Product classification
HS code for Ground cloves: 0907.20
Spices, cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems), crushed or ground.
Classification of ground cloves under HS 0907.20
Ground cloves are classified under HS code 090720. This classification is found within Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System, which covers spices. Heading 0907 is exclusively allocated to cloves, including the whole fruit, cloves, and stems. The subheading 090720 is designated for cloves that have undergone a process of crushing or grinding. This mechanical transformation changes the physical state of the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree into a powder or coarse meal. The classification is based on the principle that the product remains a single spice. The grinding process is a standard method of preparation for culinary and industrial use, and the HS code 090720 allows customs authorities to distinguish these processed spices from whole cloves for the purposes of duty assessment and trade statistics. The classification applies to the ground form of any part of the clove plant mentioned in the heading, provided no other substances have been added to create a mixture or a prepared seasoning.
- Covers
- Ground clove bud powder
- Crushed clove stems
- Ground whole clove fruit
- Pulverized cloves for spice blends
- Fine-ground cloves for industrial food processing
- Also under 0907.20
- McCormick Ground Cloves
- Simply Organic Ground Cloves
- Frontier Co-op Organic Ground Cloves
- Badia Ground Cloves
Codes often confused with 0907.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 090710, which is reserved for whole cloves (neither crushed nor ground). Importers must ensure the physical state matches the code. Another area of confusion is HS code 330129, which covers clove essential oil. While the oil is derived from cloves, it is a chemical extract and belongs in the category of essential oils and resinoids. Additionally, if ground cloves are mixed with other spices to create a "pumpkin spice" or "speculoos" mix, the product should be classified under HS code 210390 as a mixed seasoning rather than a pure spice. Using the incorrect code can lead to delays in customs clearance and potential fines.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090720 (the code used for ground cloves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090720 (the code used for ground cloves) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 090720, not only ground cloves.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $3.5M 18% of world exports
- 2 India $2.3M 12% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$2.1M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.2M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $1.1M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $19M 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 cloves
Brazil classifies ground cloves under NCM 0907.20.00: HS 0907.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ground cloves
What is the HS code for Ground cloves?
The HS code for Ground cloves is 090720 (Spices; cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems), crushed or ground). The HS code for ground cloves is 090720, which applies to cloves (fruit, cloves, and stems) that are crushed or ground.
How do I classify Ground cloves for customs?
Ground cloves is classified under HS code 090720 — Spices; cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems), crushed or ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include ground clove stems?
Yes, HS code 090720 specifically includes the ground form of the whole fruit, the cloves themselves, and the stems of the clove plant as defined in the heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of ground cloves (HS 090720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090720 (the code used for ground cloves) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($3.5M, 18% of world exports), India ($2.3M) and Vietnam (about $2.1M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 cloves (HS 090720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090720 (the code used for ground cloves) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.2M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($1.3M) and the United Kingdom ($1.1M). World imports came to about $19M, 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 cloves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090720 for Ground cloves 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 cloves in Brazil?
In Brazil, ground cloves (HS 090720) is classified under NCM 0907.20.00.