HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0905.20 – Spices; vanilla, crushed or ground
HS code 0905.20 is the 6-digit subheading for spices, vanilla, crushed or ground. It is used for vanilla Powder, ground Vanilla Beans, vanilla Bean Paste, vanilla Sugar (with ground beans) and vanilla Bean Specks.
What HS 0905.20 covers
This HS code covers vanilla that has been processed by crushing or grinding, typically into vanilla powder or vanilla bean paste. This form of vanilla is used extensively in the food and beverage industry for flavoring, particularly in baking, confectionery, and dairy products, where the convenience of a pre-processed ingredient is valued. Exporters may include vanilla-producing countries with processing capabilities, or countries that import whole beans and then process them for re-export or domestic use. Key importers are food manufacturers, bakeries, and ingredient suppliers globally, especially in markets with high demand for vanilla-flavored products. Trade considerations include particle size, moisture content, vanillin concentration, and the absence of artificial additives. Given the high value of vanilla, ensuring authenticity and preventing adulteration are critical concerns in this segment.
- Covers
- Vanilla Powder
- Ground Vanilla Beans
- Vanilla Bean Paste
- Vanilla Sugar (with ground beans)
- Vanilla Bean Specks
- Vanilla Bean Grinds
- Vanilla Bean Flakes
- Examples
- Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste
- Rodelle Vanilla Powder
- Simply Organic Vanilla Powder
- King Arthur Baking Vanilla Bean Powder
- LorAnn Oils Ground Vanilla Bean
Codes often confused with 0905.20
Common mistake. The main distinction for this code is from 090510 (Vanilla, neither crushed nor ground), based on the processing state. It's crucial not to confuse it with synthetic vanillin or vanilla extracts, which are classified elsewhere (e.g., 293299 for vanillin, 330210 for flavorings).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 090520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 090520 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% 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 Germany $11M 21% of world exports
- 2 France $9.1M 18% of world exports
- 3 Madagascar $4.7M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $52M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $12M 22% of world imports
- 2 France $6.0M 11% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $3.2M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $56M 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 0905.20
Brazil does not split HS 0905.20: its NCM code is 0905.20.00.
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 0905.20
What is HS code 090520?
HS code 090520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spices; vanilla, crushed or ground. This HS code covers vanilla that has been processed by crushing or grinding, typically into vanilla powder or vanilla bean paste. This form of vanilla is used extensively in the food and beverage industry for flavoring, particularly in baking, confectionery, and dairy products, where the convenience of a pre-processed ingredient is valued. Exporters may include vanilla-producing countries with processing capabilities, or countries that import whole beans and then process them for re-export or domestic use. Key importers are food manufacturers, bakeries, and ingredient suppliers globally, especially in markets with high demand for vanilla-flavored products. Trade considerations include particle size, moisture content, vanillin concentration, and the absence of artificial additives. Given the high value of vanilla, ensuring authenticity and preventing adulteration are critical concerns in this segment.
What products fall under HS code 090520?
Vanilla Powder, Ground Vanilla Beans, Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Sugar (with ground beans), Vanilla Bean Specks, Vanilla Bean Grinds, Vanilla Bean Flakes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 090520?
The main distinction for this code is from 090510 (Vanilla, neither crushed nor ground), based on the processing state. It's crucial not to confuse it with synthetic vanillin or vanilla extracts, which are classified elsewhere (e.g., 293299 for vanillin, 330210 for flavorings).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 090520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 090520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 21% of world exports), France ($9.1M) and Madagascar ($4.7M). World exports came to about $52M, 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 090520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 090520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($12M, 22% of world imports), France ($6.0M) and Switzerland ($3.2M). World imports came to about $56M, 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 090520 structured?
HS code 090520 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 090520?
In Brazil, HS code 090520 is NCM 0905.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.