HS Code for Whole coriander seeds

Whole coriander seeds are classified under HS code 0909.21. This code is part of Chapter 9, which deals with spices, coffee, and tea. Heading 0909 covers the seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, or caraway, as well as juniper berries. The subheading 0909.21 is specifically for coriander seeds that are neither crushed nor ground. These seeds are the dried globular fruits of the Coriandrum sativum plant. In the context of international trade, coriander is a major commodity used in both culinary and industrial applications. The classification under 0909.21 is determined by the physical state of the seed. If the seeds are whole and intended for use as a spice or for further processing into oil, they fall under this code. This distinction is critical because ground coriander (0909.22) may be subject to different import taxes and quality standards.

Products Included

• Whole dried coriander seeds
• Whole cilantro seeds (for spice use)
• Whole coriander fruits
• Dried coriander seeds for oil extraction

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is 0909.22, which applies to crushed or ground coriander seeds. Another significant area of confusion is 1209.91, which is the code for vegetable seeds for sowing. If the coriander seeds are treated or packaged specifically for planting rather than consumption, they should be classified in Chapter 12. Furthermore, fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are not classified here; they belong under 0709.99 as fresh vegetables. Importers must be careful to distinguish between the seed (spice) and the leaf (herb).

FAQ

What is the HS code for whole coriander seeds?

The HS code for whole coriander seeds is 0909.21.

Can I use 0909.21 for coriander seeds meant for planting?

No, if the seeds are specifically for sowing, they should be classified under 1209.91.