Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, mainly including natural plant-based seasonings such as coffee, tea, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. These goods are usually used in their raw state or after simple processing (such as drying or grinding) for food seasoning or beverage preparation. Goods in this chapter have the dual attributes of agricultural products and raw materials for food processing in international trade, and classification requires close attention to the degree of processing and use. Heading 0910 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices. The goods under this heading are all plant-based seasonings not specified elsewhere, and may be unground, ground, or otherwise simply processed. As an important member, ginger is divided according to whether it is ground into unground ginger (091011) and ground ginger (091012), and the two differ in use, packaging, and trade procedures. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 09 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices), which is a major category in the HS classification system. Digits 3-4, 10, represent heading 0910 (Ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices), and all goods under this heading are plant-based seasonings. Digits 5-6, 12, represent subheading 091012, specifically ground ginger, that is, the powder or granules of ginger after grinding. The 5th digit 1 indicates that it belongs to the ginger category, and the 6th digit 2 indicates the ground state. The entire code is defined level by level, from chapter to heading to subheading, ultimately pointing precisely to the commodity of ground ginger. Ground ginger is classified under 091012, rather than 091011 (unground ginger), because it has undergone grinding processing, which changes its physical form. The difference from other subheadings under 0910 (such as saffron, turmeric, etc.) lies in the fact that the species of the commodity is ginger. In addition, if ground ginger is further mixed with other spices to make curry, it should be classified under 091091; if used as a food additive or medicine, it may be classified under other chapters. Therefore, the degree of processing and composition are the key distinctions.

Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the state of the goods, such as "ground ginger" or "ginger powder." Processing method: Explain the processing method of the ginger, such as grinding, crushing, drying, etc., and clearly state whether it has been ground. State: Describe the physical form of the commodity, such as powder or granules, which should be consistent with the processing method. Ingredient content: Declare the purity or active ingredient content of the ginger, such as gingerol content; if it is a pure product, 100% may be stated. Packaging specifications: Explain the packaging form and specifications, such as bagged or boxed, net weight per package, etc., which affect classification and supervision. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, it may be stated as "none." Use: Explain the use of the commodity, such as food seasoning, medicinal use, industrial raw material, etc.; different uses may affect classification. Customs declaration example: Product name: Ground ginger (ginger powder) Processing method: Ground after drying State: Powder Ingredient content: Pure ginger powder, gingerol ≥1% Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag, inner plastic bag, outer woven bag Brand: None Use: For food seasoning HS code: 091012 Origin: China Quantity: 1000 kg Unit price: USD 5/kg Total price: USD 5000 Failure to distinguish unground ginger from ground ginger, resulting in incorrect declaration of the code as 091011. Ground ginger mixed with other spices is still declared under 091012, when it should actually be classified under 091091. Ignoring the declaration of use; if used for medicinal purposes, it may need to be classified under Chapter 12 or Chapter 30.

The core basis for classification is the processing state and composition of the commodity. According to HS notes, 091012 applies only to powder or granules made from ground ginger (Zingiber officinale) and not mixed with other substances. If ginger is only dried but not ground, it should be classified under 091011; if mixed with other seasonings, it is classified under 091091 (curry) or 091099 (other spices). In addition, if ground ginger undergoes further processing (such as being made into essential oil or oleoresin), it may be classified under Chapter 33. Therefore, the grinding process and purity are the key factors determining classification under 091012. 091011 Unground ginger: Unground ginger refers to ginger that has not been ground, usually in chunks, slices, or whole form, while ground ginger classified under 091012 must be ground into powder or granules. The processing states of the two are different. 091091 Curry: Curry is a mixture of multiple spices, usually including ginger, turmeric, pepper, etc., while ground ginger under 091012 is pure ginger powder. If ground ginger is mixed with other spices, it is classified under 091091. 091099 Other spices: 091099 covers other spices not elsewhere specified, such as mixed spices or non-ginger spices. Ground ginger is not classified under this subheading because it is specifically named under 091012. 121190 Other plant products: If ground ginger is used for medicinal, insecticidal, or similar purposes, it may be classified under 121190, but when used for seasoning it is still classified under 091012. Use is the key distinction. 330190 Essential oils and oleoresins: If ground ginger is further extracted to make essential oil or oleoresin, it is classified under 330190 rather than 091012. The degree of processing is different. Is the commodity made from pure ground ginger? Has it not been mixed with other substances? Is the processing method only drying and grinding? Is the use seasoning or food? Is the packaging suitable for retail or industrial use?

How can I look up the HS code for ground ginger? You can use the customs tariff or an HS code query system and enter the keyword "ground ginger" or "Ground ginger," and the system will show 091012. You can also determine the chapter first (09) based on the processing state of the commodity, then find the heading (0910), and finally choose the subheading according to whether it is ground (091011 or 091012). What is the difference between the HS codes for ground ginger and unground ginger? Ground ginger is classified under 091012, and unground ginger is classified under 091011. The difference lies in whether it has undergone grinding. Unground ginger includes whole, sliced, or crushed ginger that has not been made into powder; ground ginger refers to ginger ground into powder or fine granules. The processing state must be accurately described when declaring. How is ground ginger classified after being mixed with other spices? If ground ginger is mixed with other spices and the mixture is curry, it should be classified under 091091; if it is not curry, it is classified under 091099 (other spices). However, if ginger is the main ingredient in the mixture and its essential character has not been changed, it may still be classified as ground ginger, depending on the specific composition and use. What are the declaration elements for ground ginger? Declaration elements include product name, processing method, state, ingredient content, packaging specifications, brand, use, etc. The processing method should state "ground," the state should be "powder," the ingredient content should indicate purity, and the use should be clearly stated as food seasoning, etc. How can I check the import tariff rate for ground ginger? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to use the official website of the customs administration or a professional tariff query tool, enter HS code 091012 and the country of origin, trade mode, and other conditions to obtain the latest tariff rate. You may also consult a customs broker or customs authority. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting ground ginger? Exporting ground ginger usually requires compliance with export food hygiene requirements and may require inspection and quarantine certificates, certificates of origin, etc. The specific regulatory conditions depend on the destination country's requirements and China's export regulations. It is recommended to check customs regulatory condition codes or consult the local customs authority. Ground ginger can be classified under 091012, but if used medicinally, will the code change? If ground ginger is clearly used for medicinal purposes and meets pharmaceutical standards, it may be classified under Chapter 30 pharmaceuticals or Chapter 12 medicinal plants. However, if it is only used as a seasoning, even if it has health benefits, it is still classified under 091012. Classification depends on the main use and official determination. For cross-border e-commerce sales of ground ginger, how should the HS code be filled in? For cross-border e-commerce sales of ground ginger, if it is in small retail packaging, it is still classified under 091012. The product name, processing method, and other elements must be accurately filled in on the customs declaration form. Note that the supervision methods for personal items and goods are different, but the HS code is the same.