HS Code 09.06 – Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers

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.

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.

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.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0906 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $278M, 31% of world exports), Sri Lanka ($247M) and China ($117M). World exports came to about $900M, 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 0906 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($169M, 19% of world imports), India ($124M) and Mexico ($99M). World imports came to about $897M, 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 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.