Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including coffee beans, tea leaves, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, fennel, star anise, etc. These goods are mostly plant-derived primary products used for food seasoning, beverage preparation or essential oil extraction. Goods in this chapter are usually subdivided by processing state (unmilled, milled) and variety, and it is an important chapter for agricultural products and foodstuffs in international trade. Heading 0909 covers anise seeds, star anise, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds and similar spice seeds. Specifically includes: star anise (0909.61/62), fennel seeds (0909.21/22), coriander seeds (0909.31/32), cumin seeds (0909.41/42), caraway seeds (0909.51/52), etc. Goods under this heading are all unmilled or milled spice seeds used for seasoning, medicinal purposes or industrial extraction. First 2 digits 09: represents Chapter 9 "Coffee, tea, maté and spices", covering all plant-derived seasonings. Digits 3-4, 09: represents heading 0909 "Anise seeds, star anise, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, etc.", specifically including star anise, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, etc. Digits 5-6, 41: represents subheading 0909.41 "Cumin seeds", further distinguishing unmilled (0909.41.10) and milled (0909.41.20). This code 090941 refers to unmilled cumin seeds, i.e., whole cumin seeds. This product is unmilled cumin seeds, belonging to seeds of plants in the Apiaceae family, with a special aroma, used for seasoning. According to HS classification rules, it should be classified under 0909.41 according to its botanical attributes and processing state. If ground into powder, it is classified under 0909.42; if it is other similar spice seeds such as fennel, it is classified under 0909.21/22; if it is star anise, it is classified under 0909.61/62. Therefore, unmilled cumin seeds are correctly classified under 090941.

Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, and standardized Chinese or English product names such as "unmilled cumin seeds" or "cumin seeds" should be used. Avoid colloquial or vague names. Processing state: Clearly state whether grinding, crushing or other processing has been carried out. Unmilled means keeping the whole grain state; milled means powder form. This element directly affects the HS code. Use: Explain the final use of the goods, such as edible seasoning, medicinal use, essential oil extraction, etc. Different uses may affect regulatory conditions and tax rates. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Brand information helps customs intellectual property protection. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method and specifications, such as "25 kg/bag", "1 kg/can", etc. This affects classification and tax rates (for example, retail packaging may involve different subheadings). Origin: Declare the country or region of origin, which affects tariff preferences and trade controls. A certificate of origin must be provided. Ingredient content: Declare the main ingredients and content, such as cumin seed purity, moisture, impurities, etc. Used to determine quality and whether it meets standards. Customs declaration example: Product name: Unmilled cumin seeds Processing state: Unmilled Use: Edible seasoning Brand: None Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag Origin: India Ingredient content: Cumin seed purity ≥99%, moisture ≤10% HS code: 09094100 Declaration date: 2025-04-01 Mistakenly classifying unmilled cumin seeds under the milled subheading 090942, resulting in tax rate differences. Failure to indicate the processing state and only writing "cumin seeds", which may cause customs to question the classification. Ignoring packaging specifications; retail packaging may involve different regulatory conditions.

The core basis for classification is the hierarchical rules of the HS code: Chapter 9 is spices, heading 0909 is anise seeds, etc., and subheading 0909.41 is cumin seeds. The unmilled state corresponds to the fifth and sixth digits 41, and milled corresponds to 42. Also refer to the definition of "unmilled" in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System: only simply cleaned and dried, not crushed or ground. If crushed but not powdered, may it still be regarded as unmilled? This needs to be determined according to the notes. 090942 Milled cumin seeds: Different processing state: 090941 is unmilled whole grains, 090942 is ground into powder. Classification is based on whether it is ground; once ground, it is classified under 090942. 090921 Unmilled coriander seeds: Different variety: coriander seeds are cilantro seeds, cumin seeds are cumin seeds. The two differ in appearance and odor, and their HS codes are different. 090961 Unmilled star anise: Different variety: star anise is a plant of the Magnoliaceae family, while cumin seeds are plants of the Apiaceae family. Star anise has eight points, while cumin seeds are slender grains. 091099 Other spices: If cumin seeds are mixed with other spices, or fall outside heading 0909, they may be classified under 0910. However, pure cumin seeds should be classified under 0909. Confirm whether the goods have been ground? Confirm whether they are cumin seeds rather than other seeds? Confirm whether the packaging is retail packaging? Confirm whether the country of origin affects the tax rate? Confirm whether an ingredient test report is provided?

How can I inquire about the tax rate for HS code 090941? You can check the Import and Export Tariff through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Internet + Customs" platform, enter code 09094100 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT and consumption tax. You can also use third-party tools such as the "Customs Code Query" app. Note that tax rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and the latest version of the tariff should prevail. What is the difference between the HS codes for unmilled cumin seeds and milled cumin seeds? Unmilled cumin seeds are classified under 090941, and milled under 090942. The difference lies in the processing state: unmilled means keeping whole grains, only cleaned and dried; milled means ground into powder. The declaration must accurately describe this, otherwise it may lead to classification errors and penalties. What regulatory documents are required for importing cumin seeds? Generally, a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, health certificate, contract, invoice, packing list, etc. are required. Some countries may require an import animal and plant quarantine permit. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance. Are cumin seeds and cumin the same commodity? Yes, cumin seeds are cumin, English name Cumin seed. HS code 090941 covers unmilled cumin seeds. However, be careful to distinguish them from fennel seeds, which are classified under 090921. If cumin seeds are roasted, will the HS code change? Roasting is further processing and may change the classification. If only simply roasted, they may still be classified under 0909; if deeply processed into seasonings, they may be classified under 2103. It is recommended to consult customs based on the processing technology. How are cumin seeds declared for cross-border e-commerce retail? Cross-border e-commerce retail needs to be declared as personal items or goods, and the HS code is still 090941, but note that retail packaging may involve different regulatory conditions. When declaring, order and payment vouchers, etc. must be provided, and cross-border e-commerce retail import policies must be followed. How should "ingredient content" be filled in among the declaration elements for cumin seeds? The main ingredients and content should be filled in, such as cumin seed purity, moisture, impurities, volatile oil content, etc. Test reports may be referenced to ensure compliance with the contract and standards. If it is an organic product, organic certification must be indicated. How are HS codes 090941 and 090942 distinguished in customs statistics? Customs statistics distinguish them according to the declared processing state: unmilled is classified under 090941, and milled under 090942. Accurate declaration is required during statistics to avoid affecting trade data. Enterprises should keep processing records for verification.