HS Code 09.08 – Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms

HS code 0908 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms. Heading 0908 of the Harmonized System encompasses three distinct and highly valued spices: "Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms." This classification covers these spices in their whole, ground, or otherwise minimally processed forms. Nutmeg refers to the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, while mace is the aril (lacy covering) of the same seed, both distinct in flavor and use. Cardamoms include both green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and black cardamom (Amomum subulatum), typically traded as whole pods or shelled seeds. The scope is limited to the natural spice products, excluding essential oils (Chapter 33) or medicinal extracts where these are ingredients (Chapter 30 or 1211 if crude). Sub-categories often distinguish between whole and ground forms, different grades (e.g., A grade nutmeg, bleached vs. unbleached cardamom), and specific varieties (e.g., Guatemalan cardamom, Grenadian nutmeg). Accurate classification under 0908 is critical for customs duties, import quotas, and compliance with food safety regulations, including purity and absence of contaminants. Historically, these spices were central to the global spice trade, commanding high prices and influencing economies. As part of Chapter 09, "Coffee, Tea, Maté and Spices," this heading groups these aromatic plant products primarily used for flavoring, distinguishing them from other agricultural or industrial commodities.

Whole nutmeg, ground nutmeg powder, whole mace blades, ground mace powder, green cardamom pods, black cardamom pods, cardamom seeds (shelled), ground cardamom powder, bleached cardamom pods, unbleached cardamom pods, Ceylon cardamom, Indian cardamom, Guatemalan cardamom, Indonesian nutmeg, Grenadian nutmeg, powdered nutmeg, powdered mace, large black cardamom, small green cardamom, whole mace, broken nutmeg, organic nutmeg, conventional cardamom, cardamom husks, cardamom whole.

Common misclassification mistakes for these spices often involve confusing the whole or ground spice (0908) with their essential oils (3301), which are concentrated extracts with different uses and classifications. Another error is classifying spice parts (e.g., cardamom husks or broken nutmeg) intended solely for essential oil extraction under 1211 (plants and parts of plants for perfumery or medicinal uses) rather than 0908, if they still retain their spice characteristics. Furthermore, ready-to-use spice blends containing nutmeg, mace, or cardamom fall under 2103 (sauces and preparations), not 0908, which is for the individual spices. Careful distinction based on processing level and intended use is key.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0908 in UN Comtrade data were India ($419M, 30% of world exports), Guatemala ($377M) and Indonesia ($267M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 0908 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($288M, 19% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $224M) and India ($143M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 0908 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.