Product classification

HS code for Saffron: 0910.20

Spices, saffron.

Classification of saffron under HS 0910.20

Saffron is classified under HS code 0910.20. Heading 0910 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices. Saffron, derived from the dried stigmas and styles of the Crocus sativus flower, is one of the most expensive spices globally. The classification is straightforward as 0910.20 is a specific subheading for this product. It includes saffron in its whole form (threads) as well as in ground or powdered form. The classification is determined by its use as a flavoring and coloring agent in food. The high value of the product does not change its classification, but it does mean that purity is often a focus of customs inspections. Whether the saffron is packaged for retail sale in small vials or shipped in bulk containers, it remains under this code as long as it is the pure spice.

Covers
  • Dried saffron stigmas (threads)
  • Saffron styles
  • Powdered saffron
  • Ground saffron
Also under 0910.20
  • La Mancha Saffron
  • Sadaf Saffron
  • Zaran Saffron
  • Mehr Saffron

Codes often confused with 0910.20

Common mistake. Saffron is occasionally misclassified under 0910.30, which is the code for turmeric. This often happens because both are used as yellow food colorants. Another error involves HS code 1211.90, which covers plants and parts of plants used in perfumery or pharmacy. While saffron has medicinal uses, its primary international trade classification is as a spice in Chapter 9. Additionally, saffron extracts or oleoresins are classified under 1302.19, not 0910.20, as they have undergone a solvent extraction process.

0910.30Spices; turmeric (curcuma)1211.90Plants and parts (including seeds and fruits) n.e.c. in heading no. 1211, of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered1302.19Vegetable saps and extracts; n.e.c. in item no. 1302.1

Top exporters and importers of HS 091020 (the code used for saffron), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 091020 (the code used for saffron) in UN Comtrade data was Iran, with about 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 23% 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 091020, not only saffron.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Iran* ~$121M
  2. 2 Spain $71M
  3. 3 Afghanistan* ~$65M

World total: $306M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Spain $68M
  2. 2 India $40M
  3. 3 China $23M

World total: $295M 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 saffron

Brazil classifies saffron under NCM 0910.20.00: HS 0910.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about saffron

What is the HS code for Saffron?

The HS code for Saffron is 091020 (Spices; saffron). The HS code for saffron, whether in thread or powder form, is 0910.20.

How do I classify Saffron for customs?

Saffron is classified under HS code 091020 — Spices; saffron. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is "Mexican Saffron" (Safflower) classified here?

No. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), sometimes called "bastard saffron" or "Mexican saffron," is classified under 1207.60 as an oil seed or 0603 if fresh/dried flowers, as it is a completely different plant.

Which countries are the top exporters of saffron (HS 091020)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 091020 (the code used for saffron) in UN Comtrade data were Iran (about $121M, 40% of world exports), Spain ($71M) and Afghanistan (about $65M). World exports came to about $306M, 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 saffron (HS 091020)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 091020 (the code used for saffron) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($68M, 23% of world imports), India ($40M) and China ($23M). World imports came to about $295M, 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 Saffron the same in all countries?

The base HS code 091020 for Saffron 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 saffron in Brazil?

In Brazil, saffron (HS 091020) is classified under NCM 0910.20.00.