HS Code 09 – Coffee, tea, mate and spices

HS code 09 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Coffee, tea, mate and spices. Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses a diverse and historically significant group of agricultural commodities: coffee, tea, mate, and a broad spectrum of spices. This chapter serves as the definitive classification for these products in their raw, dried, or minimally processed forms, which are primarily intended for human consumption as beverages or flavoring agents. The scope of Chapter 09 is quite specific, focusing on the core products themselves rather than preparations or substitutes. For instance, while roasted coffee beans fall under 0901, roasted coffee substitutes or extracts are classified elsewhere (typically Chapter 21). Similarly, true teas (from the Camellia sinensis plant) and mate are covered here, but many herbal infusions are not. Key sub-categories within this chapter include unroasted and roasted coffee (0901), various forms of tea (green, black, oolong, 0902), mate (0903), and a wide array of individual spices such as pepper (0904), vanilla (0905), cinnamon (0906), cloves (0907), nutmeg, mace, cardamoms (0908), and other spices like ginger, saffron, and turmeric (0910). Accurate classification under Chapter 09 is paramount for trade compliance. It directly impacts applicable customs duties, import quotas, phytosanitary requirements, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Incorrect classification can lead to significant delays, fines, and market access barriers. Historically, these commodities, particularly spices, were the driving force behind ancient trade routes and colonial expansion, making them central to global commerce for centuries. Today, they remain vital cash crops for many developing economies and high-value imports for consuming nations worldwide, underscoring their continued economic and cultural importance.

Unroasted Arabica coffee beans, roasted Robusta coffee beans, decaffeinated ground coffee, green tea leaves, black tea bags, oolong tea, flavored black tea, mate (Ilex paraguariensis), whole black peppercorns, ground white pepper, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, ground cassia, whole cloves, whole nutmeg seeds, mace blades, green cardamom pods, star anise, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cumin powder, caraway seeds, dried ginger root, saffron threads, turmeric powder, dried thyme leaves, bay leaves, pre-mixed curry powder.

Common misclassifications in Chapter 09 often involve distinguishing between true spices/beverages and their preparations or substitutes. One frequent error is classifying roasted coffee substitutes (e.g., chicory-based drinks) or extracts under 0901, when they correctly belong to 2101 (Extracts, essences, concentrates of coffee, tea or mate; roasted chicory). Similarly, certain herbal infusions not derived from Camellia sinensis (e.g., peppermint tea, chamomile tea) are sometimes mistakenly put under 0902; these are typically classified as other food preparations under 2106 or even under Chapter 12 if they are medicinal plants. Another pitfall is confusing seeds primarily used as spices (e.g., coriander seeds, 0909) with seeds for planting or oil extraction (Chapter 12), where the intended use is the critical differentiator. Dried ginger used as a spice (0910) can also be confused with fresh ginger (0714) or ginger for medicinal purposes (1211), emphasizing the importance of processing and specific use.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 09 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($15.6B, 17% of world exports), Vietnam (about $7.9B) and Germany ($6.5B). World exports came to about $94.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 09 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($15.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($9.0B) and France ($5.0B). World imports came to about $93.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 09 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.