HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0908.21 – Spices; mace, neither crushed nor ground
HS code 0908.21 is the 6-digit subheading for spices, mace, neither crushed nor ground. It is used for whole mace blades, unground mace, dried mace arils, premium whole mace and organic whole mace.
What HS 0908.21 covers
HS code 090821 covers whole mace, which is the aril (lacy covering) of the nutmeg seed, in its uncrushed and unground form. Like nutmeg, mace primarily originates from Indonesia and Grenada, which are the leading global suppliers. Whole mace is a highly valued spice in international trade, prized for its delicate, warm, and slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to nutmeg. It is used in gourmet cooking, particularly in savory dishes, baked goods, and in the production of liqueurs and essential oils. Major importers include the Netherlands, the United States, and various European countries, where it is either used directly or further processed. Trade in whole mace focuses on the integrity of the 'blades,' their vibrant color, and aromatic quality, as these factors directly impact its market value and culinary appeal. Sustainable sourcing is also a growing consideration.
- Covers
- Whole mace blades
- Unground mace
- Dried mace arils
- Premium whole mace
- Organic whole mace
- Examples
- Spice Islands Whole Mace
- Simply Organic Whole Mace
- Frontier Co-op Whole Mace
- Badia Whole Mace
Codes often confused with 0908.21
Common mistake. Often confused with 090811 (whole nutmeg) as they come from the same fruit, but mace is the aril; also, 090822 covers ground mace.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 090821, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 090821 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 59% 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 $67M 87% of world exports
- 2 Sri Lanka $5.0M 6.5% of world exports
- 3 India $1.9M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $76M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $44M 59% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$6.0M 8.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$4.3M 5.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $75M 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 0908.21
Brazil does not split HS 0908.21: its NCM code is 0908.21.00.
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 0908.21
What is HS code 090821?
HS code 090821 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spices; mace, neither crushed nor ground. HS code 090821 covers whole mace, which is the aril (lacy covering) of the nutmeg seed, in its uncrushed and unground form. Like nutmeg, mace primarily originates from Indonesia and Grenada, which are the leading global suppliers. Whole mace is a highly valued spice in international trade, prized for its delicate, warm, and slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to nutmeg. It is used in gourmet cooking, particularly in savory dishes, baked goods, and in the production of liqueurs and essential oils. Major importers include the Netherlands, the United States, and various European countries, where it is either used directly or further processed. Trade in whole mace focuses on the integrity of the 'blades,' their vibrant color, and aromatic quality, as these factors directly impact its market value and culinary appeal. Sustainable sourcing is also a growing consideration.
What products fall under HS code 090821?
Whole mace blades, unground mace, dried mace arils, premium whole mace, organic whole mace
What are common misclassifications for HS code 090821?
Often confused with 090811 (whole nutmeg) as they come from the same fruit, but mace is the aril; also, 090822 covers ground mace.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 090821?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 090821 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($67M, 87% of world exports), Sri Lanka ($5.0M) and India ($1.9M). World exports came to about $76M, 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 090821?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 090821 in UN Comtrade data were India ($44M, 59% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $6.0M) and Vietnam (about $4.3M). World imports came to about $75M, 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 090821 structured?
HS code 090821 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 090821?
In Brazil, HS code 090821 is NCM 0908.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.