TradeTools

HS-2 · Chapter 09

HS chapter 09: Coffee, tea, mate and spices

Section IIVegetable products

Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System focuses on coffee, tea, mate, and various spices. This chapter is essential for importers and exporters dealing with these popular commodities, providing a detailed classification that helps in determining the applicable tariffs and regulations. Understanding this chapter is crucial for ensuring compliance and optimizing trade processes.

Within this chapter, you will find specific headings that categorize products into distinct groups. For instance, HS-4 codes such as 0901 for coffee and 0902 for tea offer a clear path for traders to identify the correct classification for their goods. Each HS-4 code further breaks down into HS-6 codes, which provide even more precise descriptions of the products, allowing for accurate tariff application and trade documentation.

When navigating this chapter, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of your products, such as whether coffee is roasted or decaffeinated, or if spices are whole or ground. This attention to detail will help you select the correct HS code and avoid potential customs issues. Additionally, consulting with a customs broker can provide valuable insights into any national digits or specific rulings that may apply to your shipments.

Terms & reference phrasing

These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.

coffee import export · tea trade regulations · mate classification · spice HS codes · Harmonized System chapter 09 · coffee substitutes · spices and herbs · customs broker spices · national digits for coffee · HS-4 coffee code · tea import tariffs · spice trade compliance · coffee and tea market · Harmonized System spices · importing vanilla · exporting ginger · cinnamon classification

Continue classification

Next best action

Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.

Related topics

Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.

  • how to classify coffee in the Harmonized System
  • importing spices and their HS codes
  • understanding tea trade regulations
  • decaffeinated coffee import requirements
  • spice classification for customs
  • navigating HS codes for coffee and tea
  • what to consider when exporting spices
  • finding the right HS-4 code for mate

Examples & common questions

Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.

Example products

  • Roasted coffee beans (HS-0901)
  • Loose leaf green tea (HS-0902)
  • Dried mate leaves (HS-0903)
  • Whole black peppercorns (HS-0904)
  • Vanilla pods (HS-0905)
  • Ground cinnamon (HS-0906)
  • Whole cloves (HS-0907)
  • Cardamom pods (HS-0908)

Common classification questions

What is the HS code for roasted coffee?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

How do I classify tea for import?

Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.

What are the regulations for importing spices?

Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.

Is there a specific code for decaffeinated coffee?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

How do I find the correct HS-6 code for my product?

Pick the chapter first, then compare heading wording and exclusions before choosing an HS-6 line.

What are the tariffs for importing vanilla?

Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What types of coffee are covered under HS-0901?
HS-0901 includes all forms of coffee, whether roasted, decaffeinated, or in the form of husks and skins.
How can I determine the correct HS code for my spice product?
Review the specific HS-4 headings in Chapter 09 to find the most accurate classification based on the product's characteristics, such as whether it is whole or ground.
Are there any specific regulations for importing tea?
Yes, importing tea may be subject to specific health and safety regulations, so it's important to check with customs and health authorities.
What is the difference between HS-0904 and HS-0908?
HS-0904 covers pepper and capsicum fruits, while HS-0908 includes nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms, which are distinct spice categories.
Do I need a customs broker for importing spices?
While not mandatory, working with a customs broker can simplify the import process and help ensure compliance with all regulations.

All HS-4 headings in chapter 09 (10)

Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.

0901
Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion
0904
Pepper of the genus piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta
0906
Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers
0907
Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems)
0908
Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms
0909
Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway or juniper
0910
Ginger, saffron, tumeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices

HS-4 directory (chapter 09)

Browse first heading (HS-4 0901)

Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (0901). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.

Before you file customs documents

Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.

How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.

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