Product classification
HS code for Whole dried chili peppers: 0904.21
Spices, fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of whole dried chili peppers under HS 0904.21
Whole dried chili peppers are classified under HS code 0904.21. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 09 of the Harmonized System covers coffee, tea, maté, and spices. Heading 0904 specifically includes peppers of the genus Capsicum or of the genus Pimenta. The subheading 0904.21 is reserved for these fruits when they are dried but have not undergone further processing such as crushing or grinding. The "whole" state is the defining characteristic for this code; the drying process is considered a preservation method that does not alter the essential character of the spice as a whole fruit. This classification applies regardless of the heat level (Scoville units) or the specific variety of the Capsicum plant, provided it is intended for use as a spice.
- Covers
- Whole dried bird's eye chilies
- Whole dried guajillo peppers
- Whole dried ancho chilies
- Whole dried habanero peppers
- Dried whole cayenne peppers
- Whole dried pimenta fruits (allspice)
- Also under 0904.21
- Frontier Co-op (bulk dried chilies)
- Penzeys Spices (whole dried chilies)
- McCormick (bulk allspice)
- Simply Organic (whole dried chilies)
- Goya (dried peppers)
Codes often confused with 0904.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0904.22, which is designated for fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta that have been crushed or ground. If the peppers are broken into flakes or pulverized into powder, they must be moved to 0904.22. Additionally, fresh or chilled chili peppers are classified under 0709.60, as Chapter 07 covers edible vegetables. Importers often confuse these when the moisture content is borderline between fresh and dried.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090421 (the code used for whole dried chili peppers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090421 (the code used for whole dried chili peppers) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 090421, not only whole dried chili peppers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $1.0B 65% of world exports
- 2 China $157M 10% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$132M 8.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $568M 31% of world imports
- 2 United States $228M 13% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $161M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 dried chili peppers
Brazil classifies whole dried chili peppers under NCM 0904.21.00: HS 0904.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whole dried chili peppers
What is the HS code for Whole dried chili peppers?
The HS code for Whole dried chili peppers is 090421 (Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground). The standard international HS code for whole dried chili peppers is 0904.21.
How do I classify Whole dried chili peppers for customs?
Whole dried chili peppers is classified under HS code 090421 — Spices; fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta, dried, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include chili flakes?
No, chili flakes are considered crushed or ground and should be classified under HS code 0904.22.
Which countries are the top exporters of whole dried chili peppers (HS 090421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090421 (the code used for whole dried chili peppers) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.0B, 65% of world exports), China ($157M) and Peru (about $132M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 dried chili peppers (HS 090421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090421 (the code used for whole dried chili peppers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($568M, 31% of world imports), the United States ($228M) and Thailand ($161M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 dried chili peppers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090421 for Whole dried chili peppers 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 dried chili peppers in Brazil?
In Brazil, whole dried chili peppers (HS 090421) is classified under NCM 0904.21.00.