Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices, including pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, ginger, turmeric, etc. These goods are mostly plant-based seasonings used for food flavoring or medicinal purposes, but this chapter does not include chemically pure compounds (such as synthetic vanillin) or prepared mixed seasonings (classified under Chapter 21). Heading 0910 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices not elsewhere specified. Among these, saffron is a separate subheading due to its high price and unique use, distinguished from ginger, turmeric, etc. This heading includes whole, crushed, or powdered saffron, but only the dried stigmas of the Crocus genus. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, mate, and spices'. The 3rd-4th digits 10 represent heading 0910 'Ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices'. The 5th-6th digits 20 represent subheading 091020, specifically 'Saffron'. This subheading is not further subdivided; all saffron is classified under this code, regardless of form (whole stigmas, powder) or packaging (retail or bulk), but must be dried stigmas of the Crocus genus. Saffron is classified under 091020 because it is a spice and consists of Crocus stigmas. Adjacent codes 0910.10 is ginger, 0910.30 is turmeric, 0910.50 is curry, 0910.91 is other mixtures. Saffron is listed separately due to its unique source and use, not classified as ginger or turmeric, nor under Chapter 30 for medicinal use, as it is primarily used as a seasoning.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices, including pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, ginger, turmeric, etc. These goods are mostly plant-based seasonings used for food flavoring or medicinal purposes, but this chapter does not include chemically pure compounds (such as synthetic vanillin) or prepared mixed seasonings (classified under Chapter 21).
Heading
Heading 0910 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices not elsewhere specified. Among these, saffron is a separate subheading due to its high price and unique use, distinguished from ginger, turmeric, etc. This heading includes whole, crushed, or powdered saffron, but only the dried stigmas of the Crocus genus.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, mate, and spices'. The 3rd-4th digits 10 represent heading 0910 'Ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices'. The 5th-6th digits 20 represent subheading 091020, specifically 'Saffron'. This subheading is not further subdivided; all saffron is classified under this code, regardless of form (whole stigmas, powder) or packaging (retail or bulk), but must be dried stigmas of the Crocus genus.
Classification Basis
Saffron is classified under 091020 because it is a spice and consists of Crocus stigmas. Adjacent codes 0910.10 is ginger, 0910.30 is turmeric, 0910.50 is curry, 0910.91 is other mixtures. Saffron is listed separately due to its unique source and use, not classified as ginger or turmeric, nor under Chapter 30 for medicinal use, as it is primarily used as a seasoning.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the specific name of the goods, should indicate 'saffron' or 'saffron crocus', avoid using colloquial names like 'crocus' to prevent confusion. Type: Specify whether it is whole stigmas, powder, or other forms, such as 'whole stigmas' or 'powdered'. Processing Method: Describe the drying method, such as 'naturally sun-dried' or 'oven-dried'; must not declare as 'roasted' or 'steamed'. Packaging Specifications: Indicate retail packaging or bulk packaging, such as '1g/bottle' or '10kg/carton'. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Origin: Indicate the country or region of origin, such as 'Iran' or 'Spain'. Ingredient Content: Declare the purity of saffron, such as '100% saffron', must not contain other additives. Product Name: Saffron (whole stigmas); Type: Whole stigmas; Processing Method: Naturally sun-dried; Packaging Specifications: 1g/bottle, retail packaging; Brand: None; Origin: Iran; Ingredient Content: 100% saffron. Misreporting saffron as 'safflower' (false saffron), which is classified under 1211, leading to classification errors. Not distinguishing between retail packaging and bulk packaging, which may affect subheading determination, but 091020 is not subdivided, still should be accurately declared. Declaring as 'medicinal saffron' may be misclassified under Chapter 30, but if used as a seasoning, it should still be classified under 091020.
Product Name
Declare the specific name of the goods, should indicate 'saffron' or 'saffron crocus', avoid using colloquial names like 'crocus' to prevent confusion.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'safflower' or 'false saffron', leading to classification errors.
Type
Specify whether it is whole stigmas, powder, or other forms, such as 'whole stigmas' or 'powdered'.
⚠️ Not specifying the form, which may affect inspection and classification.
Processing Method
Describe the drying method, such as 'naturally sun-dried' or 'oven-dried'; must not declare as 'roasted' or 'steamed'.
⚠️ Declaring as 'roasted', which may lead to classification as other processed products.
Packaging Specifications
Indicate retail packaging or bulk packaging, such as '1g/bottle' or '10kg/carton'.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'bulk', making it impossible to determine if it is retail packaging.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Ignoring the brand, leading to intellectual property issues.
Origin
Indicate the country or region of origin, such as 'Iran' or 'Spain'.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in the processing country instead of the country of origin.
Ingredient Content
Declare the purity of saffron, such as '100% saffron', must not contain other additives.
⚠️ Adding other substances without declaration, leading to classification errors.
Misreporting saffron as 'safflower' (false saffron), which is classified under 1211, leading to classification errors.
Not distinguishing between retail packaging and bulk packaging, which may affect subheading determination, but 091020 is not subdivided, still should be accurately declared.
Declaring as 'medicinal saffron' may be misclassified under Chapter 30, but if used as a seasoning, it should still be classified under 091020.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: The product must be dried stigmas of the Crocus genus, whether whole or powdered, used for seasoning or food. If it is another plant (such as safflower) or has added other substances, it is not classified under this code. Also, confirm that it has not undergone further processing (such as extraction), otherwise it may be classified under other chapters. 091010 Ginger: Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiberaceae plants, while saffron is the stigma of Iridaceae plants, with different sources and forms. 091030 Turmeric: Turmeric is the rhizome of Zingiberaceae plants, appearing as yellow powder, distinctly different from the red stigmas of saffron. 121190 Other medicinal plants: Medicinal plants such as safflower are classified under 1211, while saffron as a seasoning is classified under 0910. 130219 Plant juices and extracts: Saffron extract is classified under 1302, while raw saffron is classified under 0910. 210390 Other seasonings: Mixed seasonings are classified under 2103, while pure saffron is classified under 0910. Is it dried stigmas of the Crocus genus? Is it used for seasoning or food? Has it not been extracted or mixed? Is it distinguished from safflower? Does packaging affect classification?
Basis
Core basis for classification: The product must be dried stigmas of the Crocus genus, whether whole or powdered, used for seasoning or food. If it is another plant (such as safflower) or has added other substances, it is not classified under this code. Also, confirm that it has not undergone further processing (such as extraction), otherwise it may be classified under other chapters.
Confused Codes：
091010 - Ginger
Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiberaceae plants, while saffron is the stigma of Iridaceae plants, with different sources and forms.
091030 - Turmeric
Turmeric is the rhizome of Zingiberaceae plants, appearing as yellow powder, distinctly different from the red stigmas of saffron.
121190 - Other medicinal plants
Medicinal plants such as safflower are classified under 1211, while saffron as a seasoning is classified under 0910.
130219 - Plant juices and extracts
Saffron extract is classified under 1302, while raw saffron is classified under 0910.
210390 - Other seasonings
Mixed seasonings are classified under 2103, while pure saffron is classified under 0910.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it dried stigmas of the Crocus genus?
✓ Is it used for seasoning or food?
✓ Has it not been extracted or mixed?
✓ Is it distinguished from safflower?
✓ Does packaging affect classification?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between saffron and safflower? Saffron (Crocus sativus) is classified under 091020, while safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is usually classified under 121190 as a medicinal plant. They have different plant sources: saffron is Iridaceae, safflower is Asteraceae, and their uses and prices differ greatly, so accurate distinction is needed when declaring. Are the HS codes for saffron powder and whole stigmas the same? Yes, both are classified under 091020. The HS code does not distinguish form; as long as they are dried stigmas of the Crocus genus, whether whole or powdered, they are classified under the same subheading. However, the form must be declared for customs inspection. If saffron is used for medicinal purposes, is it classified under Chapter 30? Not necessarily. If saffron is only used as a medicinal raw material and not made into medicine, it is usually still classified under 091020. Only after further processing into medicines (such as tablets, capsules) is it classified under Chapter 30. Classification depends on the state and use of the goods. What declaration elements are required for importing saffron? Need to declare product name, type, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, origin, ingredient content, etc. Refer to the customs standard declaration catalog to ensure accurate filling and avoid rejection or penalties due to inaccurate declaration. How to check the import tariff rate for saffron? Tariff rates change; check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or consult a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different agreement rates, such as Iranian saffron may apply MFN rate or agreement rate. Does saffron classified under 091020 mean all saffron products are duty-free? No. HS codes are only for classification; tariff rates are determined by each country's customs according to policy. Saffron may involve tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax; specific rates need to be checked in the latest customs tariff schedule. Is the HS code different for cross-border e-commerce retail import of saffron? Cross-border e-commerce retail import also uses 091020, but must comply with the cross-border e-commerce retail import commodity list. If on the list, it can be declared according to cross-border e-commerce policy; otherwise, it must be imported under general trade. How to avoid misclassification of saffron under other codes when declaring? Focus on confirming the botanical name (Crocus sativus), form (stigmas), use (seasoning). Provide clear pictures and detailed descriptions; if necessary, apply for pre-classification to ensure classification under 091020.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between saffron and safflower?
A: Saffron (Crocus sativus) is classified under 091020, while safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is usually classified under 121190 as a medicinal plant. They have different plant sources: saffron is Iridaceae, safflower is Asteraceae, and their uses and prices differ greatly, so accurate distinction is needed when declaring.
Q: Are the HS codes for saffron powder and whole stigmas the same?
A: Yes, both are classified under 091020. The HS code does not distinguish form; as long as they are dried stigmas of the Crocus genus, whether whole or powdered, they are classified under the same subheading. However, the form must be declared for customs inspection.
Q: If saffron is used for medicinal purposes, is it classified under Chapter 30?
A: Not necessarily. If saffron is only used as a medicinal raw material and not made into medicine, it is usually still classified under 091020. Only after further processing into medicines (such as tablets, capsules) is it classified under Chapter 30. Classification depends on the state and use of the goods.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing saffron?
A: Need to declare product name, type, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, origin, ingredient content, etc. Refer to the customs standard declaration catalog to ensure accurate filling and avoid rejection or penalties due to inaccurate declaration.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for saffron?
A: Tariff rates change; check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or consult a customs broker. Note that different countries of origin may apply different agreement rates, such as Iranian saffron may apply MFN rate or agreement rate.
Q: Does saffron classified under 091020 mean all saffron products are duty-free?
A: No. HS codes are only for classification; tariff rates are determined by each country's customs according to policy. Saffron may involve tariffs, value-added tax, and consumption tax; specific rates need to be checked in the latest customs tariff schedule.
Q: Is the HS code different for cross-border e-commerce retail import of saffron?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail import also uses 091020, but must comply with the cross-border e-commerce retail import commodity list. If on the list, it can be declared according to cross-border e-commerce policy; otherwise, it must be imported under general trade.
Q: How to avoid misclassification of saffron under other codes when declaring?
A: Focus on confirming the botanical name (Crocus sativus), form (stigmas), use (seasoning). Provide clear pictures and detailed descriptions; if necessary, apply for pre-classification to ensure classification under 091020.
⚠️ 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.