Product classification
HS code for Whole black peppercorns: 0904.11
Spices, pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of whole black peppercorns under HS 0904.11
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.
- Covers
- Whole black peppercorns (Piper nigrum)
- Whole white peppercorns
- Whole green peppercorns (dried)
- Whole long pepper (Piper longum)
- Tellicherry peppercorns
- Also under 0904.11
- McCormick (bulk sourcing)
- Simply Organic (bulk sourcing)
- Frontier Co-op (bulk sourcing)
- Burlap & Barrel (specialty sourcing)
- Penzeys Spices (bulk sourcing)
Codes often confused with 0904.11
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090411 (the code used for whole black peppercorns), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090411 (the code used for whole black peppercorns) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 15% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 090411, not only whole black peppercorns.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$1.0B 44% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Brazil $509M 22% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $235M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $378M 17% of world imports
- 2 India $246M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $192M 8.6% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 15% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $2.2B 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 whole black peppercorns
Brazil classifies whole black peppercorns under NCM 0904.11.00: HS 0904.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whole black peppercorns
What is the HS code for Whole black peppercorns?
The HS code for Whole black peppercorns is 090411 (Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole black peppercorns is 0904.11.
How do I classify Whole black peppercorns for customs?
Whole black peppercorns is classified under HS code 090411 — Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of whole black peppercorns (HS 090411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090411 (the code used for whole black peppercorns) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $1.0B, 44% of world exports), Brazil ($509M) and Indonesia ($235M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 whole black peppercorns (HS 090411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090411 (the code used for whole black peppercorns) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($378M, 17% of world imports), India ($246M) and Germany ($192M). World imports came to about $2.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 15% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Whole black peppercorns the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090411 for Whole black peppercorns 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 whole black peppercorns in Brazil?
In Brazil, whole black peppercorns (HS 090411) is classified under NCM 0904.11.00.