HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0905.10 – Spices; vanilla, neither crushed nor ground

HS code 0905.10 is the 6-digit subheading for spices, vanilla, neither crushed nor ground. It is used for madagascar Vanilla Beans, tahitian Vanilla Beans, indonesian Vanilla Beans, mexican Vanilla Beans and ugandan Vanilla Beans.

What HS 0905.10 covers

This HS code covers whole, uncrushed, and unground vanilla beans, which are among the world's most prized and expensive spices. These are the cured, fermented pods of the vanilla orchid, primarily *Vanilla planifolia*. Major exporters are tropical islands and regions where the orchid is cultivated, notably Madagascar, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Importers include high-end food manufacturers, flavor extract producers, and gourmet food distributors in developed countries like the US, France, and Germany. The trade in vanilla beans is highly sensitive to supply chain disruptions, weather events, and geopolitical stability in producing regions, leading to significant price volatility. Quality is paramount, assessed by length, moisture content, aroma, and vanillin levels. Ethical sourcing and fair trade practices are increasingly important due to the labor-intensive cultivation and curing process.

Covers
  • Madagascar Vanilla Beans
  • Tahitian Vanilla Beans
  • Indonesian Vanilla Beans
  • Mexican Vanilla Beans
  • Ugandan Vanilla Beans
  • Vanilla Planifolia Pods
  • Vanilla Tahitensis Pods
Examples
  • Nielsen-Massey Vanillas (bulk sourcing)
  • Rodelle (bulk sourcing)
  • Simply Organic (whole beans)
  • Heilala Vanilla (whole beans)
  • Vanilla Bean Kings (whole beans)

Codes often confused with 0905.10

Common mistake. This code is distinct from 090520 (Vanilla, crushed or ground) based on the processing state. It should also not be confused with vanilla extracts or essences, which fall under different chapters (e.g., 210390 for mixed condiments or 330210 for odoriferous substances).

Top exporters and importers of HS code 090510, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 090510 in UN Comtrade data was Madagascar, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Madagascar $124M
  2. 2 France $35M
  3. 3 Uganda $16M

World total: $253M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $97M
  2. 2 France $76M
  3. 3 Germany $26M

World total: $294M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 0905.10

Brazil does not split HS 0905.10: its NCM code is 0905.10.00.

  1. 0905.10.00 Vanilla, neither crushed nor groundNão triturada nem em pó

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 09.05 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 0905.10

What is HS code 090510?

HS code 090510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spices; vanilla, neither crushed nor ground. This HS code covers whole, uncrushed, and unground vanilla beans, which are among the world's most prized and expensive spices. These are the cured, fermented pods of the vanilla orchid, primarily *Vanilla planifolia*. Major exporters are tropical islands and regions where the orchid is cultivated, notably Madagascar, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Importers include high-end food manufacturers, flavor extract producers, and gourmet food distributors in developed countries like the US, France, and Germany. The trade in vanilla beans is highly sensitive to supply chain disruptions, weather events, and geopolitical stability in producing regions, leading to significant price volatility. Quality is paramount, assessed by length, moisture content, aroma, and vanillin levels. Ethical sourcing and fair trade practices are increasingly important due to the labor-intensive cultivation and curing process.

What products fall under HS code 090510?

Madagascar Vanilla Beans, Tahitian Vanilla Beans, Indonesian Vanilla Beans, Mexican Vanilla Beans, Ugandan Vanilla Beans, Vanilla Planifolia Pods, Vanilla Tahitensis Pods

What are common misclassifications for HS code 090510?

This code is distinct from 090520 (Vanilla, crushed or ground) based on the processing state. It should also not be confused with vanilla extracts or essences, which fall under different chapters (e.g., 210390 for mixed condiments or 330210 for odoriferous substances).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 090510?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 090510 in UN Comtrade data were Madagascar ($124M, 49% of world exports), France ($35M) and Uganda ($16M). World exports came to about $253M, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 090510?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 090510 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($97M, 33% of world imports), France ($76M) and Germany ($26M). World imports came to about $294M, 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.

How is HS code 090510 structured?

HS code 090510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 090510?

In Brazil, HS code 090510 is NCM 0905.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.