Product classification
HS code for Cumin seeds: 0909.31
Spices, cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of cumin seeds under HS 0909.31
Cumin seeds are classified under HS code 0909.31 when they are in their whole form, neither crushed nor ground. This classification belongs to Chapter 9, which covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. Heading 0909 specifically includes seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, or caraway. The sub-classification 0909.31 is determined by the physical state of the seed. Spices are generally classified based on whether they have undergone mechanical processing like grinding. Whole cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) are used extensively in culinary applications and essential oil extraction. The classification remains the same whether the seeds are intended for food use, planting (unless specifically prepared and packaged as seeds for sowing under Chapter 12), or industrial extraction, provided they remain whole and unground.
- Covers
- Whole dried cumin seeds
- Black cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum varieties)
- Whole cumin for spice blending
- Untreated cumin seeds for culinary use
- Also under 0909.31
- Frontier Co-op Whole Cumin Seed
- Simply Organic Cumin Seed
- Sadaf Whole Cumin
- Shan Whole Cumin
Codes often confused with 0909.31
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 0909.32, which is reserved for cumin seeds that have been crushed or ground. Another common error involves Nigella sativa (often called black cumin or black onion seed), which is actually classified under 0909.62 or sometimes Chapter 12 depending on the regional tariff schedule, as it is botanically distinct from true cumin. Additionally, cumin seeds prepared for sowing may be classified under 1209.91 in certain jurisdictions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090931 (the code used for cumin seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090931 (the code used for cumin seeds) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% 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 090931, not only cumin seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $506M 83% of world exports
- 2 Afghanistan* ~$20M 3.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $13M 2.1% of world exports
World total: $607M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$87M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$80M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Pakistan $49M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $644M 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 cumin seeds
Brazil classifies cumin seeds under NCM 0909.31.00: HS 0909.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cumin seeds
What is the HS code for Cumin seeds?
The HS code for Cumin seeds is 090931 (Spices; cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground).
How do I classify Cumin seeds for customs?
Cumin seeds is classified under HS code 090931 — Spices; cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for whole cumin seeds?
The HS code for cumin seeds that are neither crushed nor ground is 0909.31.
How is ground cumin classified?
Ground or crushed cumin seeds are classified under HS code 0909.32.
Which countries are the top exporters of cumin seeds (HS 090931)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090931 (the code used for cumin seeds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($506M, 83% of world exports), Afghanistan (about $20M) and Türkiye ($13M). World exports came to about $607M, 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 cumin seeds (HS 090931)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090931 (the code used for cumin seeds) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $87M, 14% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $80M) and Pakistan ($49M). World imports came to about $644M, 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 Cumin seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090931 for Cumin 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 cumin seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, cumin seeds (HS 090931) is classified under NCM 0909.31.00.