Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. It includes coffee beans, coffee husks, tea, maté, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, etc. These goods may be unprocessed, primary processed or mixed, but generally belong to food or beverage raw materials. This chapter does not include sugar, cocoa, cereals, etc., nor does it include essential oils, balms and other chemical products. Heading 0911 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices, whether crushed or ground. Specifically includes: ginger (crushed or ground), saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices not elsewhere specified. These goods may be whole, sliced, crushed or powdered, but must not undergo further processing (such as being made into seasoning sauce). First 2 digits 09: indicates Chapter 9, i.e., coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4, 11: indicates heading 0911, i.e., ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices. Digits 5-6, 20: indicates subheading 091120, i.e., ground ginger. Among them, the 5th digit 2 indicates the ginger category, and the 6th digit 0 indicates ground. Therefore, 091120 specifically refers to ground ginger, i.e., the product of ginger ground into powder form. Ground ginger is a powdered product of ginger and should be classified under heading 0911. Since ginger is separately listed in heading 0911, and the ground state is clearly distinguished by subheading 091120, it is not classified as unground ginger (091110) or other spices (such as 091130 saffron). At the same time, ground ginger is not turmeric (091130) or curry (091190), because turmeric is a different plant and curry is a mixed seasoning.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. It includes coffee beans, coffee husks, tea, maté, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, etc. These goods may be unprocessed, primary processed or mixed, but generally belong to food or beverage raw materials. This chapter does not include sugar, cocoa, cereals, etc., nor does it include essential oils, balms and other chemical products.
Heading
Heading 0911 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices, whether crushed or ground. Specifically includes: ginger (crushed or ground), saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices not elsewhere specified. These goods may be whole, sliced, crushed or powdered, but must not undergo further processing (such as being made into seasoning sauce).
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: indicates Chapter 9, i.e., coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4, 11: indicates heading 0911, i.e., ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices. Digits 5-6, 20: indicates subheading 091120, i.e., ground ginger. Among them, the 5th digit 2 indicates the ginger category, and the 6th digit 0 indicates ground. Therefore, 091120 specifically refers to ground ginger, i.e., the product of ginger ground into powder form.
Classification Basis
Ground ginger is a powdered product of ginger and should be classified under heading 0911. Since ginger is separately listed in heading 0911, and the ground state is clearly distinguished by subheading 091120, it is not classified as unground ginger (091110) or other spices (such as 091130 saffron). At the same time, ground ginger is not turmeric (091130) or curry (091190), because turmeric is a different plant and curry is a mixed seasoning.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should state "ground ginger" or "ginger powder", avoiding vague general terms. State: Describe the physical state of the ginger, such as powder, granules, etc. Ground ginger is usually in powder form. Ingredients: List the main ingredients, such as pure ginger powder or mixed with other ingredients; if mixed, indicate the proportions. Processing method: Describe the processing technique, such as drying, grinding, etc. Ground ginger must undergo a grinding process. Packaging specifications: State the packaging form and net weight, such as bagged, boxed, and how many grams per package. Use: Explain the use, such as food seasoning, medicinal use, industrial raw material, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Origin: State the country/region where the ginger is grown or produced, which affects tariffs and trade policy. Product name: Ground ginger (ginger powder); State: powder; Ingredients: 100% ginger powder; Processing method: dried then ground; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag; Use: food seasoning; Brand: none; Origin: China. Mistakenly classifying ground ginger as unground ginger (091110), resulting in classification error. Ignoring the processing method among the declaration elements and failing to state the "grinding" process. Mixed ginger powder (such as with other spices added) is not classified according to the rules and may be classified under 091190 or 2103.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should state "ground ginger" or "ginger powder", avoiding vague general terms.
⚠️ Writing only "ginger" or "seasoning", without clarifying the ground state.
State
Describe the physical state of the ginger, such as powder, granules, etc. Ground ginger is usually in powder form.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "unground" or "whole ginger".
Ingredients
List the main ingredients, such as pure ginger powder or mixed with other ingredients; if mixed, indicate the proportions.
⚠️ Failing to state whether other substances (such as starch or anti-caking agents) have been added.
Processing method
Describe the processing technique, such as drying, grinding, etc. Ground ginger must undergo a grinding process.
⚠️ Omitting the grinding step and incorrectly declaring it as simple drying.
Packaging specifications
State the packaging form and net weight, such as bagged, boxed, and how many grams per package.
⚠️ Failing to provide net weight or packaging unit, leading to customs queries.
Use
Explain the use, such as food seasoning, medicinal use, industrial raw material, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "for food".
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ The brand does not match the actual goods or is not declared.
Origin
State the country/region where the ginger is grown or produced, which affects tariffs and trade policy.
Mistakenly classifying ground ginger as unground ginger (091110), resulting in classification error.
Ignoring the processing method among the declaration elements and failing to state the "grinding" process.
Mixed ginger powder (such as with other spices added) is not classified according to the rules and may be classified under 091190 or 2103.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the essential nature and processing state of the commodity. Ground ginger is a powdered product of ginger, and its classification basis is the notes to Chapter 09 of the HS code and the text of heading 0911. According to the Import and Export Tariff, ginger (crushed or ground) is classified under 0911, and ground ginger is specifically identified by subheading 091120. If ginger undergoes further processing (such as being made into ginger paste or ginger juice), it may be classified under other chapters (such as 2103). When classifying, it is necessary to confirm whether the commodity is only ground, with no other substances added, and without changing the basic characteristics of ginger. 091110 Unground ginger: Unground ginger refers to ginger that has not been ground, such as whole, sliced, or crushed but not powdered; ground ginger is in powder form. The two have different processing states and are classified under different subheadings. 091130 Turmeric: Turmeric is another plant (Curcuma longa); although it is a powder, it is classified under 091130; ground ginger is the powder of ginger (Zingiber officinale), and the plant species is different. 091190 Other spices: 091190 covers other spices not elsewhere specified, such as mixed spices; ground ginger is classified under 091120 with priority because it is specifically named. 210390 Other seasonings: 210390 includes seasoning sauces, mixed seasonings, etc. If ground ginger is further processed into seasoning sauce, it is classified under this code; simply ground ginger powder remains under 091120. 121190 Other vegetable products: 121190 includes vegetable products mainly used as spices, medicines, etc., but ginger is specifically named under 0911, so it is not classified under 121190. Is the commodity a powdered product of ginger? Has it undergone grinding processing, rather than only drying or crushing? Has no other substance been added (such as starch or anti-caking agents)? Has it not been further processed into seasoning sauce or ginger juice? Is the botanical variety ginger (Zingiber officinale)?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the essential nature and processing state of the commodity. Ground ginger is a powdered product of ginger, and its classification basis is the notes to Chapter 09 of the HS code and the text of heading 0911. According to the Import and Export Tariff, ginger (crushed or ground) is classified under 0911, and ground ginger is specifically identified by subheading 091120. If ginger undergoes further processing (such as being made into ginger paste or ginger juice), it may be classified under other chapters (such as 2103). When classifying, it is necessary to confirm whether the commodity is only ground, with no other substances added, and without changing the basic characteristics of ginger.
Confused Codes：
091110 - Unground ginger
Unground ginger refers to ginger that has not been ground, such as whole, sliced, or crushed but not powdered; ground ginger is in powder form. The two have different processing states and are classified under different subheadings.
091130 - Turmeric
Turmeric is another plant (Curcuma longa); although it is a powder, it is classified under 091130; ground ginger is the powder of ginger (Zingiber officinale), and the plant species is different.
091190 - Other spices
091190 covers other spices not elsewhere specified, such as mixed spices; ground ginger is classified under 091120 with priority because it is specifically named.
210390 - Other seasonings
210390 includes seasoning sauces, mixed seasonings, etc. If ground ginger is further processed into seasoning sauce, it is classified under this code; simply ground ginger powder remains under 091120.
121190 - Other vegetable products
121190 includes vegetable products mainly used as spices, medicines, etc., but ginger is specifically named under 0911, so it is not classified under 121190.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity a powdered product of ginger?
✓ Has it undergone grinding processing, rather than only drying or crushing?
✓ Has no other substance been added (such as starch or anti-caking agents)?
✓ Has it not been further processed into seasoning sauce or ginger juice?
✓ Is the botanical variety ginger (Zingiber officinale)?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the HS code for ground ginger? You can use the customs tariff query system or an HS code query website, enter the keyword "ground ginger" or "ginger powder", and the system will show 091120. You can also search level by level according to the commodity description: Chapter 09 → 0911 → 091120. It is recommended to confirm based on the actual state of the goods. What is the difference between the HS codes for ground ginger and unground ginger? Ground ginger is classified under 091120, and unground ginger is classified under 091110. The difference lies in the processing state: unground ginger includes whole, sliced, or crushed but not powdered; ground ginger is in powder form. The state must be accurately described during declaration to avoid classification errors. Are the HS codes for ginger powder and turmeric powder the same? No. Ginger powder (ground ginger) is classified under 091120, and turmeric powder is classified under 091130. The plant species are different: ginger is Zingiber officinale, and turmeric is Curcuma longa. Classification must be determined according to the actual variety. If an anti-caking agent is added to ground ginger, can it still be classified under 091120? If the added anti-caking agent does not change the basic characteristics of ginger and the amount added is very small, it is usually still classified under 091120. However, if the additive makes the product a mixed seasoning, it may be classified under 091190 or 210390. It is recommended to judge based on the proportion of the additive and the use. What are the declaration elements for ground ginger? Declaration elements include product name, state, ingredients, processing method, packaging specifications, use, brand, origin, etc. They must be filled in in detail; in particular, the processing method should state "grinding", and the ingredients should state pure ginger powder or mixed ingredients. How can I check the import tariff rate for ground ginger? Tariff rates change. You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs or a tariff query platform, enter HS code 091120 and the country of origin, and check the latest MFN rate, general rate, or agreement rate. You may also consult a customs broker or customs. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting ground ginger? Exporting ground ginger usually requires compliance with the food standards of the destination country and may require providing a health certificate, certificate of origin, etc. Specific regulatory conditions vary by country. It is recommended to check China Customs export regulatory conditions and the destination import requirements. How are the HS codes for ground ginger and curry powder distinguished? Ground ginger is pure ginger powder and is classified under 091120; curry powder is a mixed spice and is classified under 091190. If curry powder has a high ginger content but is still a mixture, it is classified as curry. The key to distinction is whether other spices are mixed in.
Q: How can I check the HS code for ground ginger?
A: You can use the customs tariff query system or an HS code query website, enter the keyword "ground ginger" or "ginger powder", and the system will show 091120. You can also search level by level according to the commodity description: Chapter 09 → 0911 → 091120. It is recommended to confirm based on the actual state of the goods.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for ground ginger and unground ginger?
A: Ground ginger is classified under 091120, and unground ginger is classified under 091110. The difference lies in the processing state: unground ginger includes whole, sliced, or crushed but not powdered; ground ginger is in powder form. The state must be accurately described during declaration to avoid classification errors.
Q: Are the HS codes for ginger powder and turmeric powder the same?
A: No. Ginger powder (ground ginger) is classified under 091120, and turmeric powder is classified under 091130. The plant species are different: ginger is Zingiber officinale, and turmeric is Curcuma longa. Classification must be determined according to the actual variety.
Q: If an anti-caking agent is added to ground ginger, can it still be classified under 091120?
A: If the added anti-caking agent does not change the basic characteristics of ginger and the amount added is very small, it is usually still classified under 091120. However, if the additive makes the product a mixed seasoning, it may be classified under 091190 or 210390. It is recommended to judge based on the proportion of the additive and the use.
Q: What are the declaration elements for ground ginger?
A: Declaration elements include product name, state, ingredients, processing method, packaging specifications, use, brand, origin, etc. They must be filled in in detail; in particular, the processing method should state "grinding", and the ingredients should state pure ginger powder or mixed ingredients.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for ground ginger?
A: Tariff rates change. You can use the official website of the General Administration of Customs or a tariff query platform, enter HS code 091120 and the country of origin, and check the latest MFN rate, general rate, or agreement rate. You may also consult a customs broker or customs.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting ground ginger?
A: Exporting ground ginger usually requires compliance with the food standards of the destination country and may require providing a health certificate, certificate of origin, etc. Specific regulatory conditions vary by country. It is recommended to check China Customs export regulatory conditions and the destination import requirements.
Q: How are the HS codes for ground ginger and curry powder distinguished?
A: Ground ginger is pure ginger powder and is classified under 091120; curry powder is a mixed spice and is classified under 091190. If curry powder has a high ginger content but is still a mixture, it is classified as curry. The key to distinction is whether other spices are mixed in.
⚠️ 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.