HS 090961 Seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries

Quick Answer: Seeds of anise, badian, caraway, or fennel, and juniper berries imported under HS 090961 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers the seeds of these aromatic plants, commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications. Importers should note that while duty rates are currently zero in these major markets, compliance with any specific import regulations or phytosanitary requirements for these agricultural products remains essential. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0909610000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0909610000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0909610000 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?

```html

What products does HS 090961 cover?

This subheading covers seeds of anise (Pimpinella anisum), badian (Illicium verum), caraway (Carum carvi), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), as well as juniper berries (Juniperus communis). According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, these are distinct botanical seeds and fruits used primarily as spices or for their aromatic properties. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that only the seeds or berries themselves, in their natural state, are classified here, excluding processed forms like ground spices or essential oils.

What falls outside HS 090961?

The following products are excluded from HS 090961: ground or powdered anise, badian, caraway, or fennel seeds, which are typically classified under HS 090962. Also excluded are essential oils derived from these plants, which fall under Chapter 33. Juniper berries that have been significantly processed, such as candied or preserved, would also be classified elsewhere. Furthermore, plants or parts of plants other than the specified seeds and berries, even if from the same botanical families, are not covered by this subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 090961?

A common error is misclassifying ground or powdered forms of anise, badian, caraway, or fennel seeds as raw seeds under HS 090961. This violates General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If the product is processed beyond its raw state, such as being milled into a powder, it generally falls into a more specific subheading, often HS 090962 for ground spices, or even Chapter 33 if it's an essential oil.

How should importers classify products under HS 090961?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 090961 involves a thorough examination of the product's form and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product consists of the whole, unbroken seeds of anise, badian, caraway, or fennel, or whole juniper berries. Consulting official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reviewing descriptive notes and any relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO, is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 090961?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of whole caraway seeds, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 3.5% of $500 USD = $17.50. However, if the tariff schedule also includes a specific duty component, for example, $0.35 per kilogram, the calculation would be $0.35/kg * 100 kg = $35.00. The higher of the two duties would apply, in this case, $35.00, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 090961?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 090961, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a "Free" duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or "Free" duty rates for eligible products from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For GSP, a GSP Form A is generally needed, depending on the importing country's specific requirements.

```

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 090921 HS 090931 HS 091091 HS 090421 HS 070960 HS 120922

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the import duty rates for HS code 090961 (Seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries) into the United States?

For imports into the United States, HS code 090961 generally carries a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of Free. This is according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC). Preferential rates under trade agreements may also apply, often resulting in Free entry as well. Importers should always verify the specific rate applicable at the time of entry, as tariff schedules can be updated.

How is the duty calculated for HS code 090961 if a duty were applicable?

While HS code 090961 typically has a Free duty rate in many major markets like the US, let's illustrate a hypothetical calculation. If, for instance, a country applied a 5% ad valorem duty and a specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram, and an importer brought in 100 kg of anise seeds valued at $500, the duty calculation would be: Ad Valorem Duty = 5% of $500 = $25. Specific Duty = $0.10/kg * 100 kg = $10. The total duty would be the higher of the two, or a combination depending on the tariff's structure. However, for 090961, the rate is generally Free.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 090961?

HS code 090961 covers seeds of anise (Pimpinella anisum), badian (Illicium verum), caraway (Carum carvi), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), as well as juniper berries (Juniperus communis). The key criteria are that the product must be the 'seed' of these specific plants or 'juniper berries'. Products that are the fruit (other than the seed), leaves, or other parts of these plants would be classified elsewhere. The goods must be imported in a condition suitable for use as spices or for sowing, though the primary classification is based on botanical origin and form.

Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods under HS code 090961?

While HS code 090961 itself doesn't usually trigger unique documentation beyond standard import requirements, importers should be prepared. This typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Depending on the country of origin and destination, phytosanitary certificates may be required to ensure the seeds are free from pests and diseases, especially if intended for sowing. Customs brokers should always consult the importing country's specific regulations and the importing agency's requirements (e.g., FDA for food use in the US).

Do common trade agreements, like USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 090961?

Yes, common trade agreements often provide preferential duty rates, typically resulting in Free entry for goods classified under HS code 090961. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating in Canada or Mexico often receive duty-free treatment. Similarly, the European Union has numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries that can grant preferential access, often leading to a 0.00% duty rate. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin requirements stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation.