Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. This chapter includes coffee beans, coffee husks, tea, mate, and various natural spices such as pepper, chili, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, etc. These goods are typically used for food seasoning, beverage preparation, or the spice industry. Classification within the chapter is based on the source of the spice, processing state (unmilled/milled), and use. Note: This chapter does not include medicinal spices or chemically pure spices, which may be classified under Chapter 30 or Chapter 29. Heading 0918 covers spices not elsewhere specified, specifically including: star anise, anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway, juniper berries, etc.; and spices not elsewhere specified in other headings of this chapter, such as cardamom, mace, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, bay leaves, etc. Goods under this heading may be unmilled or milled, but must be natural spices and not specifically named in other headings. First 2 digits 09: represents Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, mate and spices', covering all natural spices. Digits 3-4, 18: represents heading 0918 'Spices not elsewhere specified', i.e., spices not specifically named in other headings of this chapter (such as 0904-0910). Digits 5-6, 20: represents subheading 091820 'Milled cardamom', where '20' is the subheading number, indicating the milled state of cardamom. Note: Cardamom is distinguished between subheading 0918.10 (unmilled) and 0918.20 (milled), and the processing state (whether milled) is the key to classification. Milled cardamom is classified under 091820 because it belongs to Chapter 9 spices, and cardamom is not named in a more specific heading, so it is classified under 0918. Under 0918, based on processing state, unmilled cardamom is classified under 091810, and milled cardamom under 091820. If cardamom undergoes further processing (such as being made into essential oils or extracts), it may be classified under Chapter 33. Therefore, this code applies to natural cardamom that has only been milled.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. This chapter includes coffee beans, coffee husks, tea, mate, and various natural spices such as pepper, chili, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, etc. These goods are typically used for food seasoning, beverage preparation, or the spice industry. Classification within the chapter is based on the source of the spice, processing state (unmilled/milled), and use. Note: This chapter does not include medicinal spices or chemically pure spices, which may be classified under Chapter 30 or Chapter 29.
Heading
Heading 0918 covers spices not elsewhere specified, specifically including: star anise, anise, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway, juniper berries, etc.; and spices not elsewhere specified in other headings of this chapter, such as cardamom, mace, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, bay leaves, etc. Goods under this heading may be unmilled or milled, but must be natural spices and not specifically named in other headings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: represents Chapter 9 'Coffee, tea, mate and spices', covering all natural spices. Digits 3-4, 18: represents heading 0918 'Spices not elsewhere specified', i.e., spices not specifically named in other headings of this chapter (such as 0904-0910). Digits 5-6, 20: represents subheading 091820 'Milled cardamom', where '20' is the subheading number, indicating the milled state of cardamom. Note: Cardamom is distinguished between subheading 0918.10 (unmilled) and 0918.20 (milled), and the processing state (whether milled) is the key to classification.
Classification Basis
Milled cardamom is classified under 091820 because it belongs to Chapter 9 spices, and cardamom is not named in a more specific heading, so it is classified under 0918. Under 0918, based on processing state, unmilled cardamom is classified under 091810, and milled cardamom under 091820. If cardamom undergoes further processing (such as being made into essential oils or extracts), it may be classified under Chapter 33. Therefore, this code applies to natural cardamom that has only been milled.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared goods, should use the standard Chinese name '已磨豆蔻', may add the English name 'Ground cardamom'. Brand type: Fill in the brand of the goods, if no brand fill in 'No brand', or indicate 'Foreign brand (OEM production)', 'Domestic brand', etc. Export preference status: Fill in according to actual trade situation, such as 'Export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country', 'Enjoy preferential tariffs', etc. Ingredient content: Declare the purity or main ingredients of cardamom, such as 'Cardamom 100%', if there are additives they must be indicated. Processing method: Clearly declare as 'milled' or 'ground', may supplement the degree of milling (such as coarse grinding, fine grinding). Packaging specification: Fill in the packaging form and specifications, such as '25 kg/bag', '1 kg/can', etc. Use: Declare the use of the goods, such as 'For food seasoning', 'For beverage manufacturing', etc. Product name: Ground cardamom (已磨豆蔻); Brand type: No brand; Export preference status: Export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country; Ingredient content: Cardamom 100%; Processing method: Milled (fine grinding); Packaging specification: 25 kg/bag; Use: For food seasoning. Common error 1: Not distinguishing unmilled from milled, incorrectly classified under 091810. Common error 2: Confusing cardamom with nutmeg, nutmeg is classified under 0908. Common error 3: Ignoring the declaration of processing method, only writing 'cardamom' leading to unclear classification.
Product name
The specific name of the declared goods, should use the standard Chinese name '已磨豆蔻', may add the English name 'Ground cardamom'.
⚠️ Incorrectly declared as '豆蔻粉' or '豆蔻香料', without specifying the 'milled' state.
Brand type
Fill in the brand of the goods, if no brand fill in 'No brand', or indicate 'Foreign brand (OEM production)', 'Domestic brand', etc.
⚠️ Omitting brand type, or confusing brand with manufacturer.
Export preference status
Fill in according to actual trade situation, such as 'Export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country', 'Enjoy preferential tariffs', etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly judging preferential tariff status, leading to false declaration.
Ingredient content
Declare the purity or main ingredients of cardamom, such as 'Cardamom 100%', if there are additives they must be indicated.
⚠️ Not indicating whether additives or impurities are contained.
Processing method
Clearly declare as 'milled' or 'ground', may supplement the degree of milling (such as coarse grinding, fine grinding).
⚠️ Only declaring 'processed' without specifying the specific method, leading to classification disputes.
Packaging specification
Fill in the packaging form and specifications, such as '25 kg/bag', '1 kg/can', etc.
⚠️ Unclear packaging specification description, such as 'bulk' without specifying the specific weight.
Use
Declare the use of the goods, such as 'For food seasoning', 'For beverage manufacturing', etc.
⚠️ Use description too broad, such as 'edible'.
Example： Product name: Ground cardamom (已磨豆蔻); Brand type: No brand; Export preference status: Export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country; Ingredient content: Cardamom 100%; Processing method: Milled (fine grinding); Packaging specification: 25 kg/bag; Use: For food seasoning.
Common Mistakes：
Common error 1: Not distinguishing unmilled from milled, incorrectly classified under 091810.
Common error 2: Confusing cardamom with nutmeg, nutmeg is classified under 0908.
Common error 3: Ignoring the declaration of processing method, only writing 'cardamom' leading to unclear classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: 1. The goods must belong to Chapter 9 natural spices; 2. Cardamom is not specifically named in headings 0904-0910, so it is classified under 0918; 3. The processing state is milled, so it is classified under subheading 091820. If cardamom undergoes further processing (such as extracting essential oils), it is classified under Chapter 33; if for medicinal use, it is classified under Chapter 30. 091810 Unmilled cardamom: The difference from 091820 lies in the processing state: 091810 is unmilled cardamom, 091820 is milled cardamom. Milling is the key to classification. 0908 Nutmeg, mace: Nutmeg and cardamom are different plants, nutmeg is classified under 0908, cardamom under 0918. 0910 Ginger, turmeric, vanilla, etc.: 0910 covers specifically named spices such as ginger, turmeric, vanilla, etc. Cardamom is not named, so it is classified under 0918. 3301 Essential oils: If cardamom is extracted to make essential oil, it is classified under 3301, not 091820. Is it confirmed that the product is cardamom and not nutmeg? Is it confirmed that the processing state is milled? Is it confirmed that it has not undergone further processing such as extraction? Is it confirmed that the use is for seasoning and not medicinal? Has the tariff subheading structure been checked?
Basis
Core classification criteria: 1. The goods must belong to Chapter 9 natural spices; 2. Cardamom is not specifically named in headings 0904-0910, so it is classified under 0918; 3. The processing state is milled, so it is classified under subheading 091820. If cardamom undergoes further processing (such as extracting essential oils), it is classified under Chapter 33; if for medicinal use, it is classified under Chapter 30.
Confused Codes：
091810 - Unmilled cardamom
The difference from 091820 lies in the processing state: 091810 is unmilled cardamom, 091820 is milled cardamom. Milling is the key to classification.
0908 - Nutmeg, mace
Nutmeg and cardamom are different plants, nutmeg is classified under 0908, cardamom under 0918.
0910 - Ginger, turmeric, vanilla, etc.
0910 covers specifically named spices such as ginger, turmeric, vanilla, etc. Cardamom is not named, so it is classified under 0918.
3301 - Essential oils
If cardamom is extracted to make essential oil, it is classified under 3301, not 091820.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed that the product is cardamom and not nutmeg?
✓ Is it confirmed that the processing state is milled?
✓ Is it confirmed that it has not undergone further processing such as extraction?
✓ Is it confirmed that the use is for seasoning and not medicinal?
✓ Has the tariff subheading structure been checked?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire the HS code for milled cardamom? You can check through customs tariff, HS code inquiry websites, or consult a customs broker. First determine that the product is cardamom (Cardamom), belonging to Chapter 9 spices; then based on the processing state, unmilled is classified under 091810, milled under 091820. Note: If it is nutmeg, it is classified under 0908. What is the difference in HS codes between milled cardamom and unmilled cardamom? Milled cardamom is classified under 091820, unmilled cardamom under 091810. The difference lies in whether it has undergone milling processing; after milling, it is classified under the milled subheading. The processing method must be clearly declared. How to distinguish cardamom and nutmeg in HS codes? Cardamom is classified under 0918, nutmeg under 0908. The two have different plant sources; cardamom belongs to the ginger family, nutmeg belongs to the nutmeg family. Accurate product names must be provided during declaration. What are the declaration elements for milled cardamom? Main declaration elements include: product name, brand type, export preference status, ingredient content, processing method, packaging specification, use. The processing method must indicate 'milled', and the use must be specific. If cardamom is extracted to make essential oil, what is the HS code? If cardamom is extracted to make essential oil, it is classified under Chapter 33, specifically 3301 (essential oils). Because essential oils are not spices but aromatic substances. How to inquire the import tariff for milled cardamom? Tariff rates may change; you can obtain the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, tariff inquiry platforms, or consult a customs broker. Factors such as country of origin and trade agreements need to be considered. What should be noted when selling milled cardamom through cross-border e-commerce? Accurate HS code declaration is required to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors. Also pay attention to the destination country's import requirements for food spices, such as labeling and quarantine. It is recommended to consult logistics providers or customs brokers in advance. What are the regulatory conditions for milled cardamom? Regulatory conditions vary by country, generally requiring compliance with food safety standards. When importing, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, etc. may be required. Specifics can be checked through customs regulatory condition codes.
Q: How to inquire the HS code for milled cardamom?
A: You can check through customs tariff, HS code inquiry websites, or consult a customs broker. First determine that the product is cardamom (Cardamom), belonging to Chapter 9 spices; then based on the processing state, unmilled is classified under 091810, milled under 091820. Note: If it is nutmeg, it is classified under 0908.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between milled cardamom and unmilled cardamom?
A: Milled cardamom is classified under 091820, unmilled cardamom under 091810. The difference lies in whether it has undergone milling processing; after milling, it is classified under the milled subheading. The processing method must be clearly declared.
Q: How to distinguish cardamom and nutmeg in HS codes?
A: Cardamom is classified under 0918, nutmeg under 0908. The two have different plant sources; cardamom belongs to the ginger family, nutmeg belongs to the nutmeg family. Accurate product names must be provided during declaration.
Q: What are the declaration elements for milled cardamom?
A: Main declaration elements include: product name, brand type, export preference status, ingredient content, processing method, packaging specification, use. The processing method must indicate 'milled', and the use must be specific.
Q: If cardamom is extracted to make essential oil, what is the HS code?
A: If cardamom is extracted to make essential oil, it is classified under Chapter 33, specifically 3301 (essential oils). Because essential oils are not spices but aromatic substances.
Q: How to inquire the import tariff for milled cardamom?
A: Tariff rates may change; you can obtain the latest rates through the General Administration of Customs website, tariff inquiry platforms, or consult a customs broker. Factors such as country of origin and trade agreements need to be considered.
Q: What should be noted when selling milled cardamom through cross-border e-commerce?
A: Accurate HS code declaration is required to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors. Also pay attention to the destination country's import requirements for food spices, such as labeling and quarantine. It is recommended to consult logistics providers or customs brokers in advance.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for milled cardamom?
A: Regulatory conditions vary by country, generally requiring compliance with food safety standards. When importing, phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, etc. may be required. Specifics can be checked through customs regulatory condition codes.
⚠️ 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.