HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0910.20 – Spices; saffron
HS code 0910.20 is the 6-digit subheading for spices, saffron. It is used for saffron threads, organic saffron, spanish saffron, kashmiri saffron and saffron powder (less common).
What HS 0910.20 covers
This HS code is exclusively for saffron, the world's most expensive spice by weight, derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Its exorbitant value stems from the extremely labor-intensive harvesting process, requiring thousands of flowers for just a few grams. Saffron is prized globally for its distinct aroma, unique flavor, and vibrant golden-yellow coloring properties, used in gourmet cuisine, traditional medicine, and even cosmetics. International trade in saffron is highly specialized, with Iran being the dominant producer, followed by Spain, India (Kashmir), and Greece. Importers include high-end restaurants, specialty food stores, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic manufacturers across the globe. Authenticity, purity, and quality (measured by crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal content) are paramount in trade, as adulteration is a significant and persistent concern in the market.
- Covers
- Saffron threads
- Organic saffron
- Spanish saffron
- Kashmiri saffron
- Saffron powder (less common)
- Examples
- La Mancha Saffron
- Sadaf Saffron
- Zaran Saffron
- Mehr Saffron
Codes often confused with 0910.20
Common mistake. Saffron is rarely confused with other spices due to its unique appearance and high value, but cheaper imitations or adulterated products (e.g., dyed corn silk) are a common trade issue, not an HS misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 091020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 091020 in UN Comtrade data was Iran, with about 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 Iran* ~$121M 40% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Spain $71M 23% of world exports
- 3 Afghanistan* ~$65M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $68M 23% of world imports
- 2 India $40M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $23M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $295M 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 0910.20
Brazil does not split HS 0910.20: its NCM code is 0910.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 09.10 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0910.20
What is HS code 091020?
HS code 091020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spices; saffron. This HS code is exclusively for saffron, the world's most expensive spice by weight, derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Its exorbitant value stems from the extremely labor-intensive harvesting process, requiring thousands of flowers for just a few grams. Saffron is prized globally for its distinct aroma, unique flavor, and vibrant golden-yellow coloring properties, used in gourmet cuisine, traditional medicine, and even cosmetics. International trade in saffron is highly specialized, with Iran being the dominant producer, followed by Spain, India (Kashmir), and Greece. Importers include high-end restaurants, specialty food stores, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic manufacturers across the globe. Authenticity, purity, and quality (measured by crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal content) are paramount in trade, as adulteration is a significant and persistent concern in the market.
What products fall under HS code 091020?
Saffron threads, Organic saffron, Spanish saffron, Kashmiri saffron, Saffron powder (less common)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 091020?
Saffron is rarely confused with other spices due to its unique appearance and high value, but cheaper imitations or adulterated products (e.g., dyed corn silk) are a common trade issue, not an HS misclassification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 091020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 091020 in UN Comtrade data were Iran (about $121M, 40% of world exports), Spain ($71M) and Afghanistan (about $65M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 091020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 091020 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($68M, 23% of world imports), India ($40M) and China ($23M). World imports came to about $295M, 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 091020 structured?
HS code 091020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (09) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 091020?
In Brazil, HS code 091020 is NCM 0910.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.