Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including coffee beans, tea, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mustard, etc. The goods in this chapter are mostly plant-based condiments used for food seasoning or beverages. Their processing states include unground, ground, unroasted, roasted, etc., and they are a common category of agricultural products in international trade. Heading 0914 includes mustard seeds, whether or not crushed (subheading 0914.10) and crushed mustard seeds and mustard powder (subheading 0914.20). Mustard seeds are the seeds of mustard plants in the Brassicaceae family, used to extract mustard oil or make condiments. The distinction between unground and ground lies in whether they have undergone grinding processing, which affects their subsequent use and classification. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9, "Coffee, tea, maté and spices"; digits 3-4, 14, represent heading 0914, "Mustard seeds and mustard powder", covering unground and ground mustard seeds; digits 5-6, 10, are the subheading, indicating "mustard seeds, whether or not crushed", that is, whole mustard seeds that have not been ground. If digits 5-6 are 20, then it is "crushed mustard seeds and mustard powder". This code has 6 digits in total and is used for customs tariff and statistics. Unground mustard seeds are classified under 0914.10 because they are mustard seeds and have not been ground. If ground into powder, they are classified under 0914.20; if they are other spices such as pepper, they are classified under 0904; if they are oil seeds, they may be classified under Chapter 12. Therefore, processing state and plant species are the key determining factors.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including coffee beans, tea, pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mustard, etc. The goods in this chapter are mostly plant-based condiments used for food seasoning or beverages. Their processing states include unground, ground, unroasted, roasted, etc., and they are a common category of agricultural products in international trade.
Heading
Heading 0914 includes mustard seeds, whether or not crushed (subheading 0914.10) and crushed mustard seeds and mustard powder (subheading 0914.20). Mustard seeds are the seeds of mustard plants in the Brassicaceae family, used to extract mustard oil or make condiments. The distinction between unground and ground lies in whether they have undergone grinding processing, which affects their subsequent use and classification.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9, "Coffee, tea, maté and spices"; digits 3-4, 14, represent heading 0914, "Mustard seeds and mustard powder", covering unground and ground mustard seeds; digits 5-6, 10, are the subheading, indicating "mustard seeds, whether or not crushed", that is, whole mustard seeds that have not been ground. If digits 5-6 are 20, then it is "crushed mustard seeds and mustard powder". This code has 6 digits in total and is used for customs tariff and statistics.
Classification Basis
Unground mustard seeds are classified under 0914.10 because they are mustard seeds and have not been ground. If ground into powder, they are classified under 0914.20; if they are other spices such as pepper, they are classified under 0904; if they are oil seeds, they may be classified under Chapter 12. Therefore, processing state and plant species are the key determining factors.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "unground mustard seeds", which must correspond to the HS code. Processing state: Indicate whether it has been ground, such as "unground" or "whole seeds". Use: Explain the use, such as "for condiment production", "for planting", etc. Ingredient content: Main ingredients and content, such as mustard seed purity, moisture, impurities, etc. Packaging specifications: Packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, bulk, net weight per package, etc. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, declare "none". Origin: Country or region of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade agreements. Product name: unground mustard seeds; Processing state: unground, whole seeds; Use: for condiment production; Ingredient content: mustard seed purity ≥99%, moisture ≤8%; Packaging specifications: 25 kg/bag, 100 bags in total; Brand: none; Origin: Canada. Misreporting unground mustard seeds as ground mustard powder, resulting in classification under 0914.20. Ignoring the description of processing state and declaring only "mustard seeds", which easily leads to classification disputes. Failure to provide key indicators such as moisture and impurities, which may affect inspection and quarantine requirements.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "unground mustard seeds", which must correspond to the HS code.
⚠️ Misreporting as "mustard powder" or "mustard seed powder", resulting in incorrect classification.
Processing state
Indicate whether it has been ground, such as "unground" or "whole seeds".
⚠️ Failing to specify the processing state and writing only "mustard seeds", which may be mistakenly classified as ground.
Use
Explain the use, such as "for condiment production", "for planting", etc.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as "for food", which may affect regulatory conditions.
Ingredient content
Main ingredients and content, such as mustard seed purity, moisture, impurities, etc.
⚠️ Failure to provide key indicators, such as moisture content, which may affect quality determination.
Packaging specifications
Packaging method and specifications, such as bagged, bulk, net weight per package, etc.
⚠️ Incomplete packaging description, such as only "bagged", lacking net weight.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, declare "none".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or falsely reporting "unbranded", leading to infringement risks.
Origin
Country or region of origin of the goods, affecting tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ False declaration of origin, such as misreporting as a third country.
Misreporting unground mustard seeds as ground mustard powder, resulting in classification under 0914.20.
Ignoring the description of processing state and declaring only "mustard seeds", which easily leads to classification disputes.
Failure to provide key indicators such as moisture and impurities, which may affect inspection and quarantine requirements.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Unground mustard seeds belong to heading 0914, subheading 0914.10, because they are mustard seeds and have not been ground. If ground, they are classified under 0914.20. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the product is mustard seeds rather than other spices or oil seeds. Processing state, plant species and use are the main determining factors. 0914.20 Crushed mustard seeds and mustard powder: Different processing state: 0914.20 is ground, 0914.10 is unground. Grinding changes the classification. 0904.11 Pepper, neither crushed nor ground: Different plant species: pepper belongs to the Piperaceae family, mustard seeds belong to the Brassicaceae family. The appearance and uses differ significantly. 1207.99 Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits: Different use: mustard seeds are mainly used as a condiment, while 1207 covers oil seeds used for oil extraction. 0910.99 Other spices: Different type: 0910 covers various mixed spices, while mustard seeds are a single spice and are specifically listed under 0914. Confirm whether the product is mustard seeds, not other seeds. Confirm whether it has been ground; only unground products are classified under 0914.10. Confirm whether the use is for seasoning, not for planting or oil extraction. Check the ingredient content to ensure no other substances are mixed in. Check the origin and brand to ensure accurate declaration.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Unground mustard seeds belong to heading 0914, subheading 0914.10, because they are mustard seeds and have not been ground. If ground, they are classified under 0914.20. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the product is mustard seeds rather than other spices or oil seeds. Processing state, plant species and use are the main determining factors.
Confused Codes：
0914.20 - Crushed mustard seeds and mustard powder
Different processing state: 0914.20 is ground, 0914.10 is unground. Grinding changes the classification.
0904.11 - Pepper, neither crushed nor ground
Different plant species: pepper belongs to the Piperaceae family, mustard seeds belong to the Brassicaceae family. The appearance and uses differ significantly.
1207.99 - Other oil seeds and oleaginous fruits
Different use: mustard seeds are mainly used as a condiment, while 1207 covers oil seeds used for oil extraction.
0910.99 - Other spices
Different type: 0910 covers various mixed spices, while mustard seeds are a single spice and are specifically listed under 0914.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the product is mustard seeds, not other seeds.
✓ Confirm whether it has been ground; only unground products are classified under 0914.10.
✓ Confirm whether the use is for seasoning, not for planting or oil extraction.
✓ Check the ingredient content to ensure no other substances are mixed in.
✓ Check the origin and brand to ensure accurate declaration.
❓ FAQ
How can I inquire about the HS code for unground mustard seeds? You can use the tariff inquiry system of the General Administration of Customs, enter the keyword "mustard seeds" or search by Chapter 09. After confirming that the processing state is unground, the corresponding code is 0914.10. You may also refer to the commodity description in the Import and Export Tariff. What is the difference between the HS codes for unground mustard seeds and ground mustard powder? Unground mustard seeds are classified under 0914.10, and ground mustard powder is classified under 0914.20. The difference lies in whether they have undergone grinding processing. Grinding changes the classification, and the processing state must be clearly stated when declaring. What regulatory conditions are required for importing mustard seeds? This depends on the country of origin and use, and may involve animal and plant quarantine, food hygiene, etc. It is recommended to check relevant announcements from the General Administration of Customs or consult a professional customs broker. What are common errors in the declaration elements for mustard seeds? Common errors include unclear description of processing state, vague use, and missing ingredient content. The product name, processing state, use, ingredients, packaging, brand and origin should be filled in in detail. Can mustard seeds be classified under Chapter 12? If mustard seeds are mainly used for oil extraction, they may be classified under Chapter 12. However, they are usually used as a condiment and should be classified under Chapter 09. Classification depends on the main use and processing state. How can mustard seeds and pepper be distinguished? Mustard seeds belong to the Brassicaceae family, are relatively small and spherical; pepper belongs to the Piperaceae family, is relatively large and has a wrinkled surface. Their HS codes are different: mustard seeds are 0914, and pepper is 0904. How can I inquire about the tariff rate for unground mustard seeds? Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the tariff inquiry system by entering HS code 0914.10. You may also refer to trade agreement rates. What should be noted when selling mustard seeds through cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to ensure that the goods comply with the food safety standards of the importing country, correctly declare the HS code and declaration elements, and avoid customs clearance delays or penalties caused by incorrect classification.
Q: How can I inquire about the HS code for unground mustard seeds?
A: You can use the tariff inquiry system of the General Administration of Customs, enter the keyword "mustard seeds" or search by Chapter 09. After confirming that the processing state is unground, the corresponding code is 0914.10. You may also refer to the commodity description in the Import and Export Tariff.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for unground mustard seeds and ground mustard powder?
A: Unground mustard seeds are classified under 0914.10, and ground mustard powder is classified under 0914.20. The difference lies in whether they have undergone grinding processing. Grinding changes the classification, and the processing state must be clearly stated when declaring.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for importing mustard seeds?
A: This depends on the country of origin and use, and may involve animal and plant quarantine, food hygiene, etc. It is recommended to check relevant announcements from the General Administration of Customs or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for mustard seeds?
A: Common errors include unclear description of processing state, vague use, and missing ingredient content. The product name, processing state, use, ingredients, packaging, brand and origin should be filled in in detail.
Q: Can mustard seeds be classified under Chapter 12?
A: If mustard seeds are mainly used for oil extraction, they may be classified under Chapter 12. However, they are usually used as a condiment and should be classified under Chapter 09. Classification depends on the main use and processing state.
Q: How can mustard seeds and pepper be distinguished?
A: Mustard seeds belong to the Brassicaceae family, are relatively small and spherical; pepper belongs to the Piperaceae family, is relatively large and has a wrinkled surface. Their HS codes are different: mustard seeds are 0914, and pepper is 0904.
Q: How can I inquire about the tariff rate for unground mustard seeds?
A: Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the tariff inquiry system by entering HS code 0914.10. You may also refer to trade agreement rates.
Q: What should be noted when selling mustard seeds through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to ensure that the goods comply with the food safety standards of the importing country, correctly declare the HS code and declaration elements, and avoid customs clearance delays or penalties caused by incorrect classification.
⚠️ 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.