Product classification
HS code for Mixed spices: 0910.91
Spices, mixtures of 2 or more products of different headings.
Classification of mixed spices under HS 0910.91
Mixed spices are classified under HS code 0910.91 because they represent a combination of two or more vegetable products that are individually classified under different headings within Chapter 09. Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System covers coffee, tea, maté, and spices. According to the Chapter Notes, spices are generally defined as vegetable products used primarily for flavoring. When these products are mixed together, the classification is determined by heading 0910, which acts as a residual category for spices not elsewhere specified. Subheading 0910.91 is specifically reserved for mixtures of two or more products of different headings (for example, a mixture of pepper from 0904 and ginger from 0910). This classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. It is crucial that these mixtures do not contain added substances like salt, sugar, or mustard flour in quantities that change the essential character of the product from a "spice" to a "prepared seasoning." If such additives are present in significant amounts, the product would likely be reclassified under Chapter 21. The purity and composition of the blend are the primary factors in maintaining this classification.
- Covers
- Poultry Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs and spices such as sage, thyme, and black pepper, provided it contains no salt or fillers.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves used for baking and flavoring.
- Garam Masala: A traditional blend of ground spices including cumin, coriander, and cardamom, without added non-spice ingredients.
- Italian Herb Blends: Combinations of dried oregano, basil, and rosemary when classified as a spice mixture.
- Apple Pie Spice: A mixture primarily consisting of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Also under 0910.91
- McCormick Curry Powder
- MDH Garam Masala
- Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- Simply Organic Chili Powder
- Badia Italian Seasoning
Codes often confused with 0910.91
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2103.90, which covers "mixed condiments and mixed seasonings." The distinction lies in the ingredients. If a spice mixture contains added salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or other flavor enhancers, it is no longer considered a pure spice mixture under 0910.91 and must be moved to 2103.90. Additionally, if a mixture consists of spices that all fall under the same heading (e.g., different types of peppers from 0904), it remains in that specific heading rather than moving to 0910.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 091091 (the code used for mixed spices), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 091091 (the code used for mixed spices) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 091091, not only mixed spices.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $124M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $97M 15% of world exports
- 3 Pakistan $72M 11% of world exports
World total: $659M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $80M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $68M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $46M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $691M 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 mixed spices
Brazil classifies mixed spices under NCM 0910.91.00: HS 0910.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mixed spices
What is the HS code for Mixed spices?
The HS code for Mixed spices is 091091 (Spices; mixtures of 2 or more products of different headings). The primary HS code for mixtures of spices from different headings is 0910.91. However, the specific ingredients must be checked to ensure no additives like salt or sugar are present, which would change the code.
How do I classify Mixed spices for customs?
Mixed spices is classified under HS code 091091 — Spices; mixtures of 2 or more products of different headings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a mixture of herbs be classified here?
Yes, if the herbs are considered spices within the context of Chapter 09 and are mixed with other spices from different headings, they fall under 0910.91. If they are purely medicinal, they might fall under Chapter 12.
Which countries are the top exporters of mixed spices (HS 091091)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 091091 (the code used for mixed spices) in UN Comtrade data were India ($124M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($97M) and Pakistan ($72M). World exports came to about $659M, 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 mixed spices (HS 091091)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 091091 (the code used for mixed spices) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($80M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($68M) and the Netherlands ($46M). World imports came to about $691M, 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 Mixed spices the same in all countries?
The base HS code 091091 for Mixed spices 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 mixed spices in Brazil?
In Brazil, mixed spices (HS 091091) is classified under NCM 0910.91.00.