HS 090422 Crushed or ground
Quick Answer: Pepper, crushed or ground, enters the UK at 4.00%, the EU at 5.00%, and the US at rates including 3¢/kg and 11¢/kg, with some preferential rates being duty-free. This classification specifically covers pepper that has been physically broken down into smaller pieces or ground into a powder, distinguishing it from whole peppercorns. Importers should be aware of potential variations in specific pepper types (e.g., black, white, green) that may lead to sub-classification and differing duty rates. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate declaration and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0904220000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 0904220011 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 0904220019 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 0904220090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0904220000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 0904220011 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 0904220019 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 0904220090 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0904222000 | 3¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 0904227300 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 0904228000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 090422 | — | — | — |
| 0904224000 | 5¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0904.22?
Imports of Crushed or ground may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 090422 cover?
This subheading covers peppers of the genus Capsicum or of the genus Pimenta, which have been processed by crushing or grinding. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes dried peppers that have undergone mechanical processing to reduce them to a powder or granular form. For example, paprika powder, cayenne pepper powder, and ground black pepper fall under this classification, provided they are not mixed with other substances that would alter their essential character as defined by Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System.
What falls outside HS 090422?
The following products are excluded from HS 090422: whole dried peppers, whether or not crushed or ground but not further processed (which would typically fall under 0904.20); fresh or chilled peppers (which are classified in Chapter 7); peppers preserved by vinegar or acetic acid (Chapter 20); and mixtures of ground peppers with other spices or ingredients, unless the pepper remains the predominant component and the mixture is specifically provided for elsewhere. For instance, a spice blend containing ground chili would be classified based on its overall composition, not solely on the chili content.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 090422?
A common error is misclassifying products based solely on their appearance or common name without considering the specific processing described in the Harmonized System. For example, mistaking oleoresins of capsicum or pimenta for ground peppers, or failing to distinguish between dried, ground peppers and those preserved in other ways. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) emphasizes that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, which clearly differentiate between forms of processing.
How should importers classify products under HS 090422?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 090422 involves first confirming that the product is indeed dried pepper of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta. Next, verify that the processing involves crushing or grinding, resulting in a powder or granular form. Importers and customs brokers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC database, to ensure the product meets all descriptive criteria for this subheading and is not specifically excluded by a more specific heading or note.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 090422?
A 100 kg shipment of ground paprika, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $30.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.035 = $17.50) and a specific duty of $0.03 per kilogram ($0.03/kg × 100 kg = $3.00), resulting in a total duty of $20.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 0904.22.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 090422?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 090422, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free treatment for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible products from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific requirements of the importing country's customs authority.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 090422 (Crushed or ground peppers)?
Import duty rates for HS code 090422, which covers crushed or ground peppers (like paprika, cayenne, etc.), vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system may have different rates, and the UK Trade Tariff also specifies its own duties. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate.
How is the import duty for HS 090422 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS 090422 can be based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of weight), or a combination. For instance, if a country applies a duty of 4.00% ad valorem and you import 100 kg of crushed pepper valued at $500, the duty would be $500 \times 4.00% = $20.00. If a specific duty of 3¢/kg applies, the duty would be 100 kg \times 3¢/kg = 300¢, or $3.00. Always verify the applicable duty basis and rate in the destination country's tariff.
What are the key criteria for classifying goods under HS 090422 as 'crushed or ground'?
The primary criterion for classification under HS 090422 is that the peppers (of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta) must have undergone a process of crushing or grinding. This distinguishes them from whole peppers (HS 090421) or other forms. The degree of processing, whether it results in coarse particles or a fine powder, does not typically prevent classification under this code, as long as the pepper has been broken down from its whole form. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides explanatory notes that can offer further guidance on the interpretation of these terms.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 090422?
Many trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 090422. For example, the United States has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (though not directly applicable to this specific code under USMCA for many agricultural goods, it's a common example of preferential treatment), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR), which may offer reduced or zero duties if the goods meet rules of origin. The EU also has numerous preferential agreements. Importers should check the specific Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or preferential trade scheme between the exporting and importing countries, as well as the product's origin, to determine eligibility for lower rates, often listed with specific symbols (e.g., 'A', 'AU', 'CL', 'KR') in tariff schedules.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS 090422?
While the primary documentation for HS 090422 typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, specific requirements can vary. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, additional documents might be needed. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, or phytosanitary certificates if the importing country has specific agricultural import regulations to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Always consult the customs authority of the destination country for a comprehensive list of required documentation.