Product classification
HS code for Caraway seeds: 0909.61
Spices, seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel, juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of caraway seeds under HS 0909.61
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.
- Covers
- Whole dried caraway seeds
- Whole caraway seeds for culinary use
- Caraway seeds in bulk for spice packaging
- Dried caraway fruits (seeds) for flavoring
- 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. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090961 (the code used for caraway seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090961 (the code used for caraway 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 caraway 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 caraway 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 caraway seeds
What is the HS code for Caraway seeds?
The HS code for Caraway seeds is 090961 (Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole caraway seeds is 0909.61. If the seeds are ground, the code is 0909.62.
How do I classify Caraway seeds for customs?
Caraway 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 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of caraway seeds (HS 090961)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090961 (the code used for caraway 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 caraway seeds (HS 090961)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090961 (the code used for caraway 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 Caraway seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090961 for Caraway 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 caraway seeds in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 090961 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for caraway 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).