HS Code: 091610
Unpolished cinnamon
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. Specifically includes coffee (0901), tea (0902), maté (0903), pepper (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg (0908), other spices (0909-0910) and mixed spices (0910). Goods of this chapter are mainly used for food seasoning or as beverage ingredients. When classifying, attention should be paid to the degree of processing (unmilled/milled) and whether they are mixed.
Heading
Heading 0916 includes only unmilled cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) and its varieties, as well as unmilled cinnamon bark. It does not include milled cinnamon (classified under 0906.20) or mixtures of cinnamon with other spices (classified under 0910). This heading is further subdivided into subheadings based on source and form.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: indicates Chapter 9, covering coffee, tea, spices. Digits 3-4, 16: indicates heading 0916, specifically referring to unmilled cinnamon. Digits 5-6, 10: subheading 0916.10, specifically unmilled cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume). Full code 0916.10, i.e., unmilled cinnamon.
Classification Basis
The goods are unmilled cinnamon, not mixed with other substances, and are the bark of the genus Cinnamomum, meeting the description of 0916.10. If milled, they would be classified under 0906.20; if mixed with other spices, under 0910; if extracts or preparations of cinnamon, possibly under other chapters.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as "unmilled cinnamon" or "cinnamon bark (unmilled)". Avoid using the general term "spice".
⚠️ Declaring only as "cinnamon" or "cassia" without indicating "unmilled" status.
Ingredients
Describe the ingredients of the goods, such as pure cinnamon bark, or whether other added substances are present, with percentages noted.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether other substances such as sugar or starch are mixed in.
Processing Method
Describe the processing method, such as "unmilled", "dried", "cut", etc., clarifying whether it has been milled.
⚠️ Misreporting "crushed" as "unmilled"; crushing may actually change the classification.
State
The physical state of the goods, such as whole pieces, flakes, strips, etc., which should correspond to the processing method.
⚠️ Declaring powdered goods as unmilled, leading to classification errors.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, declare "no brand".
⚠️ Omitting brand declaration, or brand inconsistent with actual.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging type and specifications, such as "25kg/bag", "carton" etc., which affect inspection and classification.
⚠️ Unclear packaging specification declaration, such as only writing "bagged".
Use
Describe the use of the goods, such as "food seasoning", "medicinal" etc. Different uses may affect regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Use declaration too broad, such as "industrial use".
Example:
Customs declaration example: Product Name: Unmilled Cinnamon Ingredients: 100% cinnamon bark Processing Method: Unmilled, dried State: Whole pieces Brand: No brand Packaging Specifications: 25kg/bag Use: Food seasoning HS Code: 0916.10.00
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
Core classification criteria: 1. The goods must be the bark of the genus Cinnamomum; 2. Must be unmilled (not ground); 3. Not mixed with other spices. If the above conditions are met, classify under 0916.10. If milled, classify under 0906.20; if mixed, under 0910.
Confused Codes:
0906.20 - Milled Cinnamon
0906.20 is milled cinnamon, while 0916.10 is unmilled cinnamon. The key difference is whether it has been milled.
0910.99 - Other Spice Mixtures
0910.99 is for mixed spices; if cinnamon is mixed with other spices, it is classified under this code.
0906.11 - Unmilled Ceylon Cinnamon
0906.11 is unmilled Ceylon cinnamon, while 0916.10 is other unmilled cinnamon. The difference lies in the cinnamon variety.
1211.90 - Other Plant Products
1211.90 includes other medicinal or aromatic plants; if cinnamon does not meet the conditions of 0916, it may be classified here.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How to query the HS code for unmilled cinnamon?
A: You can use the customs tariff or HS code query tools, enter the keyword "unmilled cinnamon", or search by chapter 09, heading 16, subheading 10 step by step. Note to confirm the goods state is unmilled.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between unmilled and milled cinnamon?
A: Unmilled cinnamon is classified under 0916.10, milled cinnamon under 0906.20. The difference lies in the processing state; milling changes the classification.
Q: If cinnamon is mixed with other spices, which code should it be classified under?
A: If cinnamon is mixed with other spices, it is usually classified under 0910.99 (other spice mixtures), not 0916.10.
Q: What declaration elements are required when declaring unmilled cinnamon?
A: Product name, ingredients, processing method, state, brand, packaging specifications, use, etc. are required. Emphasize the "unmilled" status.
Q: How to query the tax rate for unmilled cinnamon?
A: Tax rates can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website or tariff query system by entering HS code 0916.10. Rates may change; refer to the latest announcements.
Q: How should cross-border e-commerce sales of unmilled cinnamon be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual goods, provide complete declaration elements, and ensure compliance with the importing country's requirements. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for unmilled cinnamon?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country and may involve food, plant quarantine, etc. Relevant regulations of the importing country need to be queried.
Q: How to distinguish Ceylon cinnamon from other cinnamon?
A: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is classified under 0906.11, other cinnamon under 0916.10. Identification can be made by appearance, aroma, etc.
⚠️ 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.