HS codes for Indian spices and seeds
Short answer: whole cumin is HS 0909.31, coriander 0909.21, fennel 0909.61, turmeric 0910.30, dried red chilli 0904.21, sesame 1207.40 and mustard 1207.50. Fenugreek and ajwain fall under 0910.99 (other spices). The first six digits are the same in every country; your customs tariff adds more digits.
| Product | HS code, whole | HS code, crushed or ground | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 0909.31 | 0909.32 | |
| Coriander seeds (dhaniya) | 0909.21 | 0909.22 | |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 0909.61 | 0909.62 | Same heading as anise, star anise, caraway and juniper |
| Fenugreek seeds (methi) | 0910.99 | 0910.99 | Classed as other spices |
| Ajwain / carom seeds | 0910.99 | 0910.99 | Classed as other spices |
| Turmeric (haldi) | 0910.30 | 0910.30 | Whole fingers and powder share the code |
| Dried red chilli (lal mirch) | 0904.21 | 0904.22 | 0904.21 dried, neither crushed nor ground; 0904.22 crushed or ground |
| Mustard seeds (rai / sarson) | 1207.50 | — | Oilseed chapter |
| Sesame seeds (til) | 1207.40 | — | Oilseed chapter; natural and hulled |
| Moringa leaf powder | 1211.90 | — | Plants and parts used in pharmacy or similar; check national practice |
| Ashwagandha root | 1211.90 | — | Plants and parts used in pharmacy or similar |
| Black pepper | 0904.11 | 0904.12 | |
| Cardamom | 0908.31 | 0908.32 | |
| Ginger (dried) | 0910.11 | 0910.12 | |
| Cloves | 0907.10 | 0907.20 | |
| Cinnamon | 0906.11 / 0906.19 | 0906.20 |
How to use these codes
- Use the 6-digit code to find the full national tariff line in your country (8 to 10 digits), and confirm it with your customs broker.
- India uses 8-digit ITC-HS codes on shipping bills; the exporter's invoice and your import declaration should match on the first six digits.
- Seed spices in powder form often have a separate code from whole seed. Check which one applies before you price duty.
- Organic lots use the same HS code; the organic certificate travels as an extra document.