HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0908.12 – Spices; nutmeg, crushed or ground
HS code 0908.12 is the 6-digit subheading for spices, nutmeg, crushed or ground. It is used for ground nutmeg, nutmeg powder, crushed nutmeg, powdered nutmeg and finely ground nutmeg.
What HS 0908.12 covers
This HS code pertains to nutmeg that has been crushed or ground, representing a processed form widely traded internationally. While the primary producers of whole nutmeg are Indonesia and Grenada, the grinding and packaging often occur closer to consumer markets or in specialized processing hubs. Ground nutmeg is a highly versatile spice, extensively used in the food manufacturing industry, baking, confectionery, and in various spice blends globally. Key importers include the United States, countries within the European Union, and Japan, where it's incorporated into a vast array of products. Trade in ground nutmeg emphasizes consistent particle size, purity, and the preservation of its characteristic warm, sweet aroma and flavor. Quality control measures are crucial to prevent adulteration and ensure the product meets international food safety and quality standards, making it a reliable ingredient for industrial and retail use.
- Covers
- Ground nutmeg
- Nutmeg powder
- Crushed nutmeg
- Powdered nutmeg
- Finely ground nutmeg
- Organic ground nutmeg
- Examples
- McCormick Ground Nutmeg
- Simply Organic Ground Nutmeg
- Frontier Co-op Organic Ground Nutmeg
- Badia Ground Nutmeg
Codes often confused with 0908.12
Common mistake. The main confusion for this code is with 090811 (whole nutmeg) if the processing state is not clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 090812, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 090812 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 $27M 30% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$14M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $14M 15% of world exports
World total: $91M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $14M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $11M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11M 12% of world imports
World total: $88M 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 0908.12
Brazil does not split HS 0908.12: its NCM code is 0908.12.00.
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 0908.12
What is HS code 090812?
HS code 090812 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spices; nutmeg, crushed or ground. This HS code pertains to nutmeg that has been crushed or ground, representing a processed form widely traded internationally. While the primary producers of whole nutmeg are Indonesia and Grenada, the grinding and packaging often occur closer to consumer markets or in specialized processing hubs. Ground nutmeg is a highly versatile spice, extensively used in the food manufacturing industry, baking, confectionery, and in various spice blends globally. Key importers include the United States, countries within the European Union, and Japan, where it's incorporated into a vast array of products. Trade in ground nutmeg emphasizes consistent particle size, purity, and the preservation of its characteristic warm, sweet aroma and flavor. Quality control measures are crucial to prevent adulteration and ensure the product meets international food safety and quality standards, making it a reliable ingredient for industrial and retail use.
What products fall under HS code 090812?
Ground nutmeg, nutmeg powder, crushed nutmeg, powdered nutmeg, finely ground nutmeg, organic ground nutmeg
What are common misclassifications for HS code 090812?
The main confusion for this code is with 090811 (whole nutmeg) if the processing state is not clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 090812?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 090812 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($27M, 30% of world exports), Vietnam (about $14M) and the Netherlands ($14M). World exports came to about $91M, 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 090812?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 090812 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($14M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($11M) and Germany ($11M). World imports came to about $88M, 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 090812 structured?
HS code 090812 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 090812?
In Brazil, HS code 090812 is NCM 0908.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.