HS 090812 Crushed or ground
Quick Answer: Cardamom, crushed or ground, imported under HS 090812 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically applies to cardamom that has undergone a physical process of being broken down into smaller pieces or reduced to powder. This distinction is crucial for accurate tariff application, as whole cardamom pods or seeds fall under a different HS code (090811). Importers and customs brokers should ensure the correct form of cardamom is declared to avoid discrepancies. According to CustomTariffs data, these jurisdictions currently offer duty-free entry for this specific processed form of cardamom.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0908120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0908120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0908120000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 090812 cover?
This subheading covers anise, badian, fennel, coriander, caraway, and juniper berries that have been crushed or ground. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category specifically applies to spices from heading 0908 that have undergone physical processing to reduce their size, making them ready for direct use in culinary applications or as ingredients. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the key characteristic is the comminution of the whole spice.
What falls outside HS 090812?
The following products are excluded from HS 090812: whole anise, badian, fennel, coriander, caraway, and juniper berries, which are classified under HS 090811. Additionally, essential oils derived from these spices, typically classified under Chapter 33, are not covered. Products that are merely cleaned, sorted, or packaged without being crushed or ground also fall outside this subheading. For instance, whole caraway seeds intended for sowing would be classified elsewhere based on their specific use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 090812?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures of spices under this subheading when they contain ingredients not listed in heading 0908, or when the primary characteristic is not the crushed or ground form of the specified spices. For example, a spice blend where ground chili is the dominant ingredient would not be classified here. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3 (for mixtures) is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the essential character of the goods.
How should importers classify products under HS 090812?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 090812 involves first identifying the specific spice (anise, badian, fennel, coriander, caraway, or juniper berries) and then confirming that it has been physically processed into a crushed or ground form. Importers and customs brokers must consult the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to verify the exact wording and any specific notes. Examination of the product's physical state is paramount.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 090812?
A 10 kg shipment of ground coriander, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 0.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 0.5% of $50 USD = $0.25. However, if the tariff schedule specifies a per-kilogram rate, for example, $0.05 per kg, the duty would be $0.05/kg * 10 kg = $0.50. This is calculated using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 090812?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 090812, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. Documentation typically required includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP, depending on the jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 090812 (Crushed or ground cardamom)?
The import duty rates for HS code 090812, which covers crushed or ground cardamom, vary by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is also typically Free. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a Free rate for this classification. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
How is HS code 090812 classified? What distinguishes it from whole cardamom?
HS code 090812 is specifically for cardamom that has been crushed or ground. This distinguishes it from whole cardamom, which falls under HS code 090811. The classification hinges on the physical state of the product. If the cardamom seeds or pods have undergone a process of crushing or grinding, rendering them into smaller particles or powder, it would be classified under 090812. If the pods remain intact, it would be classified under 090811.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 090812?
When importing crushed or ground cardamom (HS 090812), standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Food safety and quality certifications might also be requested by customs or food regulatory agencies.
How are duties calculated for HS code 090812 if a duty were applicable? Provide an example.
While HS code 090812 often carries a Free duty rate in major markets, if a duty were applicable, it could be calculated on an ad valorem (percentage of value) or specific (per unit) basis, or a combination. For instance, if a country applied a 5% ad valorem duty and you imported 100 kg of crushed cardamom valued at $500 USD, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $500 USD = $25 USD. If a specific duty of $0.10 per kg was applied, the duty would be: 100 kg * $0.10/kg = $10 USD. The specific calculation method is dictated by the importing country's tariff code.
Do trade agreements, such as free trade agreements (FTAs), affect the duty rates for HS code 090812?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly affect duty rates for HS code 090812. For example, if the crushed or ground cardamom originates from a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the importing country (e.g., the US and certain Central American nations under CAFTA-DR, or the UK and various partners), it may qualify for preferential duty rates, often resulting in Free entry, even if the standard MFN rate were not Free. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the FTA.