Product classification
HS code for Whole coriander seeds: 0909.21
Spices, coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of whole coriander seeds under HS 0909.21
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.
- Covers
- Whole dried coriander seeds
- Whole cilantro seeds (for spice use)
- Whole coriander fruits
- Dried coriander seeds for oil extraction
- Also under 0909.21
- Spice Islands Whole Coriander Seeds
- Simply Organic Whole Coriander Seeds
- Frontier Co-op Whole Coriander Seeds
- Badia Whole Coriander Seeds
Codes often confused with 0909.21
Common mistake. 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).
Top exporters and importers of HS 090921 (the code used for whole coriander seeds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090921 (the code used for whole coriander seeds) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 10% 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 090921, not only whole coriander seeds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $57M 27% of world exports
- 2 Italy $36M 17% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$29M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $208M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $20M 10% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $19M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 India $13M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $196M 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 coriander seeds
Brazil classifies whole coriander seeds under NCM 0909.21.00: HS 0909.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whole coriander seeds
What is the HS code for Whole coriander seeds?
The HS code for Whole coriander seeds is 090921 (Spices; coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole coriander seeds is 0909.21.
How do I classify Whole coriander seeds for customs?
Whole coriander seeds is classified under HS code 090921 — Spices; coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of whole coriander seeds (HS 090921)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090921 (the code used for whole coriander seeds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($57M, 27% of world exports), Italy ($36M) and Russia (about $29M). World exports came to about $208M, 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 coriander seeds (HS 090921)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090921 (the code used for whole coriander seeds) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($20M, 10% of world imports), Indonesia ($19M) and India ($13M). World imports came to about $196M, 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 Whole coriander seeds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090921 for Whole coriander seeds 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 coriander seeds in Brazil?
In Brazil, whole coriander seeds (HS 090921) is classified under NCM 0909.21.00.