Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. It includes coffee beans, ground coffee, tea leaves, maté, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, star anise, ginger, curry, etc. These goods are mostly plant-based seasonings used for food flavoring or drinking. Within the chapter, they are subdivided by processing state (un-ground, ground) and variety. Heading 0919 covers other spices, including un-ground or ground fennel, star anise, coriander, cumin, caraway, juniper berries, etc. However, it does not include pepper (0904), chili peppers (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg (0908), etc. This heading mainly targets spices not elsewhere specified. First 2 digits 09: Chapter, indicating coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4, 19: Heading, indicating other spices, including un-ground or ground fennel, star anise, coriander, etc. Digits 5-6, 10: Subheading, indicating un-ground fennel. Among these, subheading 10 specifically refers to un-ground fennel, while subheading 20 is ground fennel. Therefore, 091910 means un-ground fennel. This product is un-ground fennel, which belongs to spices. Since fennel is not listed under other headings of Chapter 09 (such as pepper, chili peppers, etc.), it is classified under 0919. And the un-ground state corresponds to subheading 091910, rather than ground 091920. Therefore, 091910 is the correct code.
Chapter
Chapter 09 covers coffee, tea, maté and spices. It includes coffee beans, ground coffee, tea leaves, maté, pepper, chili peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, star anise, ginger, curry, etc. These goods are mostly plant-based seasonings used for food flavoring or drinking. Within the chapter, they are subdivided by processing state (un-ground, ground) and variety.
Heading
Heading 0919 covers other spices, including un-ground or ground fennel, star anise, coriander, cumin, caraway, juniper berries, etc. However, it does not include pepper (0904), chili peppers (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg (0908), etc. This heading mainly targets spices not elsewhere specified.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 09: Chapter, indicating coffee, tea, maté and spices. Digits 3-4, 19: Heading, indicating other spices, including un-ground or ground fennel, star anise, coriander, etc. Digits 5-6, 10: Subheading, indicating un-ground fennel. Among these, subheading 10 specifically refers to un-ground fennel, while subheading 20 is ground fennel. Therefore, 091910 means un-ground fennel.
Classification Basis
This product is un-ground fennel, which belongs to spices. Since fennel is not listed under other headings of Chapter 09 (such as pepper, chili peppers, etc.), it is classified under 0919. And the un-ground state corresponds to subheading 091910, rather than ground 091920. Therefore, 091910 is the correct code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Fill in the product name, using standard Chinese or English, such as "un-ground fennel" or "Un-ground fennel". State: Indicate un-ground, such as "un-ground", "whole" or "un-milled", to distinguish from ground products. Scientific Name: Provide the botanical scientific name, such as Foeniculum vulgare, to ensure accurate classification. Use: Explain the use, such as seasoning, medicinal, essential oil extraction, etc., which affects classification. Processing Method: Describe the processing method, such as drying, un-ground, screening, etc., to ensure it meets the definition of un-ground. Packaging Specifications: Fill in the packaging form, such as bagged, boxed, and net weight, for customs statistics. Brand: If there is a brand, fill in the brand name; if no brand, you may fill in "none". Origin: Fill in the country or region of origin, which affects tariffs and trade policies. Product Name: Un-ground fennel; State: Un-ground; Scientific Name: Foeniculum vulgare; Use: For seasoning; Processing Method: Dried, un-milled; Packaging Specifications: 25 kg/bag; Brand: None; Origin: India. Mistakenly classifying un-ground fennel as ground fennel (091920), leading to tariff differences. Confusing fennel with star anise; star anise should be classified under 0909, not 0919. Ignoring the state description, failing to indicate "un-ground", which may cause customs to question the classification.
Product Name
Fill in the product name, using standard Chinese or English, such as "un-ground fennel" or "Un-ground fennel".
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in as "fennel powder" or "ground fennel", leading to classification errors.
State
Indicate un-ground, such as "un-ground", "whole" or "un-milled", to distinguish from ground products.
⚠️ Ignoring the state description, or mistakenly filling in as "ground".
Scientific Name
Provide the botanical scientific name, such as Foeniculum vulgare, to ensure accurate classification.
⚠️ Failing to provide the scientific name or providing an incorrect scientific name, such as confusing fennel with star anise.
Use
Explain the use, such as seasoning, medicinal, essential oil extraction, etc., which affects classification.
⚠️ Vague use description, such as only writing "for food".
Processing Method
Describe the processing method, such as drying, un-ground, screening, etc., to ensure it meets the definition of un-ground.
⚠️ Failing to indicate drying or other treatments, or mistakenly filling in as "grinding".
Packaging Specifications
Fill in the packaging form, such as bagged, boxed, and net weight, for customs statistics.
⚠️ Incomplete packaging specifications, such as only writing "bagged" without weight.
Brand
If there is a brand, fill in the brand name; if no brand, you may fill in "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting it.
Origin
Fill in the country or region of origin, which affects tariffs and trade policies.
⚠️ Origin not specific, such as only writing "Europe".
Mistakenly classifying un-ground fennel as ground fennel (091920), leading to tariff differences.
Confusing fennel with star anise; star anise should be classified under 0909, not 0919.
Ignoring the state description, failing to indicate "un-ground", which may cause customs to question the classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: The product is fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and it is not ground. According to HS rules, spices are classified by variety and processing state. Fennel is not listed under 0904 to 0908, so it is classified under 0919. The un-ground state corresponds to subheading 091910. If ground, it would be classified under 091920. 0909 Star anise: Star anise is a plant of the Magnoliaceae family, different in shape, and is classified under 0909, while fennel is of the Apiaceae family and classified under 0919. 091020 Ground fennel: Ground fennel has been ground and is classified under 091020, while un-ground fennel remains in its original state and is classified under 091910. 0904 Pepper: Pepper is a plant of the Piperaceae family, different from fennel, and is classified under 0904, not 0919. 121190 Other medicinal plants: If fennel is used for medicinal purposes, it may be classified under 1211, but as a spice it is classified under 0919. Confirm the product is fennel, not star anise or cumin. Confirm the state is un-ground, not ground or powder. Confirm the use is for seasoning, not medicinal or industrial. Confirm the scientific name is Foeniculum vulgare. Confirm the processing method is only drying, etc., not grinding.
Basis
Core basis for classification: The product is fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and it is not ground. According to HS rules, spices are classified by variety and processing state. Fennel is not listed under 0904 to 0908, so it is classified under 0919. The un-ground state corresponds to subheading 091910. If ground, it would be classified under 091920.
Confused Codes：
0909 - Star anise
Star anise is a plant of the Magnoliaceae family, different in shape, and is classified under 0909, while fennel is of the Apiaceae family and classified under 0919.
091020 - Ground fennel
Ground fennel has been ground and is classified under 091020, while un-ground fennel remains in its original state and is classified under 091910.
0904 - Pepper
Pepper is a plant of the Piperaceae family, different from fennel, and is classified under 0904, not 0919.
121190 - Other medicinal plants
If fennel is used for medicinal purposes, it may be classified under 1211, but as a spice it is classified under 0919.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the product is fennel, not star anise or cumin.
✓ Confirm the state is un-ground, not ground or powder.
✓ Confirm the use is for seasoning, not medicinal or industrial.
✓ Confirm the scientific name is Foeniculum vulgare.
✓ Confirm the processing method is only drying, etc., not grinding.
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish un-ground fennel from ground fennel? Un-ground fennel remains in whole grains or original state, while ground fennel has been ground into powder. For classification, un-ground is classified under 091910, and ground is classified under 091920. When declaring, the state must be clearly indicated to avoid errors. What is the difference between fennel and star anise? Fennel is a plant of the Apiaceae family with slender grains; star anise is a plant of the Magnoliaceae family and is star-shaped. Fennel is classified under 0919, and star anise under 0909. When declaring, scientific name and pictures are required to ensure correct classification. If fennel is used for medicinal purposes, which code should it be classified under? If fennel is used as medicine, it may be classified under 1211 (medicinal plants), but if used as a spice, it is classified under 0919. It should be determined based on use and degree of processing; consulting customs is recommended. What are the declaration elements for un-ground fennel? They include product name, state, scientific name, use, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. Ensure the state is indicated as "un-ground" and the scientific name is accurate to avoid classification disputes. How to inquire about the tariff for un-ground fennel? Tariff rates vary by country and may change. The latest rates can be obtained through customs official websites, HS code query tools, or by consulting customs brokers. Note that free trade agreements may apply preferential rates. What documents are required for importing un-ground fennel? Usually, a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, etc. are required. Specific document requirements vary by country; it is recommended to confirm with customs or an agent in advance. Can un-ground fennel enjoy preferential tariffs? If the country of origin has a free trade agreement with China and a valid certificate of origin is provided, preferential tariffs may be enjoyed. It is necessary to confirm that the agreement covers the product and meets the rules of origin. What are the consequences of incorrect declaration? Incorrect declaration may lead to customs inspection, tax supplementation, fines, and even affect enterprise credit. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification to ensure accurate coding.
Q: How to distinguish un-ground fennel from ground fennel?
A: Un-ground fennel remains in whole grains or original state, while ground fennel has been ground into powder. For classification, un-ground is classified under 091910, and ground is classified under 091920. When declaring, the state must be clearly indicated to avoid errors.
Q: What is the difference between fennel and star anise?
A: Fennel is a plant of the Apiaceae family with slender grains; star anise is a plant of the Magnoliaceae family and is star-shaped. Fennel is classified under 0919, and star anise under 0909. When declaring, scientific name and pictures are required to ensure correct classification.
Q: If fennel is used for medicinal purposes, which code should it be classified under?
A: If fennel is used as medicine, it may be classified under 1211 (medicinal plants), but if used as a spice, it is classified under 0919. It should be determined based on use and degree of processing; consulting customs is recommended.
Q: What are the declaration elements for un-ground fennel?
A: They include product name, state, scientific name, use, processing method, packaging specifications, brand, origin, etc. Ensure the state is indicated as "un-ground" and the scientific name is accurate to avoid classification disputes.
Q: How to inquire about the tariff for un-ground fennel?
A: Tariff rates vary by country and may change. The latest rates can be obtained through customs official websites, HS code query tools, or by consulting customs brokers. Note that free trade agreements may apply preferential rates.
Q: What documents are required for importing un-ground fennel?
A: Usually, a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, etc. are required. Specific document requirements vary by country; it is recommended to confirm with customs or an agent in advance.
Q: Can un-ground fennel enjoy preferential tariffs?
A: If the country of origin has a free trade agreement with China and a valid certificate of origin is provided, preferential tariffs may be enjoyed. It is necessary to confirm that the agreement covers the product and meets the rules of origin.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect declaration?
A: Incorrect declaration may lead to customs inspection, tax supplementation, fines, and even affect enterprise credit. It is recommended to declare truthfully and, if necessary, apply for advance classification to ensure accurate coding.
⚠️ 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.