Product classification
HS code for Black pepper powder: 0904.12
Spices, pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground.
Classification of black pepper powder under HS 0904.12
Black pepper powder is classified under HS code 090412, which specifically covers pepper of the genus Piper that has been crushed or ground. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the physical state of the spice. While whole peppercorns are classified under 090411, the process of grinding or crushing changes the subheading to 090412. This code is part of Chapter 9, which encompasses coffee, tea, maté, and spices. To qualify for this code, the product must consist purely of ground black pepper without the addition of other substances like salt, flour, or other spices. If the pepper is mixed with other ingredients to create a seasoning blend, it may be reclassified under Chapter 21. The botanical origin is also critical; it must be from the Piper genus, which includes black, white, and green pepper, but excludes peppers of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta (such as chili peppers or allspice), which are classified elsewhere in heading 0904.
- Covers
- Ground black pepper
- Crushed black peppercorns
- Fine black pepper powder
- Coarse ground black pepper
- Also under 0904.12
- McCormick Ground Black Pepper
- Simply Organic Ground White Pepper
- Badia Ground Black Pepper
- Trader Joe's Ground Black Pepper
- Schwartz Ground Black Pepper
Codes often confused with 0904.12
Common mistake. Black pepper powder is frequently confused with HS code 090411, which is reserved for whole peppercorns. Another common error is using HS code 210390, which covers mixed condiments and seasonings; if the powder contains any additives like garlic powder or salt, it must be moved to 210390. Additionally, ground chili or paprika should not be here; they belong under 090422.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090412 (the code used for black pepper powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090412 (the code used for black pepper powder) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 090412, not only black pepper powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$439M 50% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $75M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $52M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $877M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $234M 27% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $64M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Japan $50M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $851M 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 black pepper powder
Brazil classifies black pepper powder under NCM 0904.12.00: HS 0904.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about black pepper powder
What is the HS code for Black pepper powder?
The HS code for Black pepper powder is 090412 (Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground). The HS code for black pepper powder is 090412, representing crushed or ground pepper of the genus Piper.
How do I classify Black pepper powder for customs?
Black pepper powder is classified under HS code 090412 — Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is white pepper powder classified under the same code?
Yes, white pepper powder is also derived from the genus Piper and is classified under HS code 090412 when ground.
Which countries are the top exporters of black pepper powder (HS 090412)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090412 (the code used for black pepper powder) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $439M, 50% of world exports), India ($75M) and the Netherlands ($52M). World exports came to about $877M, 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 black pepper powder (HS 090412)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090412 (the code used for black pepper powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($234M, 27% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($64M) and Japan ($50M). World imports came to about $851M, 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 Black pepper powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090412 for Black pepper powder 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 black pepper powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, black pepper powder (HS 090412) is classified under NCM 0904.12.00.