HS Code for Ground allspice

Ground allspice is classified under HS code 0904.22. This classification is situated within Chapter 09, which covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. Heading 0904 is dedicated to pepper of the genus Piper and dried, crushed, or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta. Allspice, derived from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, falls under the Pimenta category. Subheading 0904.22 specifically identifies these fruits when they have been processed into a crushed or ground state. The classification process for spices depends heavily on the botanical genus of the plant and the level of processing (whole, crushed, or ground). Ground allspice is distinguished from whole allspice berries by the physical transformation it has undergone, which changes its tariff treatment in many jurisdictions. The General Rules for Interpretation (GRI) specify that products are classified according to their state at the time of import. Because the allspice has been pulverized or ground into a powder, it moves from the \"dried but not further processed\" category to the \"crushed or ground\" category. This distinction is vital for food safety regulations and duty calculations, as ground spices often have different shelf-life and contamination profiles than whole spices.

Products Included

• Powdered allspice berries
• Crushed Pimenta dioica fruits
• Ground pimento (allspice)
• Spice mixtures where ground allspice is the primary component
• Dehydrated and pulverized allspice

Common Misclassification

Ground allspice is frequently misclassified under HS code 0904.12, which is for ground pepper of the genus Piper (black or white pepper). While both are spices, they belong to different botanical families. Another common error is using 0904.21, which is reserved for the fruits of the genus Pimenta that are dried but NOT crushed or ground. Importers must ensure the physical state of the spice matches the subheading description.

FAQ

What is the HS code for ground allspice?

The specific HS code for ground allspice is 0904.22.

Is ground allspice classified differently than whole allspice?

Yes, whole (dried) allspice is classified under HS code 0904.21, while the crushed or ground version is 0904.22.