Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, mainly including coffee and its products, various types of tea, maté, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, bay leaves, thyme, saffron, thyme and other spices, as well as mixed seasonings allowed by the notes to this chapter. Goods in this chapter are mostly primary plant-based agricultural products or simply processed products, used for food seasoning, beverage brewing or spice purposes. Heading 0912 covers spices not elsewhere specified, including licorice, hops, angelica, ginseng, gentian, and other plant-based seasonings. Specifically including: licorice (0912.10), hops (0912.20), other spices (0912.30-0912.90). Goods under this heading are usually not ground or crushed, maintaining their original plant form, used for extracting active ingredients, food seasoning or medicinal purposes. First 2 digits 09: indicates Chapter 9, namely coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4 12: indicates heading 0912, namely spices not elsewhere specified, including licorice, hops, etc. Digits 5-6 10: indicates subheading 0912.10, specifically referring to licorice not ground. Therefore, 091210 completely represents "licorice not ground", namely licorice root or licorice extract raw material that has not been ground or crushed. Licorice not ground is classified under 091210 because it belongs to the scope of Chapter 9 spices, and the unground state conforms to the subheading description. If licorice has been ground or crushed, it should be classified under 0912.20 or 0912.90? Actually ground licorice is classified under 0912.20? According to HS notes, 0912.10 is licorice not ground, ground licorice is classified under 0912.20? Need to verify: 0912.10 is licorice not ground, 0912.20 is licorice ground? But in actual HS codes, 0912.20 is hops, 0912.30-0912.90 are other spices. Ground licorice should be classified under 0912.90? According to chapter notes, licorice whether ground or not is classified under 0912.10? Consult HS: 0912.10 is licorice, including unground and ground? But the subheading text is "licorice not ground", ground licorice should be classified under 0912.90? Actually according to HS 2022 version, 0912.10 is licorice not ground, 0912.20 is licorice ground? Incorrect. Correct: 0912.10 is licorice not ground, 0912.20 is licorice ground? But 0912.20 is hops. So ground licorice should be classified under 0912.90? According to customs tariff, 0912.10 is licorice, 0912.20 is hops, 0912.30-0912.90 are others. Therefore, ground licorice is classified under 0912.90. So licorice not ground is classified under 091210, while ground licorice is classified under 091290.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, mainly including coffee and its products, various types of tea, maté, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, bay leaves, thyme, saffron, thyme and other spices, as well as mixed seasonings allowed by the notes to this chapter. Goods in this chapter are mostly primary plant-based agricultural products or simply processed products, used for food seasoning, beverage brewing or spice purposes.
Heading
Heading 0912 covers spices not elsewhere specified, including licorice, hops, angelica, ginseng, gentian, and other plant-based seasonings. Specifically including: licorice (0912.10), hops (0912.20), other spices (0912.30-0912.90). Goods under this heading are usually not ground or crushed, maintaining their original plant form, used for extracting active ingredients, food seasoning or medicinal purposes.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: indicates Chapter 9, namely coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4 12: indicates heading 0912, namely spices not elsewhere specified, including licorice, hops, etc. Digits 5-6 10: indicates subheading 0912.10, specifically referring to licorice not ground. Therefore, 091210 completely represents "licorice not ground", namely licorice root or licorice extract raw material that has not been ground or crushed.
Classification Basis
Licorice not ground is classified under 091210 because it belongs to the scope of Chapter 9 spices, and the unground state conforms to the subheading description. If licorice has been ground or crushed, it should be classified under 0912.20 or 0912.90? Actually ground licorice is classified under 0912.20? According to HS notes, 0912.10 is licorice not ground, ground licorice is classified under 0912.20? Need to verify: 0912.10 is licorice not ground, 0912.20 is licorice ground? But in actual HS codes, 0912.20 is hops, 0912.30-0912.90 are other spices. Ground licorice should be classified under 0912.90? According to chapter notes, licorice whether ground or not is classified under 0912.10? Consult HS: 0912.10 is licorice, including unground and ground? But the subheading text is "licorice not ground", ground licorice should be classified under 0912.90? Actually according to HS 2022 version, 0912.10 is licorice not ground, 0912.20 is licorice ground? Incorrect. Correct: 0912.10 is licorice not ground, 0912.20 is licorice ground? But 0912.20 is hops. So ground licorice should be classified under 0912.90? According to customs tariff, 0912.10 is licorice, 0912.20 is hops, 0912.30-0912.90 are others. Therefore, ground licorice is classified under 0912.90. So licorice not ground is classified under 091210, while ground licorice is classified under 091290.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, should indicate "licorice not ground" or "licorice (unground)", avoid using common names. State: Describe whether the commodity has been ground, crushed, cut or otherwise processed, must specify "unground" or "whole root/sliced". Use: Explain the use of licorice, such as food seasoning, medicinal raw material, extract raw material, etc. Composition: Indicate the main components of licorice, such as glycyrrhizic acid content, moisture, ash, etc. Packaging Specifications: Indicate the packaging method, such as gunny bags, cartons, bulk, etc., and the weight of each piece. Origin: Indicate the country/region where licorice is grown or collected, such as Xinjiang China, Iran, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none". Product Name: Licorice not ground; State: whole root, unground; Use: food seasoning raw material; Composition: glycyrrhizic acid ≥2%, moisture ≤12%; Packaging Specifications: gunny bag, 50 kg per bag; Origin: Xinjiang China; Brand: none. Misclassifying ground licorice under 091210, actually should be classified under 091290. Ignoring state description, not indicating "unground", leading to classification disputes. False declaration of use, such as actually used for medicinal purposes but declared as food use.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, should indicate "licorice not ground" or "licorice (unground)", avoid using common names.
⚠️ Misreporting as "licorice powder" or "licorice extract", leading to classification errors.
State
Describe whether the commodity has been ground, crushed, cut or otherwise processed, must specify "unground" or "whole root/sliced".
⚠️ Misreporting sliced licorice as unground, actually sliced licorice may still be classified as unground.
Use
Explain the use of licorice, such as food seasoning, medicinal raw material, extract raw material, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "edible", without distinguishing specific uses.
Composition
Indicate the main components of licorice, such as glycyrrhizic acid content, moisture, ash, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring component content, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to deep processing.
Packaging Specifications
Indicate the packaging method, such as gunny bags, cartons, bulk, etc., and the weight of each piece.
Indicate the country/region where licorice is grown or collected, such as Xinjiang China, Iran, etc.
⚠️ Vague origin filling, such as "Middle East".
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with actual, or missing brand declaration.
Example： Product Name: Licorice not ground; State: whole root, unground; Use: food seasoning raw material; Composition: glycyrrhizic acid ≥2%, moisture ≤12%; Packaging Specifications: gunny bag, 50 kg per bag; Origin: Xinjiang China; Brand: none.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying ground licorice under 091210, actually should be classified under 091290.
Ignoring state description, not indicating "unground", leading to classification disputes.
False declaration of use, such as actually used for medicinal purposes but declared as food use.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the subheading text of HS code 091210 "licorice not ground", as well as Chapter 9 notes and the scope of heading 0912. Licorice not ground refers to licorice root that has not been ground or crushed, whether sliced or cut, as long as it is not ground into powder, it is classified under this code. If licorice has been ground or crushed, it is classified under 091290 (other spices). In addition, if licorice is used for medicine and has undergone extraction or other processing, it may be classified under Chapter 30. 091290 Other spices: 091290 covers ground licorice and other spices not elsewhere specified, while 091210 is limited to licorice not ground. The core difference lies in whether it is ground. 121190 Other plant products: 121190 includes plants used for spices, medicines, insecticides, etc., but if licorice is unground and used for seasoning, it should be preferentially classified under 091210. 130219 Plant saps and extracts: 130219 covers licorice extract, while 091210 is licorice raw material not ground, not extracted. 300390 Other pharmaceuticals: 300390 includes medicaments in measured doses, if licorice is used for medicinal purposes and has been processed, it may be classified here, but licorice not ground is still classified under 091210. Is the commodity not ground or crushed? Is it used for seasoning, food or as extraction raw material? Does it maintain the original form of licorice? Has it not undergone extraction or deep processing? Does it not belong to pharmaceuticals or cosmetics?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the subheading text of HS code 091210 "licorice not ground", as well as Chapter 9 notes and the scope of heading 0912. Licorice not ground refers to licorice root that has not been ground or crushed, whether sliced or cut, as long as it is not ground into powder, it is classified under this code. If licorice has been ground or crushed, it is classified under 091290 (other spices). In addition, if licorice is used for medicine and has undergone extraction or other processing, it may be classified under Chapter 30.
Confused Codes：
091290 - Other spices
091290 covers ground licorice and other spices not elsewhere specified, while 091210 is limited to licorice not ground. The core difference lies in whether it is ground.
121190 - Other plant products
121190 includes plants used for spices, medicines, insecticides, etc., but if licorice is unground and used for seasoning, it should be preferentially classified under 091210.
130219 - Plant saps and extracts
130219 covers licorice extract, while 091210 is licorice raw material not ground, not extracted.
300390 - Other pharmaceuticals
300390 includes medicaments in measured doses, if licorice is used for medicinal purposes and has been processed, it may be classified here, but licorice not ground is still classified under 091210.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the commodity not ground or crushed?
✓ Is it used for seasoning, food or as extraction raw material?
✓ Does it maintain the original form of licorice?
✓ Has it not undergone extraction or deep processing?
✓ Does it not belong to pharmaceuticals or cosmetics?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between licorice not ground and ground licorice? Licorice not ground is classified under 091210, ground licorice is classified under 091290. The difference lies in whether it has been ground or crushed. Licorice not ground includes whole roots, slices, cut but not ground licorice; ground licorice refers to licorice ground into powder or fine powder. The state must be accurately described when declaring. Which code should sliced licorice be classified under? If sliced licorice has not been ground, it still belongs to licorice not ground, classified under 091210. Slicing is not grinding, therefore it does not affect classification. But if after slicing it is further ground into powder, it is classified under 091290. How to check the import tariff rate for licorice not ground? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or consult a customs broker. Usually information such as HS code, country of origin, and trade mode is required. What are common errors in the declaration elements for licorice not ground? Common errors include: not indicating "unground" state, overly vague use filling, missing component content, incomplete packaging specifications, vague origin filling, etc. These errors may lead to customs rejection or classification disputes. Which HS code should licorice extract be classified under? Licorice extract is usually classified under 130219 (plant saps and extracts), because it has undergone extraction processing and has exceeded the scope of Chapter 9. If the extract is used for pharmaceuticals, it may be classified under Chapter 30. From which countries importing licorice not ground requires attention to tariff quotas? Some countries may impose tariff quotas or special tariffs on licorice. It is recommended to check the annual tariff adjustment plan issued by the General Administration of Customs, or consult a professional customs broker to understand whether the country of origin applies agreement rates. What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for licorice not ground? Importing licorice not ground requires compliance with plant quarantine requirements, and may require certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate, etc. Specific requirements depend on the General Administration of Customs and the importing country, it is recommended to confirm with a customs broker in advance. What code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail import of licorice not ground? Cross-border e-commerce retail import also uses HS code 091210. However, attention should be paid to cross-border e-commerce positive list restrictions, as well as reasonable quantities for personal use. Information such as order, payment, and logistics must be provided when declaring.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between licorice not ground and ground licorice?
A: Licorice not ground is classified under 091210, ground licorice is classified under 091290. The difference lies in whether it has been ground or crushed. Licorice not ground includes whole roots, slices, cut but not ground licorice; ground licorice refers to licorice ground into powder or fine powder. The state must be accurately described when declaring.
Q: Which code should sliced licorice be classified under?
A: If sliced licorice has not been ground, it still belongs to licorice not ground, classified under 091210. Slicing is not grinding, therefore it does not affect classification. But if after slicing it is further ground into powder, it is classified under 091290.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for licorice not ground?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and annual adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or consult a customs broker. Usually information such as HS code, country of origin, and trade mode is required.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for licorice not ground?
A: Common errors include: not indicating "unground" state, overly vague use filling, missing component content, incomplete packaging specifications, vague origin filling, etc. These errors may lead to customs rejection or classification disputes.
Q: Which HS code should licorice extract be classified under?
A: Licorice extract is usually classified under 130219 (plant saps and extracts), because it has undergone extraction processing and has exceeded the scope of Chapter 9. If the extract is used for pharmaceuticals, it may be classified under Chapter 30.
Q: From which countries importing licorice not ground requires attention to tariff quotas?
A: Some countries may impose tariff quotas or special tariffs on licorice. It is recommended to check the annual tariff adjustment plan issued by the General Administration of Customs, or consult a professional customs broker to understand whether the country of origin applies agreement rates.
Q: What are the inspection and quarantine requirements for licorice not ground?
A: Importing licorice not ground requires compliance with plant quarantine requirements, and may require certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate, etc. Specific requirements depend on the General Administration of Customs and the importing country, it is recommended to confirm with a customs broker in advance.
Q: What code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail import of licorice not ground?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail import also uses HS code 091210. However, attention should be paid to cross-border e-commerce positive list restrictions, as well as reasonable quantities for personal use. Information such as order, payment, and logistics must be provided when declaring.
⚠️ 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.