HS Code for Whole mace

Whole mace is classified under HS code 0908.21. Mace is the dried reticulated aril, or the lacy reddish-orange covering, of the nutmeg seed, derived from the Myristica fragrans tree. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 9 is dedicated to spices, and heading 0908 specifically addresses nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms. The subheading 0908.21 is strictly for mace that is in its whole form, neither crushed nor ground. Classification is based on the physical state of the spice at the time of importation. Because mace is naturally brittle, a small amount of breakage during shipping is generally permitted without changing the classification, but if the product is intentionally processed into flakes, chips, or powder, it must be classified under 0908.22. The distinction is vital because whole spices often face different regulatory inspections and duty rates compared to their ground counterparts.

Products Included

• Whole dried mace blades
• Whole mace arils
• Dried whole mace (unprocessed)
• Natural whole mace pieces

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is with HS code 0908.11, which is the code for whole nutmeg. While they come from the same fruit, they are distinct spices. Another frequent error is using 0908.22, which is reserved for mace that has been crushed or ground. Importers must ensure that the product has not undergone mechanical grinding to qualify for 0908.21. Confusion can also arise with wild mace varieties, which still fall under this heading if they are from the Myristica genus.

FAQ

What is the HS code for whole mace?

The HS code for whole mace is 0908.21.

Can broken mace blades still be classified as whole?

Yes, if the breakage is incidental to harvesting and transport and the product has not been ground into a powder, it is typically still classified under 0908.21.