About HS Code 0906
HS Heading 0906 covers "Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers," encompassing the dried bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum species) and the dried flowers from the same plant. This classification includes cinnamon in various forms: whole sticks (quills), broken pieces, ground powder, and even the crude bark. The scope differentiates between Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), known for its delicate flavor, and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia, C. burmannii, C. loureiroi), which is more robust and commonly used. Cinnamon-tree flowers are less common in trade but are specifically included. This heading strictly pertains to the natural spice and its immediate derivatives, excluding refined essential oils (Chapter 33) or medicinal preparations where cinnamon is an ingredient (Chapter 30 or 1211 if crude). Accurate classification under 0906 is vital for customs duties, import restrictions (e.g., coumarin levels in Cassia cinnamon in some markets), and phytosanitary requirements. Historically, cinnamon has been a highly sought-after spice, driving ancient trade routes and exploration. Its use spans culinary applications (baking, savory dishes), beverages, perfumery, and traditional medicine. As part of Chapter 09, this heading places cinnamon alongside other natural spices, emphasizing its role as a flavoring agent rather than a primary foodstuff or industrial chemical. The distinction between species and forms is crucial for both market value and regulatory compliance.
Products Under This Code
Cinnamon sticks (quills), ground cinnamon powder, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, Cassia cinnamon sticks, Vietnamese Cassia cinnamon, Indonesian Cassia cinnamon, Sri Lankan cinnamon quills, broken cinnamon bark, cinnamon-tree flowers (dried), organic cinnamon powder, conventional cinnamon quills, powdered cinnamon, cinnamon chips, rolled cinnamon bark, whole cinnamon bark, Alba grade cinnamon, C5 grade cinnamon, Korintje cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon, cinnamon bark pieces, cinnamon bark flakes, cinnamon spice.
Real World Examples
A major spice importer in the United States receives large shipments of Ceylon cinnamon quills from Sri Lanka via ocean freight, destined for gourmet food retailers and high-end bakeries, adhering to strict quality and purity standards. Concurrently, a food processing company in Germany imports bulk quantities of ground Cassia cinnamon from Indonesia, transported in containers, for use in mass-produced baked goods and spice blends, requiring compliance with EU regulations on coumarin content. In another instance, a Chinese herbal medicine distributor imports dried cinnamon-tree flowers from Vietnam for traditional remedies, requiring proper phytosanitary certificates and adherence to local import regulations.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassification errors for cinnamon products include confusing the spice itself (0906) with its essential oil (3301), which is a concentrated extract used in perfumery or medicine, not the raw spice. Another mistake can be classifying cinnamon bark used for non-culinary purposes (e.g., crude medicinal ingredients) under 1211 (plants and parts of plants for medicinal or similar uses), rather than 0906, if its primary use is still as a spice. Additionally, mixed spice preparations containing cinnamon (2103) should not be classified here, as 0906 is for cinnamon exclusively. Careful attention to the form and primary intended use is vital.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Sri Lanka (Ceylon cinnamon) and Indonesia, Vietnam, and China (Cassia cinnamon) are the leading global exporters of cinnamon. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and India, driven by diverse culinary traditions and industrial demand. Tariffs for raw cinnamon are generally low, especially under various FTAs. However, regulatory concerns, particularly regarding coumarin levels in Cassia cinnamon in the EU and other markets, can impact trade flows and require specific testing and certification. Organic certification is also a significant factor influencing market access and pricing for premium varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 0906?
HS code 0906 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers. HS Heading 0906 covers "Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers," encompassing the dried bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum species) and the dried flowers from the same plant. This classification includes cinnamon in various forms: whole sticks (quills), broken pieces, ground powder, and even the crude bark. The scope differentiates between Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), known for its delicate flavor, and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia, C. burmannii, C. loureiroi), which is more robust and commonly used. Cinnamon-tree flowers are less common in trade but are specifically included. This heading strictly pertains to the natural spice and its immediate derivatives, excluding refined essential oils (Chapter 33) or medicinal preparations where cinnamon is an ingredient (Chapter 30 or 1211 if crude). Accurate classification under 0906 is vital for customs duties, import restrictions (e.g., coumarin levels in Cassia cinnamon in some markets), and phytosanitary requirements. Historically, cinnamon has been a highly sought-after spice, driving ancient trade routes and exploration. Its use spans culinary applications (baking, savory dishes), beverages, perfumery, and traditional medicine. As part of Chapter 09, this heading places cinnamon alongside other natural spices, emphasizing its role as a flavoring agent rather than a primary foodstuff or industrial chemical. The distinction between species and forms is crucial for both market value and regulatory compliance.
What products fall under HS code 0906?
Cinnamon sticks (quills), ground cinnamon powder, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, Cassia cinnamon sticks, Vietnamese Cassia cinnamon, Indonesian Cassia cinnamon, Sri Lankan cinnamon quills, broken cinnamon bark, cinnamon-tree flowers (dried), organic cinnamon powder, conventional cinnamon quills, powdered cinnamon, cinnamon chips, rolled cinnamon bark, whole cinnamon bark, Alba grade cinnamon, C5 grade cinnamon, Korintje cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon, cinnamon bark pieces, cinnamon bark flakes, cinnamon spice.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 0906?
Common misclassification errors for cinnamon products include confusing the spice itself (0906) with its essential oil (3301), which is a concentrated extract used in perfumery or medicine, not the raw spice. Another mistake can be classifying cinnamon bark used for non-culinary purposes (e.g., crude medicinal ingredients) under 1211 (plants and parts of plants for medicinal or similar uses), rather than 0906, if its primary use is still as a spice. Additionally, mixed spice preparations containing cinnamon (2103) should not be classified here, as 0906 is for cinnamon exclusively. Careful attention to the form and primary intended use is vital.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 0906?
Sri Lanka (Ceylon cinnamon) and Indonesia, Vietnam, and China (Cassia cinnamon) are the leading global exporters of cinnamon. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and India, driven by diverse culinary traditions and industrial demand. Tariffs for raw cinnamon are generally low, especially under various FTAs. However, regulatory concerns, particularly regarding coumarin levels in Cassia cinnamon in the EU and other markets, can impact trade flows and require specific testing and certification. Organic certification is also a significant factor influencing market access and pricing for premium varieties.
How is HS code 0906 structured?
HS code 0906 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.