Product classification
HS code for Ground vanilla: 0905.20
Spices, vanilla, crushed or ground.
Classification of ground vanilla under HS 0905.20
Ground vanilla is classified under HS code 090520. Vanilla refers to the fruit of the climbing orchid Vanilla planifolia or other species of the same genus. In the Harmonized System, vanilla is classified under heading 0905. Following the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, the heading was split to distinguish between whole vanilla beans and those that have been processed. Subheading 090520 is specifically for vanilla that has been crushed or ground. This classification applies to the dried pods that have been mechanically reduced to a powder. It is important to note that this code applies to the pure spice; if the vanilla is mixed with sugar or other substances, the classification may change to Chapter 21.
- Covers
- Vanilla powder (pure)
- Crushed vanilla beans
- Ground vanilla pods
- Dehydrated and pulverized vanilla
- Also under 0905.20
- Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean Paste
- Rodelle Vanilla Powder
- Simply Organic Vanilla Powder
- King Arthur Baking Vanilla Bean Powder
- LorAnn Oils Ground Vanilla Bean
Codes often confused with 0905.20
Common mistake. Ground vanilla is often misclassified under HS code 090510, which is reserved for whole vanilla beans. Another common error is classifying vanilla sugar under this code; vanilla sugar is actually classified under HS code 210690 or 170191 depending on the sugar content. Furthermore, vanilla extracts and oleoresins are frequently confused with ground vanilla, but these liquid or semi-solid forms belong under HS code 330190. Synthetic vanillin, which is a chemical substitute, is classified under 291241.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090520 (the code used for ground vanilla), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090520 (the code used for ground vanilla) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 090520, not only ground vanilla.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $11M 21% of world exports
- 2 France $9.1M 18% of world exports
- 3 Madagascar $4.7M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $52M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $12M 22% of world imports
- 2 France $6.0M 11% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $3.2M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $56M 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 vanilla
Brazil classifies ground vanilla under NCM 0905.20.00: HS 0905.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ground vanilla
What is the HS code for Ground vanilla?
The HS code for Ground vanilla is 090520 (Spices; vanilla, crushed or ground). The HS code for ground vanilla is 090520, which covers the crushed or ground form of the vanilla fruit.
How do I classify Ground vanilla for customs?
Ground vanilla is classified under HS code 090520 — Spices; vanilla, crushed or ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is vanilla extract included in this HS code?
No, vanilla extract is classified as an oleoresin or flavoring preparation under HS code 330190. HS code 090520 only applies to the physical ground spice.
Which countries are the top exporters of ground vanilla (HS 090520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090520 (the code used for ground vanilla) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 21% of world exports), France ($9.1M) and Madagascar ($4.7M). World exports came to about $52M, 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 vanilla (HS 090520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090520 (the code used for ground vanilla) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($12M, 22% of world imports), France ($6.0M) and Switzerland ($3.2M). World imports came to about $56M, 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 vanilla the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090520 for Ground vanilla 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 vanilla in Brazil?
In Brazil, ground vanilla (HS 090520) is classified under NCM 0905.20.00.