HS Code for Coffee husks

Coffee husks and skins are classified under HS code 0901.90. This code is part of the broader heading 0901, which encompasses coffee in all its forms, including roasted, non-roasted, decaffeinated, and the byproducts of the milling process. Coffee husks are the dried skin and parchment (endocarp) that are removed from the coffee cherry during the hulling process. Unlike the coffee bean itself, which is the seed, the husks are the protective outer layers. The Harmonized System groups these materials with coffee substitutes containing coffee because they are derived from the same plant and are often used in similar applications, such as brewing 'cascara' tea or as an ingredient in low-grade coffee blends. The classification is straightforward under GIR 1, as the heading text for 0901 explicitly mentions 'husks and skins'. This classification applies regardless of whether the husks are intended for human consumption (as a tea-like infusion) or for industrial use. The inclusion of these byproducts in Chapter 9 reflects their botanical origin and their continued association with the coffee trade, rather than being relegated to general vegetable waste categories. The material must be primarily composed of the outer layers of the coffee fruit to qualify for this specific subheading.

Products Included

• Dried coffee husks (parchment)
• Coffee skins (cascara)
• Coffee silver skin (integument)
• Waste from coffee hulling processes
• Coffee pulp (dried)

Common Misclassification

Coffee husks are sometimes misclassified under HS code 0901.11 (coffee, not roasted, not decaffeinated), but this code is reserved for the beans. Another common error is HS code 2308.00, which covers vegetable materials and vegetable waste, residues, and by-products used in animal feeding. While coffee husks can be used for animal feed, the specific mention of 'husks and skins' in heading 0901 takes precedence over the general waste category of Chapter 23. Additionally, if the husks are processed into a beverage for retail, some might try to use 2101.11 (extracts, essences, and concentrates of coffee), which is incorrect as the husks are the raw plant material. Misclassification can also occur with 1404.90 for vegetable products not elsewhere specified.

FAQ

What is the HS code for coffee husks?

The HS code for coffee husks and skins is 0901.90.

Can coffee husks be classified as animal feed?

While they are used in animal feed, they must still be classified under 0901.90 because the HS nomenclature provides a specific heading for coffee byproducts that overrides general feed categories.