HS-2 · Chapter 09
HS chapter 09: Coffee, tea, mate and spices
Section II — Vegetable 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 phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
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
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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 are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
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?
- How do I classify tea for import?
- What are the regulations for importing spices?
- Is there a specific code for decaffeinated coffee?
- How do I find the correct HS-6 code for my product?
- What are the tariffs for importing vanilla?
- Can a customs broker help with spice imports?
- What should I know about exporting mate?
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.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 0901 | Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion | |
| 0902 | Tea | |
| 0903 | Mate | |
| 0904 | Pepper of the genus piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta | |
| 0905 | Vanilla | |
| 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 |
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.