Product classification
HS code for Juniper berries: 0909.61
Spices, seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel, juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of juniper berries under HS 0909.61
Juniper berries are classified under HS code 0909.61 according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. This classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 0909 specifically covers seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, or caraway, as well as juniper berries. The subheading 0909.61 is designated for these berries when they are in their whole form, meaning they have not been crushed or ground. These berries are the female seed cones produced by various species of junipers, most notably Juniperus communis. In the context of international trade, they are treated as spices due to their aromatic properties and their primary use in flavoring foods and beverages, such as gin. The classification remains consistent whether the berries are fresh or dried, provided they have not undergone further processing that would transition them into a prepared foodstuff or a medicinal product. The berries must retain their essential character as a raw spice to remain within this heading.
- Covers
- Whole dried juniper berries
- Fresh juniper berries for culinary use
- Unprocessed juniper cones
- Juniper berries used as flavoring agents in spirits
- Also under 0909.61
- Frontier Co-op Whole Star Anise
- Simply Organic Caraway Seed
- McCormick Whole Fennel Seed
- Banyan Botanicals Fennel Seed
Codes often confused with 0909.61
Common mistake. Juniper berries are frequently misclassified under HS code 0909.62, which is reserved for berries that have been crushed or ground. If the berries have undergone any milling process, they must be moved to 0909.62. Another common error involves HS code 1211.90, which covers plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal purposes. While juniper berries have medicinal applications, the Harmonized System notes for Chapter 9 generally prioritize their classification as spices unless they are specifically prepared as medicaments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090961 (the code used for juniper berries), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090961 (the code used for juniper berries) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% 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 090961, not only juniper berries.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $88M 24% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$59M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $50M 14% of world exports
World total: $368M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $72M 17% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$56M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $34M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $410M 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 codes for juniper berries
Brazil splits HS 0909.61 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0909.61.10Anise seeds, neither crushed nor ground
- 0909.61.20Star anise, neither crushed nor ground
- 0909.61.90Fennel, caraway and juniper, not crushed or ground
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about juniper berries
What is the HS code for Juniper berries?
The HS code for Juniper berries is 090961 (Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole, unground juniper berries is 0909.61. If they are crushed or ground, the code is 0909.62.
How do I classify Juniper berries for customs?
Juniper berries is classified under HS code 090961 — Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
One more relevant question
Does the classification change if the berries are used for gin production? No, the intended use for flavoring spirits does not change the classification from 0909.61, provided the berries are imported in their whole, unprocessed state.
Which countries are the top exporters of juniper berries (HS 090961)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090961 (the code used for juniper berries) in UN Comtrade data were China ($88M, 24% of world exports), Vietnam (about $59M) and India ($50M). World exports came to about $368M, 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 juniper berries (HS 090961)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090961 (the code used for juniper berries) in UN Comtrade data were India ($72M, 17% of world imports), Vietnam (about $56M) and Germany ($34M). World imports came to about $410M, 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 Juniper berries the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090961 for Juniper berries 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 juniper berries in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 090961 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for juniper berries depends on the product's details: 0909.61.10 (Anise seeds, neither crushed nor ground), 0909.61.20 (Star anise, neither crushed nor ground), 0909.61.90 (Fennel, caraway and juniper, not crushed or ground).