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 (0908), cumin (0909), anise etc. (0910), and mixed spices (0910). These goods are mostly primary plant products used for food seasoning or drinking, with processing methods including unground, ground, unroasted, roasted, etc. Heading 0909 covers cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum L.), including two subheadings: unground (0909.21) and ground (0909.22). Cumin is the dried ripe fruit of an annual herbaceous plant, commonly used for culinary seasoning, especially in curries, barbecues and Mexican dishes. This heading includes only cumin seeds themselves, whether or not crushed, but excludes seasonings mixed with other substances (classified under 0910) or essential oils (classified under 3301). First 2 digits 09: represents Chapter 9, i.e. coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4: 09 represents heading 0909, specifically cumin seeds. Digits 5-6: 32 represents subheading 0909.32, i.e. ground cumin seeds. The complete code 090932 represents ground cumin seeds, i.e. cumin that has been ground into powder, rather than whole cumin seeds (0909.31). The product is ground cumin seeds, belonging to the powdered form of cumin seeds, therefore classified under 0909.32. If they were unground whole cumin seeds, they would be classified under 0909.31. If cumin is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 0910. If it is cumin essential oil, it is classified under 3301. Therefore, the code is determined based on the processing state (whether ground) and whether mixed.
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 (0908), cumin (0909), anise etc. (0910), and mixed spices (0910). These goods are mostly primary plant products used for food seasoning or drinking, with processing methods including unground, ground, unroasted, roasted, etc.
Heading
Heading 0909 covers cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum L.), including two subheadings: unground (0909.21) and ground (0909.22). Cumin is the dried ripe fruit of an annual herbaceous plant, commonly used for culinary seasoning, especially in curries, barbecues and Mexican dishes. This heading includes only cumin seeds themselves, whether or not crushed, but excludes seasonings mixed with other substances (classified under 0910) or essential oils (classified under 3301).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: represents Chapter 9, i.e. coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4: 09 represents heading 0909, specifically cumin seeds. Digits 5-6: 32 represents subheading 0909.32, i.e. ground cumin seeds. The complete code 090932 represents ground cumin seeds, i.e. cumin that has been ground into powder, rather than whole cumin seeds (0909.31).
Classification Basis
The product is ground cumin seeds, belonging to the powdered form of cumin seeds, therefore classified under 0909.32. If they were unground whole cumin seeds, they would be classified under 0909.31. If cumin is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 0910. If it is cumin essential oil, it is classified under 3301. Therefore, the code is determined based on the processing state (whether ground) and whether mixed.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, using standard Chinese and foreign language names, such as "ground cumin seeds" or "cumin powder". Brand type: Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand, etc. Processing method: State the processing state of the cumin seeds, such as "ground", "unground", "roasted", etc. Ingredient content: Declare the purity or active ingredient content of the cumin seeds, usually 100% cumin seeds. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging form and specifications of the goods, such as bagged, boxed, net weight per package, etc. Origin: Declare the country or region of origin of the cumin seeds, which affects tariffs and trade policy. Use: State the use of the cumin seeds, such as food seasoning, industrial raw material, etc. Product name: ground cumin seeds (cumin powder); Brand type: no brand; Processing method: ground; Ingredient content: 100% cumin seeds; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag; Origin: India; Use: food seasoning. Failure to distinguish between ground and unground, leading to subheading errors. Ignoring whether other spices are mixed in; if mixed, classified under 0910. Incorrect declaration of brand type, affecting customs statistics.
Product name
The specific name of the declared goods, using standard Chinese and foreign language names, such as "ground cumin seeds" or "cumin powder".
⚠️ Writing only "cumin" without indicating whether it is ground, or mistakenly writing it as "cumin essential oil".
Brand type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand, etc.
⚠️ Omitting the brand type, or incorrectly filling it as "other".
Processing method
State the processing state of the cumin seeds, such as "ground", "unground", "roasted", etc.
⚠️ Filling in ground as unground, leading to classification errors.
Ingredient content
Declare the purity or active ingredient content of the cumin seeds, usually 100% cumin seeds.
⚠️ Adding other ingredients without declaring them, such as mixing with salt or other spices.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging form and specifications of the goods, such as bagged, boxed, net weight per package, etc.
⚠️ Unclear packaging specification description, such as writing only "bulk".
Origin
Declare the country or region of origin of the cumin seeds, which affects tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ Confusing origin with place of dispatch.
Use
State the use of the cumin seeds, such as food seasoning, industrial raw material, etc.
⚠️ False declaration of use, such as declaring food use as industrial use.
Failure to distinguish between ground and unground, leading to subheading errors.
Ignoring whether other spices are mixed in; if mixed, classified under 0910.
Incorrect declaration of brand type, affecting customs statistics.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the processing state and ingredients of the goods. Ground cumin seeds are cumin seeds ground into powder without added substances, therefore classified under 0909.32. If cumin seeds are unground, they are classified under 0909.31. If cumin seeds are mixed with other spices, they are classified under 0910. If it is cumin essential oil, it is classified under 3301. In addition, it must be confirmed that the goods are cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), not other similar plants. 090931 Unground cumin seeds: Unground cumin seeds are whole or broken but not powdered cumin seeds, whereas those classified under 090932 are cumin seeds ground into powder. 091091 Mixed spices: Mixed spices contain a mixture of cumin and other spices, whereas those classified under 090932 are pure cumin powder without other substances mixed in. 330129 Other essential oils: Cumin essential oil belongs to essential oils, classified under 3301, whereas cumin powder is plant powder, classified under 0909. 090921 Unground coriander seeds: Coriander seeds are different from cumin seeds; coriander seeds are classified under 0909.21, whereas cumin seeds are classified under 0909.31 or 0909.32. Has it been ground into powder? Is it mixed with other spices? Is it cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum)? Is it used for seasoning rather than extracting essential oil? Is the packaging suitable for direct sale?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the processing state and ingredients of the goods. Ground cumin seeds are cumin seeds ground into powder without added substances, therefore classified under 0909.32. If cumin seeds are unground, they are classified under 0909.31. If cumin seeds are mixed with other spices, they are classified under 0910. If it is cumin essential oil, it is classified under 3301. In addition, it must be confirmed that the goods are cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), not other similar plants.
Confused Codes：
090931 - Unground cumin seeds
Unground cumin seeds are whole or broken but not powdered cumin seeds, whereas those classified under 090932 are cumin seeds ground into powder.
091091 - Mixed spices
Mixed spices contain a mixture of cumin and other spices, whereas those classified under 090932 are pure cumin powder without other substances mixed in.
330129 - Other essential oils
Cumin essential oil belongs to essential oils, classified under 3301, whereas cumin powder is plant powder, classified under 0909.
090921 - Unground coriander seeds
Coriander seeds are different from cumin seeds; coriander seeds are classified under 0909.21, whereas cumin seeds are classified under 0909.31 or 0909.32.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been ground into powder?
✓ Is it mixed with other spices?
✓ Is it cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum)?
✓ Is it used for seasoning rather than extracting essential oil?
✓ Is the packaging suitable for direct sale?
❓ FAQ
How to look up the HS code for ground cumin seeds? You can use the General Administration of Customs website or an HS code query tool, enter the keyword "cumin powder" or "ground cumin seeds", and the system will show 090932. You can also consult Chapter 9 of the Import and Export Tariff. What is the difference between the HS codes for ground cumin seeds and unground cumin seeds? Ground cumin seeds are classified under 090932, and unground cumin seeds are classified under 090931. The main difference lies in the processing state: whether they have been ground into powder. If a small amount of other spices is mixed into cumin powder, which code should it be classified under? If other spices are mixed in, it is no longer classified under 090932, but should be classified under 0910 (mixed spices). The specific subheading depends on the ingredients and proportions. What elements need attention when declaring ground cumin seeds? It is necessary to declare the product name, brand type, processing method (ground), ingredient content, packaging specifications, origin, use, etc. Ensure the processing method is accurate to avoid confusion with unground. How to check the import tariff rate for ground cumin seeds? Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest Import and Export Tariff on the General Administration of Customs website, or use the customs classification advance ruling service. The specific rate depends on the country of origin and trade agreements. How should HS codes be declared for cross-border e-commerce sales of cumin powder? Cross-border e-commerce retail exports also require HS code declaration. Ground cumin seeds should be declared as 090932. Attention should be paid to packaging specifications and use to ensure compliance with personal use or commercial use regulations. What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for ground cumin seeds? Imported ground cumin seeds must comply with China's food safety standards and may require certificates of origin, health certificates, test reports, etc. For details, consult customs or inspection and quarantine authorities. If customs has doubts about the classification of ground cumin seeds, how should it be handled? You can apply to customs for an advance classification ruling, providing product samples, processing techniques, ingredients and other materials. Customs will make a ruling based on the Import and Export Tariff and classification rules.
Q: How to look up the HS code for ground cumin seeds?
A: You can use the General Administration of Customs website or an HS code query tool, enter the keyword "cumin powder" or "ground cumin seeds", and the system will show 090932. You can also consult Chapter 9 of the Import and Export Tariff.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for ground cumin seeds and unground cumin seeds?
A: Ground cumin seeds are classified under 090932, and unground cumin seeds are classified under 090931. The main difference lies in the processing state: whether they have been ground into powder.
Q: If a small amount of other spices is mixed into cumin powder, which code should it be classified under?
A: If other spices are mixed in, it is no longer classified under 090932, but should be classified under 0910 (mixed spices). The specific subheading depends on the ingredients and proportions.
Q: What elements need attention when declaring ground cumin seeds?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, brand type, processing method (ground), ingredient content, packaging specifications, origin, use, etc. Ensure the processing method is accurate to avoid confusion with unground.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for ground cumin seeds?
A: Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest Import and Export Tariff on the General Administration of Customs website, or use the customs classification advance ruling service. The specific rate depends on the country of origin and trade agreements.
Q: How should HS codes be declared for cross-border e-commerce sales of cumin powder?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail exports also require HS code declaration. Ground cumin seeds should be declared as 090932. Attention should be paid to packaging specifications and use to ensure compliance with personal use or commercial use regulations.
Q: What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for ground cumin seeds?
A: Imported ground cumin seeds must comply with China's food safety standards and may require certificates of origin, health certificates, test reports, etc. For details, consult customs or inspection and quarantine authorities.
Q: If customs has doubts about the classification of ground cumin seeds, how should it be handled?
A: You can apply to customs for an advance classification ruling, providing product samples, processing techniques, ingredients and other materials. Customs will make a ruling based on the Import and Export Tariff and classification rules.
⚠️ 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.