HS Code for Whole black peppercorns

Whole black peppercorns are classified under HS code 0904.11. This classification falls within Chapter 9, which covers coffee, tea, mate, and spices. Specifically, heading 0904 is dedicated to pepper of the genus Piper and dried or crushed/ground fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta. The subheading 0904.11 is reserved for pepper that is neither crushed nor ground. Black peppercorns are the dried, unripe berries of the Piper nigrum vine. The classification is strictly based on the botanical genus and the physical state of the product. Since whole peppercorns have not undergone the mechanical process of milling or grinding, they must be declared under this specific code. This distinction is important for international trade because whole spices often have different shelf lives, duty rates, and phytosanitary requirements compared to their ground counterparts.

Products Included

• Whole black peppercorns (Piper nigrum)
• Whole white peppercorns
• Whole green peppercorns (dried)
• Whole long pepper (Piper longum)
• Tellicherry peppercorns

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is 0904.12, which is used for pepper that has been crushed or ground. Importers often confuse these two when shipping cracked pepper, which should be 0904.12. Another error involves pink peppercorns; these are not of the genus Piper and are typically classified under 0910.99 or 0904.21 depending on the region. Additionally, chili peppers or bell peppers are classified under 0904.21 (dried) or 0709.60 (fresh), and should not be confused with Piper nigrum.

FAQ

What is the HS code for whole black peppercorns?

The HS code for whole black peppercorns is 0904.11.

Does 0904.11 include white peppercorns?

Yes, as long as they are whole and of the genus Piper, white peppercorns are also classified under 0904.11.