Product classification
HS code for Dried whole chilies: 0904.21
Spices, fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of dried whole chilies under HS 0904.21
Dried whole chilies are classified under HS code 0904.21. This classification is governed by Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System, which covers coffee, tea, maté, and spices. Heading 0904 specifically includes pepper of the genus Piper and dried or crushed/ground fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta. The sub-heading 0904.21 is reserved for these fruits when they are dried but "neither crushed nor ground." This means the chilies must be in their whole form, although the stems may be removed. The classification relies on the fact that chilies are commercially treated as spices rather than standard vegetables when dried. If the chilies were fresh, they would fall under Chapter 7, but the drying process for the purpose of spice production moves them to Chapter 9. This code applies to all varieties of the Capsicum genus, including bell peppers and hot chilies, provided they are dried and whole.
- Covers
- Dried whole red chilies
- Dried bird's eye chilies (whole)
- Dried guajillo chilies (whole)
- Dried ancho chilies (whole)
- Dried whole habanero peppers
- Also under 0904.21
- Frontier Co-op (bulk dried chilies)
- Penzeys Spices (whole dried chilies)
- McCormick (bulk allspice)
- Simply Organic (whole dried chilies)
- Goya (dried peppers)
Codes often confused with 0904.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for dried whole chilies is HS code 0904.22, which is for chilies that have been crushed or ground (chili flakes or powder). Another error is using 0712.90, which covers other dried vegetables; however, because Capsicum is specifically named in heading 0904, GRI 1 requires it to be classified there. Additionally, fresh chilies (0709.60) are sometimes confused with dried ones in documentation, leading to customs delays and incorrect duty applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090421 (the code used for dried whole chilies), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090421 (the code used for dried whole chilies) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 090421, not only dried whole chilies.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $1.0B 65% of world exports
- 2 China $157M 10% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$132M 8.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $568M 31% of world imports
- 2 United States $228M 13% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $161M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 dried whole chilies
Brazil classifies dried whole chilies under NCM 0904.21.00: HS 0904.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dried whole chilies
What is the HS code for Dried whole chilies?
The HS code for Dried whole chilies is 090421 (Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for dried whole chilies is 0904.21.
How do I classify Dried whole chilies for customs?
Dried whole chilies is classified under HS code 090421 — Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the dried chilies are missing their stems?
They are still classified under 0904.21 as long as the fruit itself is whole and not crushed or ground into flakes or powder.
Which countries are the top exporters of dried whole chilies (HS 090421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090421 (the code used for dried whole chilies) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.0B, 65% of world exports), China ($157M) and Peru (about $132M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 dried whole chilies (HS 090421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090421 (the code used for dried whole chilies) in UN Comtrade data were China ($568M, 31% of world imports), the United States ($228M) and Thailand ($161M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 Dried whole chilies the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090421 for Dried whole chilies 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 dried whole chilies in Brazil?
In Brazil, dried whole chilies (HS 090421) is classified under NCM 0904.21.00.