Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. It includes coffee beans, coffee husks, tea, maté, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, anise, coriander, cumin, caraway, juniper berries, etc. These goods are mostly plant-based spices used for food seasoning, beverages or medicinal purposes. Within the chapter, they are subdivided by degree of processing (unmilled, milled) and variety. Heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace, cardamom and cardamom mace. Specifically: nutmeg (0908.11 unmilled, 0908.12 milled), mace (0908.21 unmilled, 0908.22 milled), cardamom (0908.31 unmilled, 0908.32 milled), cardamom mace (0908.41 unmilled, 0908.42 milled). Goods under this heading are all tropical spices used for seasoning, food processing and traditional medicine. First 2 digits 09: belongs to Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, maté and spices'. Digits 3-4, 08: heading 0908, specifically 'Nutmeg, mace, cardamom and cardamom mace'. Digits 5-6, 22: subheading 0908.22, referring to 'milled mace'. The 5th digit 2 represents mace, and the 6th digit 2 represents milled (ground). The complete code 090822 is milled mace. The product is mace (the aril of nutmeg seeds) ground into powder, with no other substances added, conforming to the description of 0908.22. It is not classified under 0908.21 (unmilled mace) because it is milled; not under 0908.12 (milled nutmeg) because the part is different; not under 0910 (other seasonings) because specific listing takes priority.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. It includes coffee beans, coffee husks, tea, maté, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, anise, coriander, cumin, caraway, juniper berries, etc. These goods are mostly plant-based spices used for food seasoning, beverages or medicinal purposes. Within the chapter, they are subdivided by degree of processing (unmilled, milled) and variety.
Heading
Heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace, cardamom and cardamom mace. Specifically: nutmeg (0908.11 unmilled, 0908.12 milled), mace (0908.21 unmilled, 0908.22 milled), cardamom (0908.31 unmilled, 0908.32 milled), cardamom mace (0908.41 unmilled, 0908.42 milled). Goods under this heading are all tropical spices used for seasoning, food processing and traditional medicine.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: belongs to Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, maté and spices'. Digits 3-4, 08: heading 0908, specifically 'Nutmeg, mace, cardamom and cardamom mace'. Digits 5-6, 22: subheading 0908.22, referring to 'milled mace'. The 5th digit 2 represents mace, and the 6th digit 2 represents milled (ground). The complete code 090822 is milled mace.
Classification Basis
The product is mace (the aril of nutmeg seeds) ground into powder, with no other substances added, conforming to the description of 0908.22. It is not classified under 0908.21 (unmilled mace) because it is milled; not under 0908.12 (milled nutmeg) because the part is different; not under 0910 (other seasonings) because specific listing takes priority.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as 'milled mace' or 'mace powder'. Brand Type: Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand', or indicate 'domestic independent brand', 'foreign brand', etc. Processing Method: State whether it has been milled, such as 'milled' or 'powdered'; if unmilled, fill in 'unmilled'. Composition and Content: Declare the main ingredients and content, such as 'mace 100%'; if it is a mixture, list the proportion of each ingredient. Packaging Specifications: Fill in the packaging form and net weight, such as '25 kg/bag', '1 kg/bottle', etc. Use: State the use of the commodity, such as 'food seasoning', 'flavor and fragrance', 'medicinal', etc. Origin: Fill in the country/region of production or processing of the commodity, which affects tariffs and trade agreements. Product Name: milled mace; Brand Type: no brand; Processing Method: milled; Composition and Content: mace 100%; Packaging Specifications: 25 kg/bag; Use: food seasoning; Origin: Indonesia. Failure to distinguish 'unmilled' from 'milled', leading to confusion between subheadings 0908.21 and 0908.22. Confusing mace with nutmeg, incorrectly classifying under 0908.12. Ignoring additives; if mixed with other spices, it may be classified under 0910.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign language names of the commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as 'milled mace' or 'mace powder'.
⚠️ Writing only 'nutmeg' or 'spice powder' without distinguishing the part and degree of processing.
Brand Type
Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand', or indicate 'domestic independent brand', 'foreign brand', etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting the brand leading to classification doubts.
Processing Method
State whether it has been milled, such as 'milled' or 'powdered'; if unmilled, fill in 'unmilled'.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting 'crushed' as 'milled', leading to subheading errors.
Composition and Content
Declare the main ingredients and content, such as 'mace 100%'; if it is a mixture, list the proportion of each ingredient.
⚠️ Not indicating purity, or adding other substances without declaring them.
Packaging Specifications
Fill in the packaging form and net weight, such as '25 kg/bag', '1 kg/bottle', etc.
⚠️ Writing only 'boxed' without providing specific net weight.
Use
State the use of the commodity, such as 'food seasoning', 'flavor and fragrance', 'medicinal', etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as 'industrial use', which may raise doubts.
Origin
Fill in the country/region of production or processing of the commodity, which affects tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting a trade transit location as the origin.
Example： Product Name: milled mace; Brand Type: no brand; Processing Method: milled; Composition and Content: mace 100%; Packaging Specifications: 25 kg/bag; Use: food seasoning; Origin: Indonesia.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish 'unmilled' from 'milled', leading to confusion between subheadings 0908.21 and 0908.22.
Confusing mace with nutmeg, incorrectly classifying under 0908.12.
Ignoring additives; if mixed with other spices, it may be classified under 0910.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: The product is powder made by grinding mace (the aril of nutmeg), not mixed with other substances, conforming to the description of subheading 0908.22 'milled mace' in the Tariff. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it should be classified under 0908.22. If further processed or mixed, it may be classified under other headings. 0908.21 Unmilled mace: Different processing state: 0908.21 is unmilled (whole pieces or fragments), 0908.22 is milled into powder. 0908.12 Milled nutmeg: Different part: nutmeg is the kernel, mace is the aril; the two differ in appearance and composition. 0910.99 Other seasoning spices: If mace powder is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 0910.99; pure mace powder is classified under 0908.22. 3301.90 Other essential oils: If it is mace essential oil (extract), it is classified under 3301; powdered spices are classified under 0908.22. Confirm whether the product is mace (aril) rather than nutmeg (kernel). Confirm whether the processing state is 'milled' (powdered). Confirm whether other substances have been added (such as anti-caking agents, other spices). Confirm whether the packaging specifications and use are consistent with the declaration. Verify whether the origin and brand information are accurate.
Basis
Core basis for classification: The product is powder made by grinding mace (the aril of nutmeg), not mixed with other substances, conforming to the description of subheading 0908.22 'milled mace' in the Tariff. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it should be classified under 0908.22. If further processed or mixed, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
0908.21 - Unmilled mace
Different processing state: 0908.21 is unmilled (whole pieces or fragments), 0908.22 is milled into powder.
0908.12 - Milled nutmeg
Different part: nutmeg is the kernel, mace is the aril; the two differ in appearance and composition.
0910.99 - Other seasoning spices
If mace powder is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 0910.99; pure mace powder is classified under 0908.22.
3301.90 - Other essential oils
If it is mace essential oil (extract), it is classified under 3301; powdered spices are classified under 0908.22.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the product is mace (aril) rather than nutmeg (kernel).
✓ Confirm whether the processing state is 'milled' (powdered).
✓ Confirm whether other substances have been added (such as anti-caking agents, other spices).
✓ Confirm whether the packaging specifications and use are consistent with the declaration.
✓ Verify whether the origin and brand information are accurate.
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish mace from nutmeg? Nutmeg is the kernel, oval-shaped with a reticulated surface texture; mace is the aril wrapping the kernel, flat and branched, orange-red in color. The two have similar aroma but mace is more delicate. For classification, mace is classified under 0908.21/22, and nutmeg under 0908.11/12. If anti-caking agent is added to milled mace powder, can it still be classified under 0908.22? If the added anti-caking agent is only a processing aid and does not affect the basic characteristics of the commodity, it is usually still classified under 0908.22. However, if the added amount is large or changes the use of the commodity, it may be classified under 0910.99 or other headings. It is recommended to judge based on actual composition and addition ratio. How to inquire about tariffs when importing milled mace from ASEAN? First confirm the HS code 090822, then inquire about the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement rate. Specific rates can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website or the CCPIT, and a Certificate of Origin (Form E) must be provided to enjoy the agreement rate. What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail import of mace powder? Cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods are supervised as personal use items, but classification still refers to the HS code. Mace powder should be classified under 090822. Attention should be paid to positive list requirements, and information such as product name and ingredients should be declared. How to fill in the 'Processing Method' column during declaration? It should clearly state 'milled' or 'unmilled'. If milled, you may add 'ground into powder'; if unmilled, fill in 'unmilled' or 'whole pieces'. Avoid vague terms such as 'crushed' or 'coarsely ground' to prevent classification disputes. What is the difference between mace and cardamom mace? Mace is the aril of nutmeg, classified under 0908.21/22; cardamom mace is the aril of cardamom, classified under 0908.41/42. The two have different plant sources, and also differ in appearance and aroma. Classification should be determined based on the specific species. If mace powder is imported as a medicinal raw material, will the HS code change? If it is only used as a medicinal raw material and has not been made into a pharmaceutical, it is still classified under 090822. However, if further processed into a pharmaceutical, it is classified under Chapter 30. It is recommended to judge based on the actual state and use. How to avoid misclassification of mace powder? Focus on confirming three points: 1) whether it is mace (not nutmeg); 2) whether it is milled (not unmilled); 3) whether it is pure (not mixed). At the same time, retain supporting documents such as purchase contracts and composition test reports.
Q: How to distinguish mace from nutmeg?
A: Nutmeg is the kernel, oval-shaped with a reticulated surface texture; mace is the aril wrapping the kernel, flat and branched, orange-red in color. The two have similar aroma but mace is more delicate. For classification, mace is classified under 0908.21/22, and nutmeg under 0908.11/12.
Q: If anti-caking agent is added to milled mace powder, can it still be classified under 0908.22?
A: If the added anti-caking agent is only a processing aid and does not affect the basic characteristics of the commodity, it is usually still classified under 0908.22. However, if the added amount is large or changes the use of the commodity, it may be classified under 0910.99 or other headings. It is recommended to judge based on actual composition and addition ratio.
Q: How to inquire about tariffs when importing milled mace from ASEAN?
A: First confirm the HS code 090822, then inquire about the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement rate. Specific rates can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website or the CCPIT, and a Certificate of Origin (Form E) must be provided to enjoy the agreement rate.
Q: What HS code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail import of mace powder?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail imported goods are supervised as personal use items, but classification still refers to the HS code. Mace powder should be classified under 090822. Attention should be paid to positive list requirements, and information such as product name and ingredients should be declared.
Q: How to fill in the 'Processing Method' column during declaration?
A: It should clearly state 'milled' or 'unmilled'. If milled, you may add 'ground into powder'; if unmilled, fill in 'unmilled' or 'whole pieces'. Avoid vague terms such as 'crushed' or 'coarsely ground' to prevent classification disputes.
Q: What is the difference between mace and cardamom mace?
A: Mace is the aril of nutmeg, classified under 0908.21/22; cardamom mace is the aril of cardamom, classified under 0908.41/42. The two have different plant sources, and also differ in appearance and aroma. Classification should be determined based on the specific species.
Q: If mace powder is imported as a medicinal raw material, will the HS code change?
A: If it is only used as a medicinal raw material and has not been made into a pharmaceutical, it is still classified under 090822. However, if further processed into a pharmaceutical, it is classified under Chapter 30. It is recommended to judge based on the actual state and use.
Q: How to avoid misclassification of mace powder?
A: Focus on confirming three points: 1) whether it is mace (not nutmeg); 2) whether it is milled (not unmilled); 3) whether it is pure (not mixed). At the same time, retain supporting documents such as purchase contracts and composition test reports.
⚠️ 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.