds of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), after grinding, are classified under 0908.12; if unground, under 0908.11. Mace (aril) is classified under 0908.21/22, and cardamom under 0908.31/32. Processing state (unground/ground) is the key to distinguishing subheadings at the same level and must be supported by appearance, particle size and process evidence.
Confused Codes：
090811 - Unground nutmeg
Unground nutmeg consists of whole or broken but unground seeds, while 090812 is ground into powder or fine particles. The core difference is whether grinding processing has been carried out.
090822 - Ground mace
Mace is the aril of the nutmeg seed; even if ground, it is classified under 0908.22, while 090812 is the grinding of the seed itself. The species part is different.
090832 - Ground cardamom
Cardamom is a plant of a different genus (Elettaria cardamomum), with different fruit morphology and aroma, and is classified under 0908.32. It is not the same species as nutmeg.
091091 - Mixed seasoning spices
If nutmeg is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 0910.91, while 090812 is only pure ground nutmeg, not mixed with other substances.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm that the commodity is nutmeg seed rather than mace or cardamom.
✓ Confirm that the processing state is ground (powder or fine particles).
✓ Confirm that it is not mixed with other spices and remains a single ingredient.
✓ Check whether packaging and labels are consistent with the declaration.
✓ Check whether the certificate of origin matches the declaration.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between ground nutmeg and unground nutmeg? Ground nutmeg is classified under 0908.12, and unground under 0908.11. The difference lies in whether grinding processing has been carried out. The ground state requires process evidence, such as grinding records or particle size test reports. Which code should ground mace be classified under? Mace, whether ground or not, is classified under 0908.21 (unground) or 0908.22 (ground). It cannot be classified under 0908.12 because 0908.12 specifically refers to ground nutmeg seed products. If a small amount of anti-caking agent is added to nutmeg powder, is it still classified under 090812? If the anti-caking agent is added only to maintain flowability and does not change the basic characteristics of the product, it is usually still classified under 0908.12; however, if after mixing it becomes a seasoning mixture, it may be classified under 0910.91. It is recommended to judge based on the mixing ratio and use. How can I check the import tariff rate for ground nutmeg? The tariff rate must be determined according to the origin, trade agreements and the latest customs tariff schedule. It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window by entering HS code 090812 and the country of origin to obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. What documents must be provided when declaring ground nutmeg? Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (if applicable) and ingredient test report are required. If claiming an agreement rate, the corresponding certificate of origin must be provided. What is the export tax rebate situation for ground nutmeg? The export tax rebate depends on the commodity code and the latest rebate policy. Enterprises need to consult the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Taxation Administration. 090812 may be eligible for a rebate, but the actual policy shall prevail. For cross-border e-commerce retail import of ground nutmeg, which regulatory mode applies? Cross-border e-commerce retail imports usually apply the 9610 or 1210 regulatory mode, must be declared through a cross-border e-commerce platform, and must comply with the positive list requirements. Specific details may be obtained from the local customs. What are the consequences of an incorrect declared code? An incorrect declared code may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, downgrading of credit rating, or even suspected smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between ground nutmeg and unground nutmeg?
A: Ground nutmeg is classified under 0908.12, and unground under 0908.11. The difference lies in whether grinding processing has been carried out. The ground state requires process evidence, such as grinding records or particle size test reports.
Q: Which code should ground mace be classified under?
A: Mace, whether ground or not, is classified under 0908.21 (unground) or 0908.22 (ground). It cannot be classified under 0908.12 because 0908.12 specifically refers to ground nutmeg seed products.
Q: If a small amount of anti-caking agent is added to nutmeg powder, is it still classified under 090812?
A: If the anti-caking agent is added only to maintain flowability and does not change the basic characteristics of the product, it is usually still classified under 0908.12; however, if after mixing it becomes a seasoning mixture, it may be classified under 0910.91. It is recommended to judge based on the mixing ratio and use.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for ground nutmeg?
A: The tariff rate must be determined according to the origin, trade agreements and the latest customs tariff schedule. It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window by entering HS code 090812 and the country of origin to obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc.
Q: What documents must be provided when declaring ground nutmeg?
A: Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate (if applicable) and ingredient test report are required. If claiming an agreement rate, the corresponding certificate of origin must be provided.
Q: What is the export tax rebate situation for ground nutmeg?
A: The export tax rebate depends on the commodity code and the latest rebate policy. Enterprises need to consult the export tax rebate rate database published by the State Taxation Administration. 090812 may be eligible for a rebate, but the actual policy shall prevail.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail import of ground nutmeg, which regulatory mode applies?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail imports usually apply the 9610 or 1210 regulatory mode, must be declared through a cross-border e-commerce platform, and must comply with the positive list requirements. Specific details may be obtained from the local customs.
Q: What are the consequences of an incorrect declared code?
A: An incorrect declared code may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, downgrading of credit rating, or even suspected smuggling. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification.
⚠️ 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.