Product classification

HS code for Whole cumin: 0909.31

Spices, cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground.

Classification of whole cumin under HS 0909.31

Whole cumin seeds are classified under HS code 0909.31 within the Harmonized System. Chapter 9 encompasses spices, and heading 0909 is specifically designated for the seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, or caraway, as well as juniper berries. The classification system further bifurcates these seeds based on their level of processing. Subheading 0909.31 is explicitly for cumin seeds that are "neither crushed nor ground." To qualify for this code, the seeds must retain their full structural integrity. They are typically dried and cleaned to remove impurities but must not have undergone any milling or grinding processes. This distinction is vital for international trade statistics and the application of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, as whole seeds often face different inspection protocols compared to ground spices. The classification applies to all varieties of cumin seeds, including black cumin (Nigella sativa) in certain regional taxonomies, though standard white or green cumin is the primary product. Accurate documentation of the seed's state is required to avoid delays at customs, as the transition from whole to crushed changes the applicable duty rates in many trade agreements.

Covers
  • Dried whole cumin seeds
  • Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa)
  • Whole Cuminum cyminum seeds
  • Untreated cumin seeds for culinary use
Also under 0909.31
  • Frontier Co-op Whole Cumin Seed
  • Simply Organic Cumin Seed
  • Sadaf Whole Cumin
  • Shan Whole Cumin

Codes often confused with 0909.31

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0909.32, which is for cumin seeds that have been crushed or ground. Additionally, cumin is sometimes confused with caraway seeds (0909.61) or fennel seeds (0909.61) due to their similar physical appearance, though they are botanically distinct and belong to different subheadings.

0909.32Spices; cumin seeds, crushed or ground0909.61Spices; seeds of anise, badian, caraway or fennel; juniper berries, neither crushed nor ground

Top exporters and importers of HS 090931 (the code used for whole cumin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090931 (the code used for whole cumin) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 14% 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 090931, not only whole cumin.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $506M
  2. 2 Afghanistan* ~$20M
  3. 3 Türkiye $13M

World total: $607M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$87M
  2. 2 Bangladesh* ~$80M
  3. 3 Pakistan $49M

World total: $644M 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 cumin

Brazil classifies whole cumin under NCM 0909.31.00: HS 0909.31 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about whole cumin

What is the HS code for Whole cumin?

The HS code for Whole cumin is 090931 (Spices; cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole cumin seeds is 0909.31.

How do I classify Whole cumin for customs?

Whole cumin is classified under HS code 090931 — Spices; cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can 0909.31 be used for cumin powder?

No, cumin powder must be classified under HS code 0909.32 as it is a crushed or ground product.

Which countries are the top exporters of whole cumin (HS 090931)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090931 (the code used for whole cumin) in UN Comtrade data were India ($506M, 83% of world exports), Afghanistan (about $20M) and Türkiye ($13M). World exports came to about $607M, 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 cumin (HS 090931)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 090931 (the code used for whole cumin) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $87M, 14% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $80M) and Pakistan ($49M). World imports came to about $644M, 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 cumin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 090931 for Whole cumin 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 cumin in Brazil?

In Brazil, whole cumin (HS 090931) is classified under NCM 0909.31.00.