Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, etc. These commodities are mostly tropical or subtropical plant products, mainly used as food seasonings or beverage ingredients. Within the chapter, they are subdivided by degree of processing (unmilled/milled) and variety, with the core of classification being botanical origin and processing state. This chapter does not include sugar, cocoa and other seasonings listed in other chapters. Heading 0917 covers cloves (whole, unmilled or milled) and clove stems, clove fruits, etc. Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree of the Myrtaceae family, which have a strong aroma after drying. This heading includes unmilled and milled cloves, but does not include clove essential oil (Chapter 33) or medicinal preparations made from cloves (Chapter 30). Subheadings are divided by processing state into unmilled (0917.10) and milled (0917.20). Code 091710 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (coffee, tea, spices). Digits 3-4, 17, represent heading 0917, referring to cloves (whole, unmilled or milled). Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 0917.10, specifically referring to unmilled cloves. Unmilled means cloves have not been crushed or ground and remain in intact flower bud form, including whole, stemmed or unstemmed. If ground into powder, they are classified under 0917.20. This code is unchanged in HS 2022 and is globally applicable. Unmilled cloves are classified under 091710 because they remain in natural flower bud form and have not been ground. If ground into powder, they are classified under 091720. If they are clove stems or clove fruits, they are classified under 0917.30 or 0917.40. If essential oil is extracted, they are classified under Chapter 33. If made into medicinal products or food additives, they are classified under the corresponding chapter according to use. Therefore, processing state and form are the key factors determining classification under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices, including pepper, chili, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, etc. These commodities are mostly tropical or subtropical plant products, mainly used as food seasonings or beverage ingredients. Within the chapter, they are subdivided by degree of processing (unmilled/milled) and variety, with the core of classification being botanical origin and processing state. This chapter does not include sugar, cocoa and other seasonings listed in other chapters.
Heading
Heading 0917 covers cloves (whole, unmilled or milled) and clove stems, clove fruits, etc. Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree of the Myrtaceae family, which have a strong aroma after drying. This heading includes unmilled and milled cloves, but does not include clove essential oil (Chapter 33) or medicinal preparations made from cloves (Chapter 30). Subheadings are divided by processing state into unmilled (0917.10) and milled (0917.20).
Digit Breakdown
Code 091710 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 09 represent Chapter 9 (coffee, tea, spices). Digits 3-4, 17, represent heading 0917, referring to cloves (whole, unmilled or milled). Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 0917.10, specifically referring to unmilled cloves. Unmilled means cloves have not been crushed or ground and remain in intact flower bud form, including whole, stemmed or unstemmed. If ground into powder, they are classified under 0917.20. This code is unchanged in HS 2022 and is globally applicable.
Classification Basis
Unmilled cloves are classified under 091710 because they remain in natural flower bud form and have not been ground. If ground into powder, they are classified under 091720. If they are clove stems or clove fruits, they are classified under 0917.30 or 0917.40. If essential oil is extracted, they are classified under Chapter 33. If made into medicinal products or food additives, they are classified under the corresponding chapter according to use. Therefore, processing state and form are the key factors determining classification under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity should specifically be “unmilled cloves” or “cloves (unmilled)”, avoiding the general term “spices”. Processing method: Indicate whether it has been ground or crushed, whether it has been stemmed, dried, etc. Unmilled cloves are usually dried flower buds and may be stemmed. State: Describe the form of the commodity, such as whole flower buds, with or without stems, and whether broken. Composition content: Main components such as eugenol content, or volatile oil content, used for quality determination, but classification is mainly based on form. Packaging specifications: Retail packaging or bulk packaging, such as 25 kg/bag, 1 kg/can, etc. Affects regulatory conditions but not classification. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, “none” may be entered. Origin: Country or region of origin, affecting tariffs and trade agreements, but not affecting the HS code. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Unmilled cloves (whole, stemmed)
HS code: 0917100000
Processing method: Dried, not ground
State: Whole flower buds, stemmed
Composition: Eugenol content ≥85%
Packaging: 25 kg/carton
Brand: None
Origin: Indonesia
Quantity: 1000 kg
Unit price: USD 10/kg
Total price: USD 10000
Remarks: Used for food seasoning Broken but unmilled cloves are mistakenly classified under the milled subheading 091720; in fact, unmilled includes broken but not powdered. Ignoring the difference between stemmed and unstemmed; both are classified under 091710, but the declaration should be filled in truthfully. Clove stems or clove fruits are mistakenly declared as clove flower buds; they should be classified under 091730 or 091740.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity should specifically be “unmilled cloves” or “cloves (unmilled)”, avoiding the general term “spices”.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as “clove powder” or “clove essential oil”, resulting in incorrect classification.
Processing method
Indicate whether it has been ground or crushed, whether it has been stemmed, dried, etc. Unmilled cloves are usually dried flower buds and may be stemmed.
⚠️ Failure to state “unmilled”, causing it to be mistaken for milled cloves.
State
Describe the form of the commodity, such as whole flower buds, with or without stems, and whether broken.
⚠️ Reporting broken but unmilled cloves incorrectly as milled.
Composition content
Main components such as eugenol content, or volatile oil content, used for quality determination, but classification is mainly based on form.
⚠️ Mistakenly using composition content as the basis for classification and ignoring processing state.
Packaging specifications
Retail packaging or bulk packaging, such as 25 kg/bag, 1 kg/can, etc. Affects regulatory conditions but not classification.
⚠️ Mistakenly classifying retail packaging under other headings.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if there is no brand, “none” may be entered.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer.
Origin
Country or region of origin, affecting tariffs and trade agreements, but not affecting the HS code.
⚠️ Confusing origin with place of dispatch.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Unmilled cloves (whole, stemmed)
HS code: 0917100000
Processing method: Dried, not ground
State: Whole flower buds, stemmed
Composition: Eugenol content ≥85%
Packaging: 25 kg/carton
Brand: None
Origin: Indonesia
Quantity: 1000 kg
Unit price: USD 10/kg
Total price: USD 10000
Remarks: Used for food seasoning
Common Mistakes：
Broken but unmilled cloves are mistakenly classified under the milled subheading 091720; in fact, unmilled includes broken but not powdered.
Ignoring the difference between stemmed and unstemmed; both are classified under 091710, but the declaration should be filled in truthfully.
Clove stems or clove fruits are mistakenly declared as clove flower buds; they should be classified under 091730 or 091740.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the botanical origin and processing state of the commodity. Cloves must be the flower buds of the clove tree of the Myrtaceae family and must not be ground. If ground into powder, they are classified under 091720. If they are clove stems or clove fruits, they are classified under 091730 or 091740. If essential oil is extracted, they are classified under Chapter 33. If made into medicinal products or food additives, they are classified under Chapter 30 or Chapter 21 according to use. Therefore, confirming that the commodity is unmilled clove flower buds is the key to classification under 091710. 091720 Milled cloves: Milled cloves have been ground into powder, while unmilled cloves remain whole flower buds or broken but not powdered. Processing state is the only difference. 091730 Clove stems: Clove stems are the stems of the clove tree, not the flower buds; the form is different and classification is different. 091740 Clove fruits: Clove fruits are the fruits of the clove tree, not the flower buds; the form and use are different. 330129 Clove essential oil: Clove essential oil is an extract and belongs to Chapter 33, while 091710 is a natural plant raw material. 090611 Cinnamon (unmilled): Cinnamon and cloves are different plants with different headings and must not be confused. Is it the flower bud of the clove tree? Has it not been ground into powder? Is it kept whole or broken but not powdered? Is it stemmed? Is it used for seasoning rather than for extracting essential oil?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the botanical origin and processing state of the commodity. Cloves must be the flower buds of the clove tree of the Myrtaceae family and must not be ground. If ground into powder, they are classified under 091720. If they are clove stems or clove fruits, they are classified under 091730 or 091740. If essential oil is extracted, they are classified under Chapter 33. If made into medicinal products or food additives, they are classified under Chapter 30 or Chapter 21 according to use. Therefore, confirming that the commodity is unmilled clove flower buds is the key to classification under 091710.
Confused Codes：
091720 - Milled cloves
Milled cloves have been ground into powder, while unmilled cloves remain whole flower buds or broken but not powdered. Processing state is the only difference.
091730 - Clove stems
Clove stems are the stems of the clove tree, not the flower buds; the form is different and classification is different.
091740 - Clove fruits
Clove fruits are the fruits of the clove tree, not the flower buds; the form and use are different.
330129 - Clove essential oil
Clove essential oil is an extract and belongs to Chapter 33, while 091710 is a natural plant raw material.
090611 - Cinnamon (unmilled)
Cinnamon and cloves are different plants with different headings and must not be confused.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it the flower bud of the clove tree?
✓ Has it not been ground into powder?
✓ Is it kept whole or broken but not powdered?
✓ Is it stemmed?
✓ Is it used for seasoning rather than for extracting essential oil?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between unmilled cloves and milled cloves? Unmilled cloves are classified under 091710, and milled cloves under 091720. The difference lies in whether they have been ground into powder. Unmilled includes whole flower buds and broken but not powdered; milled refers to ground into powder form. The processing state must be accurately described when declaring. Which HS codes should clove stems and clove fruits be classified under? Clove stems are classified under 091730, and clove fruits under 091740. They differ from clove flower buds (091710/091720) because the plant parts are different. When declaring, it must be clear whether it is flower buds, stems or fruits. How can I check the import tariff rate for unmilled cloves? Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Usually, entering HS code 091710 and the country of origin will show the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. You may also consult a customs broker. What is the most common error when declaring unmilled cloves? The most common error is incorrectly declaring broken but unmilled cloves as milled cloves, resulting in an incorrect code. Another error is ignoring the stemmed state and failing to declare it truthfully. In addition, mistakenly declaring clove stems or fruits as flower buds is also common. What regulatory documents are required for unmilled cloves? Regulatory documents vary by country. Generally, imported plant products require a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, etc. The specific customs regulatory conditions should be checked. It is advisable to prepare basic documents such as contract, invoice and packing list in advance. For cross-border e-commerce sales of unmilled cloves, how should the HS code be filled in? Cross-border e-commerce declarations also use HS code 091710. Note that retail packaging does not affect classification, but the product name and processing state must be declared truthfully. If it is small-pack retail, consumption tax or value-added tax may be involved, handled according to customs regulations. How are unmilled cloves distinguished from clove essential oil in classification? Unmilled cloves are plant raw materials and are classified under 091710; clove essential oil is an extract and is classified under Chapter 33 (330129). The key distinction is whether an extraction process has been carried out. If it is essential oil, it does not belong to Chapter 9. If clove flower buds have been steam-sterilized but not milled, are they still classified under 091710? Yes, steam sterilization is processing but does not change the basic form, so it is still regarded as unmilled cloves and classified under 091710. However, if sterilization changes the form or involves grinding, classification must be reconsidered.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between unmilled cloves and milled cloves?
A: Unmilled cloves are classified under 091710, and milled cloves under 091720. The difference lies in whether they have been ground into powder. Unmilled includes whole flower buds and broken but not powdered; milled refers to ground into powder form. The processing state must be accurately described when declaring.
Q: Which HS codes should clove stems and clove fruits be classified under?
A: Clove stems are classified under 091730, and clove fruits under 091740. They differ from clove flower buds (091710/091720) because the plant parts are different. When declaring, it must be clear whether it is flower buds, stems or fruits.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for unmilled cloves?
A: Tariff rates change, so it is recommended to check the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. Usually, entering HS code 091710 and the country of origin will show the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. You may also consult a customs broker.
Q: What is the most common error when declaring unmilled cloves?
A: The most common error is incorrectly declaring broken but unmilled cloves as milled cloves, resulting in an incorrect code. Another error is ignoring the stemmed state and failing to declare it truthfully. In addition, mistakenly declaring clove stems or fruits as flower buds is also common.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for unmilled cloves?
A: Regulatory documents vary by country. Generally, imported plant products require a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, etc. The specific customs regulatory conditions should be checked. It is advisable to prepare basic documents such as contract, invoice and packing list in advance.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of unmilled cloves, how should the HS code be filled in?
A: Cross-border e-commerce declarations also use HS code 091710. Note that retail packaging does not affect classification, but the product name and processing state must be declared truthfully. If it is small-pack retail, consumption tax or value-added tax may be involved, handled according to customs regulations.
Q: How are unmilled cloves distinguished from clove essential oil in classification?
A: Unmilled cloves are plant raw materials and are classified under 091710; clove essential oil is an extract and is classified under Chapter 33 (330129). The key distinction is whether an extraction process has been carried out. If it is essential oil, it does not belong to Chapter 9.
Q: If clove flower buds have been steam-sterilized but not milled, are they still classified under 091710?
A: Yes, steam sterilization is processing but does not change the basic form, so it is still regarded as unmilled cloves and classified under 091710. However, if sterilization changes the form or involves grinding, classification must be reconsidered.
⚠️ 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.