Product classification
HS code for Ceylon cinnamon sticks: 0906.11
Spices, cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of ceylon cinnamon sticks under HS 0906.11
Ceylon cinnamon sticks are classified under HS code 090611 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This specific code is reserved for the species Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, which is internationally recognized as "true cinnamon." The classification is determined by two primary factors: the botanical origin and the physical state of the product. To fall under 090611, the cinnamon must be in its whole form, typically as quills or sticks, and must not have undergone any crushing or grinding processes. The Harmonized System distinguishes this variety from Cassia cinnamon due to its distinct physical properties, such as its thinner, multilayered bark and lower coumarin content. Customs authorities require that the product remains in its natural state, although it may be dried and bundled for transport. The classification process involves verifying that the bark has been harvested from the inner layer of the tree and rolled into the characteristic quill shape. If the product were to be powdered, it would immediately shift to a different sub-heading, regardless of its botanical purity. This code is essential for maintaining trade statistics and applying specific tariff rates that often favor the Ceylon variety over more common substitutes.
- Covers
- Whole Ceylon cinnamon quills (Alba, C5, C4, and M grades)
- Hand-cut Ceylon cinnamon sticks for retail packaging
- Dried inner bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume
- Bundled cinnamon sticks for culinary use
- Broken pieces of cinnamon quills (unground)
- Also under 0906.11
- Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
- Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
- Spice Islands Ceylon Cinnamon
- Burlap & Barrel Ceylon Cinnamon
Codes often confused with 0906.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 090619, which is the category for "Other" cinnamon, including the widely produced Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia). While they appear similar to the untrained eye, Cassia is thicker and usually consists of a single thick layer of bark. Another common error is using HS code 090620, which is strictly for cinnamon that has been crushed or ground into powder. Importers must also avoid Chapter 12 codes for medicinal plants unless the cinnamon is specifically prepared for pharmaceutical use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090611 (the code used for ceylon cinnamon sticks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090611 (the code used for ceylon cinnamon sticks) in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 25% 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 090611, not only ceylon cinnamon sticks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sri Lanka $233M 69% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$51M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $16M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $339M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $88M 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $64M 19% of world imports
- 3 Peru* ~$26M 7.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $344M 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 ceylon cinnamon sticks
Brazil classifies ceylon cinnamon sticks under NCM 0906.11.00: HS 0906.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ceylon cinnamon sticks
What is the HS code for Ceylon cinnamon sticks?
The HS code for Ceylon cinnamon sticks is 090611 (Spices; cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for Ceylon cinnamon sticks (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) that are neither crushed nor ground is 090611.
How do I classify Ceylon cinnamon sticks for customs?
Ceylon cinnamon sticks is classified under HS code 090611 — Spices; cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 090611 differ from 090619?
HS code 090611 is specific to the Ceylon variety (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), while 090619 covers all other species of cinnamon, such as Cassia, which are often thicker and have different chemical profiles.
Which countries are the top exporters of ceylon cinnamon sticks (HS 090611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090611 (the code used for ceylon cinnamon sticks) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($233M, 69% of world exports), Vietnam (about $51M) and Indonesia ($16M). World exports came to about $339M, 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 ceylon cinnamon sticks (HS 090611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090611 (the code used for ceylon cinnamon sticks) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($88M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($64M) and Peru (about $26M). World imports came to about $344M, 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 Ceylon cinnamon sticks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090611 for Ceylon cinnamon sticks 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 ceylon cinnamon sticks in Brazil?
In Brazil, ceylon cinnamon sticks (HS 090611) is classified under NCM 0906.11.00.