Product classification
HS code for Cardamom seeds: 0908.31
Spices, cardamoms, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of cardamom seeds under HS 0908.31
Cardamom seeds are classified under HS code 090831 because they fall under Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses coffee, tea, maté, and spices. Specifically, heading 0908 is dedicated to nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms. The classification is further refined to the six-digit level 090831, which is reserved for cardamoms that are neither crushed nor ground. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the seeds are in their whole, natural state, they meet the criteria for this specific subheading. The distinction between whole and processed spices is critical in the HS system, as crushed or ground versions (090832) often carry different tariff rates and regulatory requirements due to the added value of processing. For the purposes of this code, the seeds may be imported within their pods or as loose seeds, provided they have not been subjected to milling or grinding processes that alter their physical structure into a powder or granulate.
- Covers
- Whole cardamom pods (green, black, or white)
- Whole cardamom seeds removed from the pod
- Dried whole cardamom fruits
- Cardamom seeds for culinary use, unground
- Also under 0908.31
- Spice Islands Whole Green Cardamom
- Simply Organic Whole Green Cardamom
- Frontier Co-op Whole Green Cardamom
- Badia Whole Green Cardamom
Codes often confused with 0908.31
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 090832, which is used for cardamoms that have been crushed or ground. Importers often confuse these when the seeds are slightly cracked but not fully powdered. Additionally, seeds intended for sowing (planting) might be mistakenly looked for in Chapter 12 (specifically 1209), but cardamom seeds, even if capable of germination, are typically retained in Chapter 9 unless they are specifically prepared and identified as seeds for sowing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090831 (the code used for cardamom seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090831 (the code used for cardamom seeds) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 26% 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 090831, not only cardamom seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $375M 37% of world exports
- 2 Guatemala $372M 37% of world exports
- 3 Nepal* ~$65M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $277M 26% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$203M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $89M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 cardamom seeds
Brazil classifies cardamom seeds under NCM 0908.31.00: HS 0908.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cardamom seeds
What is the HS code for Cardamom seeds?
The HS code for Cardamom seeds is 090831 (Spices; cardamoms, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for cardamom seeds that are neither crushed nor ground is 090831.
How do I classify Cardamom seeds for customs?
Cardamom seeds is classified under HS code 090831 — Spices; cardamoms, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include both green and black cardamom?
Yes, both Elettaria (green) and Amomum (black/brown) varieties are classified under 090831 as long as they are whole and not ground.
Which countries are the top exporters of cardamom seeds (HS 090831)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090831 (the code used for cardamom seeds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($375M, 37% of world exports), Guatemala ($372M) and Nepal (about $65M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 cardamom seeds (HS 090831)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090831 (the code used for cardamom seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($277M, 26% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $203M) and India ($89M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Cardamom seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090831 for Cardamom 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 cardamom seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, cardamom seeds (HS 090831) is classified under NCM 0908.31.00.