HS Code for Caraway seeds

Caraway seeds are classified under HS code 0909.61 when they are in their whole form, neither crushed nor ground. Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System covers coffee, tea, maté, and spices. Heading 0909 is specifically designated for the seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, or caraway, as well as juniper berries. The structure of this heading differentiates between seeds that are unprocessed (whole) and those that have been crushed or ground into powder. Subheading 0909.61 is the specific code for caraway seeds that remain whole. These seeds are the dried fruit of the Carum carvi plant. The classification is straightforward as long as the seeds have not been further processed into a spice meal or powder. This code is used for both culinary caraway seeds and seeds intended for other industrial uses, provided they are not prepared as medicaments or essential oils.

Products Included

• Whole dried caraway seeds
• Whole caraway seeds for culinary use
• Caraway seeds in bulk for spice packaging
• Dried caraway fruits (seeds) for flavoring

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is using 0909.62, which is the code for caraway seeds that are crushed or ground. Importers must ensure the physical state of the seed matches the code. Another potential error is 1209.91, which covers vegetable seeds for sowing. While caraway is a plant seed, the HS nomenclature prioritizes Chapter 09 for spices even if they could potentially be used for planting, unless they are specifically prepared and identified as seeds for sowing only.

FAQ

What is the HS code for caraway seeds?

The HS code for whole caraway seeds is 0909.61. If the seeds are ground, the code is 0909.62.

Are caraway seeds classified differently if they are organic?

No, the HS code 0909.61 applies to both organic and conventional caraway seeds, as the Harmonized System does not typically differentiate based on organic certification at the 6-digit level.