Product classification
HS code for Whole mace: 0908.21
Spices, mace, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of whole mace under HS 0908.21
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.
- Covers
- Whole dried mace blades
- Whole mace arils
- Dried whole mace (unprocessed)
- Natural whole mace pieces
- Also under 0908.21
- Spice Islands Whole Mace
- Simply Organic Whole Mace
- Frontier Co-op Whole Mace
- Badia Whole Mace
Codes often confused with 0908.21
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090821 (the code used for whole mace), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090821 (the code used for whole mace) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 59% 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 090821, not only whole mace.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $67M 87% of world exports
- 2 Sri Lanka $5.0M 6.5% of world exports
- 3 India $1.9M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $76M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $44M 59% of world imports
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$6.0M 8.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Vietnam* ~$4.3M 5.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $75M 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 mace
Brazil classifies whole mace under NCM 0908.21.00: HS 0908.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whole mace
What is the HS code for Whole mace?
The HS code for Whole mace is 090821 (Spices; mace, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole mace is 0908.21.
How do I classify Whole mace for customs?
Whole mace is classified under HS code 090821 — Spices; mace, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of whole mace (HS 090821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090821 (the code used for whole mace) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($67M, 87% of world exports), Sri Lanka ($5.0M) and India ($1.9M). World exports came to about $76M, 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 mace (HS 090821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090821 (the code used for whole mace) in UN Comtrade data were India ($44M, 59% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $6.0M) and Vietnam (about $4.3M). World imports came to about $75M, 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 mace the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090821 for Whole mace 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 mace in Brazil?
In Brazil, whole mace (HS 090821) is classified under NCM 0908.21.00.