HS 090831 Cardamoms
Quick Answer: Cardamoms imported under HS 090831 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This HS code specifically covers cardamoms, which are aromatic seeds from plants in the ginger family, commonly used as a spice in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as in traditional medicines. Importers should note that while duty rates are currently zero in these major markets, compliance with any applicable phytosanitary or food safety regulations remains paramount. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff information, highlighting the favorable duty treatment for this product across key trade blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0908310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0908310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0908310000 | 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 090831 cover?
This subheading covers cardamoms, specifically the seeds of the plants of the genera *Elettaria* and *Amomum*. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes both green and black cardamom, in their whole or crushed form, intended for use as a spice. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, encompassing the dried fruit or capsules containing the aromatic seeds, which are prized for their distinctive flavor and fragrance in culinary applications worldwide.
What falls outside HS 090831?
The following products are excluded from HS 090831: cardamom essential oils, oleoresins, and extracts, which are typically classified under Chapter 33. Additionally, cardamom plants or parts thereof intended for propagation, such as seeds for planting or live plants, would fall under Chapter 06. Cardamom that has been significantly processed beyond simple drying or crushing, such as being incorporated into a mixture with other spices or ground into a fine powder that is no longer recognizable as whole seeds, may also be classified elsewhere depending on the specific composition and its principal characteristic.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 090831?
A common error is misclassifying cardamom essential oils or oleoresins under this subheading. These are derived products and, per General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, should be classified according to the specific heading or subheading that describes them. For instance, cardamom oil would typically fall under HS Chapter 33. Another mistake involves classifying cardamom that has been further processed, such as being ground into a powder and mixed with other spices, without considering the principal character of the goods, which might lead to classification under a composite goods heading or a subheading for mixed spices.
How should importers classify products under HS 090831?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 090831 involves verifying that the imported goods are indeed the seeds of *Elettaria* or *Amomum* species, in their dried, whole, or crushed form, intended for use as a spice. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the explanatory notes of the WCO. Accurate product descriptions, supplier documentation, and, if necessary, laboratory analysis can confirm the botanical origin and processing state to ensure correct classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 090831?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of whole green cardamom, declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 10% of $1,500 USD = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 0908.31.0000. Note that specific quantities may also be subject to additional duties or specific rates in certain jurisdictions.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 090831?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 090831, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating cardamom from Canada or Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. For European Union countries, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement allows for duty-free entry of originating cardamom between the EU and the UK. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for cardamoms under HS code 090831?
For cardamoms (HS code 090831), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the United States is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the autonomous duty rate is also Free. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a duty rate of Free for this code. Always verify current rates with the relevant customs authority as these can change.
What specific criteria define 'cardamoms' for HS classification under 090831?
HS code 090831 specifically covers 'Cardamoms, crushed or ground'. This means that if cardamoms are imported in their whole, uncrushed, or unground form, they would fall under HS code 090830. The key differentiator is the processing state: crushed or ground versus whole. This distinction is crucial for accurate classification and avoiding potential penalties.
What documentation is typically required for importing cardamoms (HS 090831)?
When importing cardamoms under HS code 090831, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination country, a certificate of origin may be necessary, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed. Importers should also be prepared to provide a detailed product description to confirm it meets the definition of 'cardamoms, crushed or ground'.
How is the duty calculated for cardamoms, and can you provide an example?
Since the duty rate for cardamoms (HS 090831) is typically Free (0.00%) under major trade agreements and MFN tariffs, the duty calculation results in zero. For instance, if a shipment of crushed cardamoms valued at $10,000 USD were imported into the US, the MFN duty calculation would be: 0.00% of $10,000 = $0.00. Similarly, if imported into the UK with a Free duty rate, the calculation would also yield $0.00. This means no customs duty is payable on this classification.
Do any common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for cardamoms (HS 090831)?
Given that the standard MFN duty rates for cardamoms (HS 090831) are already Free (0.00%) in major markets like the US, EU, and UK, preferential duty rates under most trade agreements would not offer a further reduction. For example, agreements like the USMCA or EU Free Trade Agreements typically aim to reduce or eliminate duties on goods. Since cardamoms are already duty-free under the standard tariff, these agreements would confirm the Free status rather than introduce a new preferential rate. It is always advisable to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and any applicable trade agreements to confirm.