Product classification
HS code for Ground black pepper: 0904.12
Spices, pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground.
Classification of ground black pepper under HS 0904.12
Ground black pepper is classified under HS code 0904.12. This classification falls within Chapter 9 (Spices) and heading 0904, which covers pepper of the genus Piper and dried, crushed, or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta. Specifically, 0904.12 is designated for pepper of the genus Piper that has undergone a crushing or grinding process. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is the most common product in this category. The classification remains the same regardless of the color of the pepper (black, white, or green) as long as it belongs to the Piper genus and is no longer in its whole-corn form. This code is essential for customs to apply the correct tariffs and food inspection protocols for processed spices.
- Covers
- Ground black peppercorns
- Crushed white pepper
- Ground green pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Coarsely cracked black pepper
- Fine pepper powder for retail spice jars
- Also under 0904.12
- McCormick Ground Black Pepper
- Simply Organic Ground White Pepper
- Badia Ground Black Pepper
- Trader Joe's Ground Black Pepper
- Schwartz Ground Black Pepper
Codes often confused with 0904.12
Common mistake. Ground black pepper is frequently confused with 0904.11, which is the code for whole peppercorns. Another common mistake is classifying it under 0904.22, which is for crushed or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum (like chili powder or paprika). If the ground pepper is mixed with significant amounts of salt, garlic powder, or other flavorings, it may be classified as a mixed seasoning under 2103.90 rather than a pure spice under 0904.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090412 (the code used for ground black pepper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090412 (the code used for ground black pepper) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 090412, not only ground black pepper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$439M 50% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $75M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $52M 5.9% of world exports
World total: $877M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $234M 27% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $64M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Japan $50M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $851M 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 ground black pepper
Brazil classifies ground black pepper under NCM 0904.12.00: HS 0904.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ground black pepper
What is the HS code for Ground black pepper?
The HS code for Ground black pepper is 090412 (Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground). The HS code for ground black pepper is 0904.12.
How do I classify Ground black pepper for customs?
Ground black pepper is classified under HS code 090412 — Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), crushed or ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include white pepper?
Yes, as long as the white pepper is from the genus Piper and is crushed or ground, it is classified under 0904.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of ground black pepper (HS 090412)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090412 (the code used for ground black pepper) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $439M, 50% of world exports), India ($75M) and the Netherlands ($52M). World exports came to about $877M, 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 ground black pepper (HS 090412)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090412 (the code used for ground black pepper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($234M, 27% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($64M) and Japan ($50M). World imports came to about $851M, 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 Ground black pepper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090412 for Ground black pepper 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 ground black pepper in Brazil?
In Brazil, ground black pepper (HS 090412) is classified under NCM 0904.12.00.