HS Code Subheading

Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground

0904.21 Subheading
Section II — Vegetable products

About HS Code 090421

This code covers whole, dried, uncrushed, and unground fruits from the *Capsicum* genus (chili peppers, bell peppers) and the *Pimenta* genus (allspice). These are traded as raw materials for the spice industry, food processing, and culinary use. Major exporters include countries with suitable climates for growing these plants, such as Mexico, China, India, and Peru for *Capsicum*, and Jamaica and Guatemala for *Pimenta*. Importers are typically food manufacturers, spice blenders, and distributors in countries globally, who will further process these dried fruits into powders, flakes, or extracts. Key trade considerations include heat level (Scoville units for chilies), color, aroma, and freedom from defects. The market values specific varieties for their unique flavor profiles and pungency. Quality control, including moisture content and absence of contaminants, is crucial for maintaining product integrity and safety.

Products Under This Code

Dried Whole Ancho Chilies, Dried Whole Guajillo Chilies, Dried Whole Chipotle Peppers, Dried Whole Bird's Eye Chilies, Dried Whole Allspice Berries, Dried Whole Habanero Peppers, Dried Whole Bell Peppers

Real World Examples

Frontier Co-op (bulk dried chilies), Penzeys Spices (whole dried chilies), McCormick (bulk allspice), Simply Organic (whole dried chilies), Goya (dried peppers)

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 090422 (Capsicum or Pimenta, crushed or ground) due to the processing state. It's also important to distinguish it from pepper of the *Piper* genus (black pepper) under 090411.

Products Classified Under 0904.21

Industry

This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.

Trade Overview

Mexico, China, and India are leading exporters of dried *Capsicum*, while Jamaica is key for *Pimenta*; major importers include the US, Germany, and Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 090421?

HS code 090421 covers: Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground. This code covers whole, dried, uncrushed, and unground fruits from the *Capsicum* genus (chili peppers, bell peppers) and the *Pimenta* genus (allspice). These are traded as raw materials for the spice industry, food processing, and culinary use. Major exporters include countries with suitable climates for growing these plants, such as Mexico, China, India, and Peru for *Capsicum*, and Jamaica and Guatemala for *Pimenta*. Importers are typically food manufacturers, spice blenders, and distributors in countries globally, who will further process these dried fruits into powders, flakes, or extracts. Key trade considerations include heat level (Scoville units for chilies), color, aroma, and freedom from defects. The market values specific varieties for their unique flavor profiles and pungency. Quality control, including moisture content and absence of contaminants, is crucial for maintaining product integrity and safety.

What products fall under HS code 090421?

Dried Whole Ancho Chilies, Dried Whole Guajillo Chilies, Dried Whole Chipotle Peppers, Dried Whole Bird's Eye Chilies, Dried Whole Allspice Berries, Dried Whole Habanero Peppers, Dried Whole Bell Peppers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 090421?

This code is often confused with 090422 (Capsicum or Pimenta, crushed or ground) due to the processing state. It's also important to distinguish it from pepper of the *Piper* genus (black pepper) under 090411.

How is HS code 090421 structured?

HS code 090421 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.