Product classification
HS code for Ground cardamom: 0908.32
Spices, cardamoms, crushed or ground.
Classification of ground cardamom under HS 0908.32
Ground cardamom is classified under HS code 090832. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. Chapter 9 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) covers coffee, tea, maté, and spices. Heading 0908 is specifically designated for nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms. The structure of the HS code system requires a distinction between products in their natural, whole state and those that have undergone processing such as crushing or grinding. Subheading 090832 is reserved for cardamoms that have been mechanically reduced to a powder or granular form. This classification applies to all varieties of the cardamom plant, including green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and black or brown cardamom (Amomum subulatum), provided they are presented in a crushed or ground state and have not been mixed with other substances that would alter their essential character as a single spice. The grinding process must be the primary transformation; the addition of minor anti-caking agents for flowability is generally permitted, but significant additives may change the classification.
- Covers
- Pure ground green cardamom powder
- Crushed black cardamom seeds
- Ground cardamom pods and seeds mixture
- Dehydrated and pulverized cardamom fruit
- Fine-mesh cardamom spice powder for culinary use
- Also under 0908.32
- McCormick Ground Cardamom
- Simply Organic Ground Cardamom
- Frontier Co-op Organic Ground Cardamom
- Badia Ground Cardamom
Codes often confused with 0908.32
Common mistake. Common misclassifications often involve HS code 090831, which is reserved for whole cardamoms that have not been crushed or ground. Importers may also mistakenly use HS code 210390, which covers "other" sauces and preparations, including mixed condiments and mixed seasonings. If the cardamom is mixed with salt, anti-caking agents in significant quantities, or other spices (such as in a chai spice mix), it must be classified under 210390 rather than 090832. Additionally, if the cardamom is intended for medicinal use and packaged as such, some might look toward Chapter 12, though 0908 remains the primary heading for the spice itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090832 (the code used for ground cardamom), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090832 (the code used for ground cardamom) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 090832, not only ground cardamom.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $14M 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $9.9M 18% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $5.0M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $54M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $12M 18% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $10M 17% of world imports
- 3 Norway $4.9M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $62M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 cardamom
Brazil classifies ground cardamom under NCM 0908.32.00: HS 0908.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ground cardamom
What is the HS code for Ground cardamom?
The HS code for Ground cardamom is 090832 (Spices; cardamoms, crushed or ground). The HS code for ground cardamom is 090832, which specifically covers cardamoms that are crushed or ground.
How do I classify Ground cardamom for customs?
Ground cardamom is classified under HS code 090832 — Spices; cardamoms, crushed or ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include both green and black cardamom?
Yes, HS code 090832 applies to all botanical varieties of cardamom, including green, black, and white, as long as they are in a crushed or ground form.
Which countries are the top exporters of ground cardamom (HS 090832)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090832 (the code used for ground cardamom) in UN Comtrade data were India ($14M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($9.9M) and Guatemala ($5.0M). World exports came to about $54M, 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 cardamom (HS 090832)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090832 (the code used for ground cardamom) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 18% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($10M) and Norway ($4.9M). World imports came to about $62M, 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 cardamom the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090832 for Ground cardamom 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 cardamom in Brazil?
In Brazil, ground cardamom (HS 090832) is classified under NCM 0908.32.00.