Product classification
HS code for Anise seeds: 0909.61
Spices, seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel, juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of anise seeds under HS 0909.61
Anise seeds are precisely classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 090961. This specific subheading is designated for "Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground." The rationale for this classification stems from anise seeds' primary use as a culinary spice, aligning perfectly with the general category of spices within Chapter 9. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "anise" within the description of 090961 ensures its direct and unambiguous placement. The critical condition "neither crushed nor ground" is a defining characteristic for inclusion in this particular code, distinguishing whole, unprocessed seeds from any forms that have undergone mechanical processing. This precise definition facilitates accurate customs declarations and international trade statistics for this specific agricultural commodity.
- Covers
- Anise seeds (whole, neither crushed nor ground)
- Badian seeds (whole, neither crushed nor ground)
- Caraway seeds (whole, neither crushed nor ground)
- Fennel seeds (whole, neither crushed nor ground)
- Juniper berries (whole, neither crushed nor ground)
- Also under 0909.61
- Frontier Co-op Whole Star Anise
- Simply Organic Caraway Seed
- McCormick Whole Fennel Seed
- Banyan Botanicals Fennel Seed
Codes often confused with 0909.61
Common mistake. Common misclassification scenarios for anise seeds primarily involve other spice categories or processed forms. For instance, other whole spices such as black pepper (HS 0904) or cinnamon (HS 0906) might be mistakenly considered, but HS 090961 is specifically reserved for the enumerated seeds and berries. A frequent point of confusion arises when anise seeds have been processed. While whole anise seeds fall under 090961, their crushed or ground counterparts are excluded. These processed forms would typically be classified under HS 091099, which covers "Spices; mixtures of two or more of the products of headings 09.04 to 09.10, other," or other relevant prepared spice categories, as the "neither crushed nor ground" stipulation of 090961 is a strict criterion for inclusion.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090961 (the code used for anise seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090961 (the code used for anise seeds) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 090961, not only anise seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $88M 24% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$59M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $50M 14% of world exports
World total: $368M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $72M 17% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$56M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $34M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $410M 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 codes for anise seeds
Brazil splits HS 0909.61 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0909.61.10Anise seeds, neither crushed nor ground
- 0909.61.20Star anise, neither crushed nor ground
- 0909.61.90Fennel, caraway and juniper, not crushed or ground
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about anise seeds
What is the HS code for Anise seeds?
The HS code for Anise seeds is 090961 (Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole anise seeds, provided they are neither crushed nor ground, is 090961.
How do I classify Anise seeds for customs?
Anise seeds is classified under HS code 090961 — Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are crushed anise seeds classified under HS 090961?
No, HS 090961 specifically covers anise seeds that are "neither crushed nor ground." Crushed or ground anise seeds would typically be classified under other headings, such as HS 091099, which pertains to other prepared spices or spice mixtures.
Which countries are the top exporters of anise seeds (HS 090961)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090961 (the code used for anise seeds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($88M, 24% of world exports), Vietnam (about $59M) and India ($50M). World exports came to about $368M, 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 anise seeds (HS 090961)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090961 (the code used for anise seeds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($72M, 17% of world imports), Vietnam (about $56M) and Germany ($34M). World imports came to about $410M, 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.
Is the HS code for Anise seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090961 for Anise seeds is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for anise seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 090961 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for anise seeds depends on the product's details: 0909.61.10 (Anise seeds, neither crushed nor ground), 0909.61.20 (Star anise, neither crushed nor ground), 0909.61.90 (Fennel, caraway and juniper, not crushed or ground).