Product classification
HS code for Whole pepper: 0904.11
Spices, pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of whole pepper under HS 0904.11
Whole pepper is classified under HS code 0904.11, which falls within Chapter 9 of the Harmonized System, covering coffee, tea, maté, and spices. Heading 0904 specifically addresses pepper of the genus Piper and dried or crushed/ground fruits of the genus Capsicum or Pimenta. The classification of whole pepper depends primarily on its processing state. Subheading 0904.11 is reserved for peppercorns that remain in their whole form, having undergone no mechanical crushing or grinding processes. This includes various stages of maturity and processing methods such as drying, provided the physical integrity of the peppercorn is maintained. The botanical genus Piper includes black, white, and green pepper, all of which are categorized here when traded in their whole state. Proper classification ensures that the correct tariff rates are applied, as processed spices often face different regulatory requirements and duty structures compared to raw, whole agricultural products.
- Covers
- Whole black peppercorns (Piper nigrum)
- Whole white peppercorns
- Whole green peppercorns (dried)
- Long pepper (Piper longum)
- Whole cubeb pepper
- Also under 0904.11
- McCormick (bulk sourcing)
- Simply Organic (bulk sourcing)
- Frontier Co-op (bulk sourcing)
- Burlap & Barrel (specialty sourcing)
- Penzeys Spices (bulk sourcing)
Codes often confused with 0904.11
Common mistake. Whole pepper is frequently confused with HS code 0904.12, which is designated for pepper that has been crushed or ground. Even a coarse grind moves the product from 0904.11 to 0904.12. Additionally, it is often misclassified with HS code 0904.21, which covers dried fruits of the genus Capsicum (such as chili peppers) or Pimenta (such as allspice). While these are colloquially called "peppers," they belong to different botanical families and distinct HS subheadings. Importers must also avoid using 0910, which is a general category for other spices like ginger or turmeric.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090411 (the code used for whole pepper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090411 (the code used for whole pepper) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 15% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 090411, not only whole pepper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$1.0B 44% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Brazil $509M 22% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $235M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $378M 17% of world imports
- 2 India $246M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $192M 8.6% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 15% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $2.2B 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 pepper
Brazil classifies whole pepper under NCM 0904.11.00: HS 0904.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whole pepper
What is the HS code for Whole pepper?
The HS code for Whole pepper is 090411 (Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole pepper of the genus Piper, neither crushed nor ground, is 0904.11.
How do I classify Whole pepper for customs?
Whole pepper is classified under HS code 090411 — Spices; pepper (of the genus piper), neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include pink peppercorns?
No, pink peppercorns are actually the berries of the Schinus molle tree and are typically classified under HS code 0910.99 as "other spices" rather than under the genus Piper in 0904.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of whole pepper (HS 090411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090411 (the code used for whole pepper) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $1.0B, 44% of world exports), Brazil ($509M) and Indonesia ($235M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 pepper (HS 090411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090411 (the code used for whole pepper) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($378M, 17% of world imports), India ($246M) and Germany ($192M). World imports came to about $2.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 15% of its imports here ($24M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Whole pepper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090411 for Whole pepper 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 pepper in Brazil?
In Brazil, whole pepper (HS 090411) is classified under NCM 0904.11.00.