HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0908.11 – Spices; nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground
HS code 0908.11 is the 6-digit subheading for spices, nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground. It is used for whole nutmeg, unground nutmeg seeds, dried nutmeg kernels, premium whole nutmeg and organic whole nutmeg.
What HS 0908.11 covers
HS code 090811 covers whole nutmeg, meaning the seeds are neither crushed nor ground. This raw form of nutmeg is a significant commodity in the global spice market, with Indonesia and Grenada being the primary producing and exporting nations. Whole nutmeg is traded for a variety of purposes, including direct culinary use where it's freshly grated, for the extraction of essential oils, and in certain pharmaceutical applications. Major importing countries, such as the Netherlands (a key processing hub), the United States, and countries across Europe, seek high-quality whole nutmeg. Factors influencing trade include the size and integrity of the nutmeg seeds, their aromatic intensity, and the absence of defects or mold. The market also considers sustainable harvesting practices and fair trade certifications, reflecting growing consumer and industry demand for ethically sourced products.
- Covers
- Whole nutmeg
- Unground nutmeg seeds
- Dried nutmeg kernels
- Premium whole nutmeg
- Organic whole nutmeg
- Examples
- Spice Islands Whole Nutmeg
- Simply Organic Whole Nutmeg
- Frontier Co-op Whole Nutmeg
- Badia Whole Nutmeg
Codes often confused with 0908.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 090812 (crushed or ground nutmeg) due to processing state, and mace (090821), which is from the same fruit but distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 090811, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 090811 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% 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 Indonesia $107M 68% of world exports
- 2 India $19M 12% of world exports
- 3 Sri Lanka $14M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $157M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $56M 35% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$18M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$17M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $160M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 0908.11
Brazil does not split HS 0908.11: its NCM code is 0908.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 09.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0908.11
What is HS code 090811?
HS code 090811 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spices; nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground. HS code 090811 covers whole nutmeg, meaning the seeds are neither crushed nor ground. This raw form of nutmeg is a significant commodity in the global spice market, with Indonesia and Grenada being the primary producing and exporting nations. Whole nutmeg is traded for a variety of purposes, including direct culinary use where it's freshly grated, for the extraction of essential oils, and in certain pharmaceutical applications. Major importing countries, such as the Netherlands (a key processing hub), the United States, and countries across Europe, seek high-quality whole nutmeg. Factors influencing trade include the size and integrity of the nutmeg seeds, their aromatic intensity, and the absence of defects or mold. The market also considers sustainable harvesting practices and fair trade certifications, reflecting growing consumer and industry demand for ethically sourced products.
What products fall under HS code 090811?
Whole nutmeg, unground nutmeg seeds, dried nutmeg kernels, premium whole nutmeg, organic whole nutmeg
What are common misclassifications for HS code 090811?
This code can be confused with 090812 (crushed or ground nutmeg) due to processing state, and mace (090821), which is from the same fruit but distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 090811?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 090811 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($107M, 68% of world exports), India ($19M) and Sri Lanka ($14M). World exports came to about $157M, 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 090811?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 090811 in UN Comtrade data were China ($56M, 35% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $18M) and Vietnam (about $17M). World imports came to about $160M, 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 090811 structured?
HS code 090811 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 090811?
In Brazil, HS code 090811 is NCM 0908.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.