Product classification
HS code for Spice blends: 0910.91
Spices, mixtures of 2 or more products of different headings.
Classification of spice blends under HS 0910.91
Spice blends are mixtures consisting of two or more aromatic vegetable substances used for seasoning and flavoring food. In the Harmonized System, spices are generally classified under Chapter 9. Heading 0910 covers ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices. Subheading 0910.91 is specifically provided for mixtures of two or more products of different headings within Chapter 9. The classification logic follows the principle that a mixture of spices from different botanical families (which are separated into different headings like 0904 for pepper or 0906 for cinnamon) must be grouped under this specific "mixtures" code. This ensures that complex seasonings like garam masala or pumpkin spice (when composed purely of spices) are categorized uniformly. However, the classification is sensitive to the addition of other ingredients; if the blend contains significant amounts of salt, sugar, or flour, it may lose its character as a spice blend and move to a different chapter entirely.
- Covers
- Garam Masala (mixture of spices from different headings)
- Pumpkin spice blends (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger)
- Mixed pickling spices
- Poultry seasoning blends
- Quatre épices
- 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 heading 2103, which covers mixed condiments and mixed seasonings. If a spice blend contains added salt, MSG, or other flavorings not classified in Chapter 9, it is often moved to 2103.90. Another error involves mixtures of spices from the same heading; for example, a mix of different types of dried peppers remains in heading 0904 and does not move to 0910.91. Additionally, if the mixture consists of plants used primarily in perfumery or pharmacy, it might be classified under heading 1211.
Top exporters and importers of HS 091091 (the code used for spice blends), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 091091 (the code used for spice blends) 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 spice blends.
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 spice blends
Brazil classifies spice blends 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 spice blends
What is the HS code for Spice blends?
The HS code for Spice blends is 091091 (Spices; mixtures of 2 or more products of different headings). The HS code for spice blends consisting of spices from different headings is 0910.91.
How do I classify Spice blends for customs?
Spice blends is classified under HS code 091091 — Spices; mixtures of 2 or more products of different headings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens if the spice blend contains salt?
If salt is added in a quantity that exceeds what is necessary for preservation or if it acts as a base, the product is usually classified under HS code 2103.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of spice blends (HS 091091)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 091091 (the code used for spice blends) 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 spice blends (HS 091091)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 091091 (the code used for spice blends) 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 Spice blends the same in all countries?
The base HS code 091091 for Spice blends 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 spice blends in Brazil?
In Brazil, spice blends (HS 091091) is classified under NCM 0910.91.00.