HS Code 09.07 – Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems)

HS code 0907 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems). Heading 0907 of the Harmonized System covers "Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems)," specifically referring to the dried flower buds, the whole fruit, and the stems of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). This classification encompasses cloves in their natural, raw, or minimally processed forms, such as whole dried cloves, ground clove powder, and separated clove stems. The scope is precise, focusing on the botanical parts of the clove plant used as a spice. It excludes refined clove essential oil (which falls under Chapter 33 as essential oils) and any processed food preparations where cloves are merely an ingredient (typically Chapter 21). Sub-categories might distinguish between hand-picked premium grade cloves, machine-cleaned industrial grade cloves, or different origins like Zanzibar or Madagascar cloves. Accurate classification under 0907 is crucial for trade compliance, affecting customs duties, phytosanitary inspections, and adherence to quality standards (e.g., volatile oil content). Historically, cloves were a highly valued commodity in the spice trade, driving maritime exploration and colonial rivalries due to their potent flavor and medicinal properties. As an integral part of Chapter 09, "Coffee, Tea, Maté and Spices," cloves are recognized as a natural aromatic plant product primarily intended for flavoring, distinguishing them from other agricultural products or industrial raw materials.

Whole dried cloves, ground clove powder, clove stems (dried), clove fruit (whole, dried), hand-picked cloves, machine-cleaned cloves, premium grade cloves, industrial grade cloves, organic cloves, conventional cloves, Zanzibar cloves, Madagascar cloves, Indonesian cloves, Sri Lankan cloves, powdered cloves, broken cloves, clove buds (dried), clove spice, whole dried clove spice, clove pieces, roasted cloves, unroasted cloves, sun-dried cloves, mechanically dried cloves.

Common misclassification mistakes for cloves include confusing the whole spice (0907) with clove essential oil (3301), which is a concentrated extract with different applications and tariff rates. Another error involves classifying clove stems that are primarily used for essential oil extraction rather than as a spice under 1211 (plants and parts of plants for perfumery or medicinal uses), even though 0907 specifically includes stems. Additionally, prepared food items containing cloves as an ingredient (e.g., spice blends) typically fall under 2103 or other Chapter 21 headings, not 0907. Correct classification hinges on the form and primary intended use of the product.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0907 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($221M, 39% of world exports), Madagascar ($150M) and Brazil ($29M). World exports came to about $560M, 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 0907 in UN Comtrade data were India ($189M, 34% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $44M) and Indonesia ($35M). World imports came to about $564M, 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 0907 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.