Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including natural or cultivated plant-based spices, seeds, fruits, etc., mainly used for food seasoning or beverages. This chapter is divided into four headings: 0901 coffee, 0902 tea, 0903 maté, 0904-0910 spices. Coriander seeds, as a commonly used spice, are classified under this chapter. Heading 0909 covers coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, anise seeds and similar spice seeds, whether whole, crushed or ground. However, the chapter notes provide that if coriander seeds undergo further processing (such as extraction of essential oils), they are classified under other chapters. Subheading 0909.21 is for coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground; 0909.22 is for coriander seeds, crushed or ground. First 2 digits 09: belongs to Chapter 9 "Coffee, tea, maté and spices". Digits 3-4, 09: heading 0909, specifically "Coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, anise seeds and similar seeds". Digits 5-6, 21: subheading 0909.21, representing "coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground". Among these, the 5th digit "2" represents coriander seeds, and the 6th digit "1" represents neither crushed nor ground. Therefore, 090921 refers to coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground, distinguished from 090922 which is crushed or ground. The goods are whole coriander seeds, not ground, which conforms to the description of subheading 0909.21. If ground into powder, they would be classified under 0909.22; if coriander seed essential oil, under 3301; if coriander seed oleoresin, under 1302. Therefore, according to the degree of processing and use, they are correctly classified under 090921.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including natural or cultivated plant-based spices, seeds, fruits, etc., mainly used for food seasoning or beverages. This chapter is divided into four headings: 0901 coffee, 0902 tea, 0903 maté, 0904-0910 spices. Coriander seeds, as a commonly used spice, are classified under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 0909 covers coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, anise seeds and similar spice seeds, whether whole, crushed or ground. However, the chapter notes provide that if coriander seeds undergo further processing (such as extraction of essential oils), they are classified under other chapters. Subheading 0909.21 is for coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground; 0909.22 is for coriander seeds, crushed or ground.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: belongs to Chapter 9 "Coffee, tea, maté and spices". Digits 3-4, 09: heading 0909, specifically "Coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, anise seeds and similar seeds". Digits 5-6, 21: subheading 0909.21, representing "coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground". Among these, the 5th digit "2" represents coriander seeds, and the 6th digit "1" represents neither crushed nor ground. Therefore, 090921 refers to coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground, distinguished from 090922 which is crushed or ground.
Classification Basis
The goods are whole coriander seeds, not ground, which conforms to the description of subheading 0909.21. If ground into powder, they would be classified under 0909.22; if coriander seed essential oil, under 3301; if coriander seed oleoresin, under 1302. Therefore, according to the degree of processing and use, they are correctly classified under 090921.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "unground coriander seeds" or "Coriander seeds, unground". Processing method: Indicate whether the goods have been ground, crushed, dried, etc., such as "unground", "dried", "whole". Condition: Describe the physical condition of the goods, such as "whole granules", "no crushing", "clean". Use: Indicate the main use, such as "edible spice", "seasoning raw material", "for planting". Composition content: If pure, indicate "coriander seeds 100%"; if a mixture, list each component and its proportion. Packaging specifications: Indicate the packaging method and net weight, such as "25 kg/bag", "carton packing". Origin: The country/region of production or cultivation, such as "India", "China". Product name: unground coriander seeds; Processing method: dried, unground; Condition: whole granules; Use: edible spice; Composition content: coriander seeds 100%; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag; Origin: India. Misdeclaring unground coriander seeds as ground, leading to classification under 090922, which may affect tariffs and regulatory conditions. Ignoring the "unground" status and only declaring "coriander seeds", which may result in customs requiring supplementary declaration. Confusing coriander seeds with cumin seeds; although both belong to 0909, they have different subheadings and must be accurately distinguished.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "unground coriander seeds" or "Coriander seeds, unground".
⚠️ Misdeclared as "coriander powder" or "cilantro seeds", leading to classification errors.
Processing method
Indicate whether the goods have been ground, crushed, dried, etc., such as "unground", "dried", "whole".
⚠️ Omitting the "unground" status, or misdeclaring as "ground".
Condition
Describe the physical condition of the goods, such as "whole granules", "no crushing", "clean".
⚠️ Reporting crushed granules as whole granules, affecting classification.
Use
Indicate the main use, such as "edible spice", "seasoning raw material", "for planting".
⚠️ Misdeclaring as "industrial use" or "medicinal use", leading to classification under different chapters.
Composition content
If pure, indicate "coriander seeds 100%"; if a mixture, list each component and its proportion.
⚠️ Failing to indicate purity, or concealing additives.
Packaging specifications
Indicate the packaging method and net weight, such as "25 kg/bag", "carton packing".
⚠️ Packaging specifications inconsistent with the actual goods, affecting inspection.
Origin
The country/region of production or cultivation, such as "India", "China".
⚠️ Vague declaration as "Southeast Asia", resulting in unclear origin.
Misdeclaring unground coriander seeds as ground, leading to classification under 090922, which may affect tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Ignoring the "unground" status and only declaring "coriander seeds", which may result in customs requiring supplementary declaration.
Confusing coriander seeds with cumin seeds; although both belong to 0909, they have different subheadings and must be accurately distinguished.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 9 and the subheading provisions of the Import and Export Tariff. Coriander seeds, as spice seeds, if unground, are classified under 0909.21; if ground, under 0909.22. At the same time, consideration must be given to whether other processing has been carried out; if essential oil is extracted, classification is under Chapter 33. 090922 Coriander seeds, crushed or ground: Different degree of processing: 090921 is unground, 090922 is ground. After grinding, the cell structure is destroyed, and the use and tariff may differ. 090931 Cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground: Different species: coriander seeds are Coriandrum sativum, cumin seeds are Cuminum cyminum. They differ in appearance and odor, but both belong to 0909. 330190 Coriander seed essential oil: Different depth of processing: essential oil is an extract, classified under Chapter 33; unground coriander seeds are the raw spice, classified under Chapter 09. 130219 Coriander seed oleoresin: Oleoresin is an extract, classified under Chapter 13; unground coriander seeds are whole seeds, classified under Chapter 09. 121190 Other medicinal plants: Different use: if coriander seeds are used medicinally, they may be classified under Chapter 12; but they are usually used as a spice, classified under Chapter 09. Has it been confirmed that the goods are coriander seeds and not other seeds? Has it been confirmed that they are not ground or crushed? Has it been confirmed that the use is as an edible spice? Has it been confirmed that no essential oil or oleoresin has been extracted? Has it been confirmed that the packaging and labeling meet the requirements?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 9 and the subheading provisions of the Import and Export Tariff. Coriander seeds, as spice seeds, if unground, are classified under 0909.21; if ground, under 0909.22. At the same time, consideration must be given to whether other processing has been carried out; if essential oil is extracted, classification is under Chapter 33.
Confused Codes：
090922 - Coriander seeds, crushed or ground
Different degree of processing: 090921 is unground, 090922 is ground. After grinding, the cell structure is destroyed, and the use and tariff may differ.
090931 - Cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground
Different species: coriander seeds are Coriandrum sativum, cumin seeds are Cuminum cyminum. They differ in appearance and odor, but both belong to 0909.
330190 - Coriander seed essential oil
Different depth of processing: essential oil is an extract, classified under Chapter 33; unground coriander seeds are the raw spice, classified under Chapter 09.
130219 - Coriander seed oleoresin
Oleoresin is an extract, classified under Chapter 13; unground coriander seeds are whole seeds, classified under Chapter 09.
121190 - Other medicinal plants
Different use: if coriander seeds are used medicinally, they may be classified under Chapter 12; but they are usually used as a spice, classified under Chapter 09.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the goods are coriander seeds and not other seeds?
✓ Has it been confirmed that they are not ground or crushed?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the use is as an edible spice?
✓ Has it been confirmed that no essential oil or oleoresin has been extracted?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the packaging and labeling meet the requirements?
❓ FAQ
How can I query the HS code for unground coriander seeds? You can use the General Administration of Customs tariff query system, enter the keyword "coriander seeds" or "Coriander", filter by unground status, and obtain 090921. You may also refer to Chapter 9 of the "Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System". What is the main difference between 090921 and 090922? 090921 is coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground, i.e., whole or crushed but not powdered; 090922 is coriander seeds, crushed or ground, i.e., ground into powder. The two have different processing states, are classified under different subheadings, and may have different tariffs and regulatory conditions. If coriander seeds are used for planting, are they still classified under 090921? If used for planting, they are still classified under 090921, because HS codes are mainly based on the inherent properties of the goods, not the use. However, note that seeds for planting may involve quarantine approval, and relevant certificates must be provided at the time of declaration. Does drying affect the classification of coriander seeds? Drying does not change their essential character, and they remain classified under 090921. However, if they have undergone fumigation, irradiation or other treatments, this must be stated at the time of declaration and may affect quarantine requirements. How do the HS codes for coriander seeds and cumin seeds differ? Unground coriander seeds are 090921, and unground cumin seeds are 090931. Both belong to heading 0909, but they have different subheadings and must be accurately classified according to species. What regulatory documents are required for importing unground coriander seeds? Usually a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, contract, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions must be checked against the current year's "Customs Import and Export Tariff" and General Administration of Customs announcements, and quarantine approval may be involved. If unground coriander seeds contain a small amount of impurities, does it affect classification? If the impurity content is extremely low and does not change the essential character of the goods, they remain classified under 090921. However, if there are too many impurities, they may be regarded as a mixture and must be classified according to the actual composition. For cross-border e-commerce retail imports of coriander seeds, does the same HS code apply? Yes, cross-border e-commerce retail imports also need to be declared according to the HS code, and 090921 applies. However, attention should be paid to the cross-border e-commerce positive list and quota regulations, subject to the latest policies.
Q: How can I query the HS code for unground coriander seeds?
A: You can use the General Administration of Customs tariff query system, enter the keyword "coriander seeds" or "Coriander", filter by unground status, and obtain 090921. You may also refer to Chapter 9 of the "Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System".
Q: What is the main difference between 090921 and 090922?
A: 090921 is coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground, i.e., whole or crushed but not powdered; 090922 is coriander seeds, crushed or ground, i.e., ground into powder. The two have different processing states, are classified under different subheadings, and may have different tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Q: If coriander seeds are used for planting, are they still classified under 090921?
A: If used for planting, they are still classified under 090921, because HS codes are mainly based on the inherent properties of the goods, not the use. However, note that seeds for planting may involve quarantine approval, and relevant certificates must be provided at the time of declaration.
Q: Does drying affect the classification of coriander seeds?
A: Drying does not change their essential character, and they remain classified under 090921. However, if they have undergone fumigation, irradiation or other treatments, this must be stated at the time of declaration and may affect quarantine requirements.
Q: How do the HS codes for coriander seeds and cumin seeds differ?
A: Unground coriander seeds are 090921, and unground cumin seeds are 090931. Both belong to heading 0909, but they have different subheadings and must be accurately classified according to species.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing unground coriander seeds?
A: Usually a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, contract, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Specific regulatory conditions must be checked against the current year's "Customs Import and Export Tariff" and General Administration of Customs announcements, and quarantine approval may be involved.
Q: If unground coriander seeds contain a small amount of impurities, does it affect classification?
A: If the impurity content is extremely low and does not change the essential character of the goods, they remain classified under 090921. However, if there are too many impurities, they may be regarded as a mixture and must be classified according to the actual composition.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail imports of coriander seeds, does the same HS code apply?
A: Yes, cross-border e-commerce retail imports also need to be declared according to the HS code, and 090921 applies. However, attention should be paid to the cross-border e-commerce positive list and quota regulations, subject to the latest policies.
⚠️ 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.