Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including natural or processed plant products mainly used for food, beverages or flavoring purposes. This chapter includes coffee beans, tea leaves, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, etc. These commodities usually have pungent odors or flavors and are used for seasoning or medicinal purposes, but this chapter does not include pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Heading 0910 covers ginger, turmeric, curry and other spices. Specifically includes: ginger (unmilled or milled), turmeric, other spice mixtures (such as curry powder), as well as mustard seeds, mustard powder, etc. However, heading 0910 does not include: pepper (0904), chili peppers (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg (0908), star anise (0909) and other individually named spices. First 2 digits 09: belongs to Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, maté and spices'. Digits 3-4: 10: heading 0910, representing 'Ginger, turmeric, curry and other spices'. Digits 5-6: 30: subheading 091030, specifically 'Turmeric'. This subheading may be further subdivided (such as unmilled or milled), but the 6-digit code is already specified as turmeric. Note: turmeric is different from ginger (0910.10); turmeric is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa, while ginger is Zingiber officinale. Turmeric belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, but due to its unique chemical composition (curcumin) and uses (coloring, flavoring, medicinal), it is separately listed as a subheading. It is not classified under 0910.10 (ginger) because turmeric is not ginger; nor under 0910.20 (curry) because curry is a mixture; nor under Chapter 12 (oil seeds) or Chapter 13 (resins) because turmeric is a rhizome spice.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including natural or processed plant products mainly used for food, beverages or flavoring purposes. This chapter includes coffee beans, tea leaves, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, etc. These commodities usually have pungent odors or flavors and are used for seasoning or medicinal purposes, but this chapter does not include pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.
Heading
Heading 0910 covers ginger, turmeric, curry and other spices. Specifically includes: ginger (unmilled or milled), turmeric, other spice mixtures (such as curry powder), as well as mustard seeds, mustard powder, etc. However, heading 0910 does not include: pepper (0904), chili peppers (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg (0908), star anise (0909) and other individually named spices.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: belongs to Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, maté and spices'. Digits 3-4: 10: heading 0910, representing 'Ginger, turmeric, curry and other spices'. Digits 5-6: 30: subheading 091030, specifically 'Turmeric'. This subheading may be further subdivided (such as unmilled or milled), but the 6-digit code is already specified as turmeric. Note: turmeric is different from ginger (0910.10); turmeric is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa, while ginger is Zingiber officinale.
Classification Basis
Turmeric belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, but due to its unique chemical composition (curcumin) and uses (coloring, flavoring, medicinal), it is separately listed as a subheading. It is not classified under 0910.10 (ginger) because turmeric is not ginger; nor under 0910.20 (curry) because curry is a mixture; nor under Chapter 12 (oil seeds) or Chapter 13 (resins) because turmeric is a rhizome spice.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standardized Chinese or English names, such as 'turmeric', 'turmeric powder', 'Turmeric'. State: Indicate whether the turmeric is unmilled, milled or in powder form, and whether it has undergone other processing. Use: Indicate the use of turmeric, such as food seasoning, coloring, medicinal, cosmetic raw material, etc. Composition Content: Main components and content, such as curcumin content, moisture, ash, etc., which must be indicated for refined or extracted products. Packaging Specifications: Packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, boxed, net weight per package, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'None'. Origin: The country or region of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade agreements. Product Name: Turmeric powder; State: Milled; Use: Food seasoning and coloring; Composition Content: Curcumin 3%, moisture 10%, ash 7%; Packaging Specifications: 25 kg/bag; Brand: None; Origin: India. Mistakenly declaring turmeric as ginger, resulting in code 0910.10 instead of 0910.30. Failure to indicate whether milled, which may affect subheading subdivision and tax rates. Turmeric extracts (such as curcumin) should be classified under Chapter 13 or Chapter 29, not 0910.30.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should use standardized Chinese or English names, such as 'turmeric', 'turmeric powder', 'Turmeric'.
⚠️ Mistakenly written as 'ginger powder' or 'curry powder', leading to classification errors.
State
Indicate whether the turmeric is unmilled, milled or in powder form, and whether it has undergone other processing.
⚠️ Failure to indicate 'milled' or 'unmilled', affecting subheading subdivision.
Use
Indicate the use of turmeric, such as food seasoning, coloring, medicinal, cosmetic raw material, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in 'edible' without distinguishing specific uses.
Composition Content
Main components and content, such as curcumin content, moisture, ash, etc., which must be indicated for refined or extracted products.
⚠️ Failure to provide curcumin content, making it impossible to distinguish whether it belongs to extracts (classified under other chapters).
Packaging Specifications
Packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, boxed, net weight per package, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate net weight, affecting measurement units.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Ignoring the brand, leading to intellectual property issues.
Origin
The country or region of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ Inaccurate filling, resulting in preferential tax rates not being applicable.
Mistakenly declaring turmeric as ginger, resulting in code 0910.10 instead of 0910.30.
Failure to indicate whether milled, which may affect subheading subdivision and tax rates.
Turmeric extracts (such as curcumin) should be classified under Chapter 13 or Chapter 29, not 0910.30.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: Turmeric is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa, usually traded in dried rhizome or powder form. According to GIR 1, classification is based on the heading text. Heading 0910 explicitly lists 'turmeric', so it is classified under 0910.30. However, note: if turmeric has been extracted (such as curcumin), it may be classified under Chapter 13 (vegetable saps and extracts) or Chapter 29 (organic chemicals). In addition, if turmeric is used as a mixture (such as curry powder), it is classified under 0910.20. 0910.10 Ginger: Ginger is the fresh or dried rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Zingiber officinale, while turmeric is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa. They are botanically different, and curcumin is a unique component of turmeric. 0910.20 Curry: Curry is a mixture of multiple spices, usually containing turmeric, ginger, pepper, etc., while turmeric is a single spice. 0910.99 Other spices: Other spices include spices not individually named, such as mixed spices, while turmeric is already individually named. 1302.19 Vegetable extracts: Turmeric extracts (such as curcumin) are vegetable extracts classified under 1302, not 0910.30. 3203.00 Coloring matter: When turmeric is used as a coloring matter, if processed into a coloring product, it may be classified under 3203, but natural turmeric powder is still classified under 0910.30. Confirm whether the commodity is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa. Confirm whether it has been extracted or mixed. Confirm whether the state is unmilled, milled or powder. Confirm whether the use is for seasoning or coloring. Confirm packaging specifications and brand information.
Basis
Core basis for classification: Turmeric is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa, usually traded in dried rhizome or powder form. According to GIR 1, classification is based on the heading text. Heading 0910 explicitly lists 'turmeric', so it is classified under 0910.30. However, note: if turmeric has been extracted (such as curcumin), it may be classified under Chapter 13 (vegetable saps and extracts) or Chapter 29 (organic chemicals). In addition, if turmeric is used as a mixture (such as curry powder), it is classified under 0910.20.
Confused Codes：
0910.10 - Ginger
Ginger is the fresh or dried rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Zingiber officinale, while turmeric is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa. They are botanically different, and curcumin is a unique component of turmeric.
0910.20 - Curry
Curry is a mixture of multiple spices, usually containing turmeric, ginger, pepper, etc., while turmeric is a single spice.
0910.99 - Other spices
Other spices include spices not individually named, such as mixed spices, while turmeric is already individually named.
1302.19 - Vegetable extracts
Turmeric extracts (such as curcumin) are vegetable extracts classified under 1302, not 0910.30.
3203.00 - Coloring matter
When turmeric is used as a coloring matter, if processed into a coloring product, it may be classified under 3203, but natural turmeric powder is still classified under 0910.30.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae plant Curcuma longa.
✓ Confirm whether it has been extracted or mixed.
✓ Confirm whether the state is unmilled, milled or powder.
✓ Confirm whether the use is for seasoning or coloring.
✓ Confirm packaging specifications and brand information.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between turmeric and ginger in HS codes? Turmeric is classified under 0910.30, and ginger is classified under 0910.10. They are botanically different: turmeric is Curcuma longa, and ginger is Zingiber officinale. Turmeric contains curcumin, is yellow in color, and is often used for coloring and seasoning; ginger is usually used for cooking. Accurate distinction is required during declaration to avoid classification errors. Are the HS codes for turmeric powder and curry powder the same? No. Turmeric powder is a single spice classified under 0910.30; curry powder is a mixture of multiple spices classified under 0910.20. Even if curry powder contains a high proportion of turmeric, it is still classified as curry powder. Ingredients must be indicated during declaration for correct classification. Which HS code should turmeric extract be classified under? Turmeric extracts (such as curcumin) are usually classified under Chapter 13 (1302.19) or Chapter 29 (2914, etc.), depending on the chemical composition and purity of the extract. If it is simply turmeric powder, it is classified under 0910.30. Composition content and processing methods must be provided during declaration. How to check the import tariff rate for turmeric? First determine the HS code as 0910.30, then check the applicable tax rate based on the country of origin. The latest tax rates can be obtained through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that free trade agreement rates may differ, and a certificate of origin must be provided. What declaration elements are required when declaring turmeric? Usually required: product name, state (unmilled/milled), use, composition content, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs. It is recommended to prepare detailed information in advance to ensure accurate declaration. Is there a difference in HS codes for turmeric as a food additive versus as a spice? If turmeric is only used as a natural spice, it is classified under 0910.30. If it is further processed into a food additive (such as a coloring agent), it may be classified under Chapter 32 (3203) or Chapter 21. Judgment should be based on the processing technology and use. Can preferential tax rates be enjoyed when importing turmeric from India? China and India are both members of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, and agreement rates may apply. A certificate of origin (such as FORM B) must be provided and direct transport rules must be met. Please check the latest customs tariff for specific rates. How is a mixture of turmeric and ginger classified? If turmeric is mixed with other spices and the mixture is not individually named, it is usually classified under 0910.99 (other spices). However, if the mixture is curry, it is classified under 0910.20. Ingredients and proportions must be indicated during declaration.
Q: What is the difference between turmeric and ginger in HS codes?
A: Turmeric is classified under 0910.30, and ginger is classified under 0910.10. They are botanically different: turmeric is Curcuma longa, and ginger is Zingiber officinale. Turmeric contains curcumin, is yellow in color, and is often used for coloring and seasoning; ginger is usually used for cooking. Accurate distinction is required during declaration to avoid classification errors.
Q: Are the HS codes for turmeric powder and curry powder the same?
A: No. Turmeric powder is a single spice classified under 0910.30; curry powder is a mixture of multiple spices classified under 0910.20. Even if curry powder contains a high proportion of turmeric, it is still classified as curry powder. Ingredients must be indicated during declaration for correct classification.
Q: Which HS code should turmeric extract be classified under?
A: Turmeric extracts (such as curcumin) are usually classified under Chapter 13 (1302.19) or Chapter 29 (2914, etc.), depending on the chemical composition and purity of the extract. If it is simply turmeric powder, it is classified under 0910.30. Composition content and processing methods must be provided during declaration.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for turmeric?
A: First determine the HS code as 0910.30, then check the applicable tax rate based on the country of origin. The latest tax rates can be obtained through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that free trade agreement rates may differ, and a certificate of origin must be provided.
Q: What declaration elements are required when declaring turmeric?
A: Usually required: product name, state (unmilled/milled), use, composition content, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. Specific requirements are subject to customs. It is recommended to prepare detailed information in advance to ensure accurate declaration.
Q: Is there a difference in HS codes for turmeric as a food additive versus as a spice?
A: If turmeric is only used as a natural spice, it is classified under 0910.30. If it is further processed into a food additive (such as a coloring agent), it may be classified under Chapter 32 (3203) or Chapter 21. Judgment should be based on the processing technology and use.
Q: Can preferential tax rates be enjoyed when importing turmeric from India?
A: China and India are both members of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, and agreement rates may apply. A certificate of origin (such as FORM B) must be provided and direct transport rules must be met. Please check the latest customs tariff for specific rates.
Q: How is a mixture of turmeric and ginger classified?
A: If turmeric is mixed with other spices and the mixture is not individually named, it is usually classified under 0910.99 (other spices). However, if the mixture is curry, it is classified under 0910.20. Ingredients and proportions must be indicated during declaration.
⚠️ 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.