Product classification
HS code for Whole vanilla beans: 0905.10
Spices, vanilla, neither crushed nor ground.
Classification of whole vanilla beans under HS 0905.10
Whole vanilla beans are classified under HS code 0905.10. Vanilla is the cured fruit of orchids in the genus Vanilla, primarily Vanilla planifolia. Heading 0905 is dedicated exclusively to vanilla in the Harmonized System. The subheading 0905.10 is used for vanilla beans that are "neither crushed nor ground." This includes beans that have undergone the traditional curing process—which involves blanching, sweating, and slow-drying—to develop their characteristic vanillin content and aroma. The beans must remain whole to qualify for this code. The length, moisture content, and grade (such as Grade A or Grade B) do not affect this primary classification. This code is used by customs to distinguish the raw agricultural product from processed vanilla derivatives, which are often subject to different trade agreements and tariffs.
- Covers
- Whole cured vanilla beans
- Whole green (uncured) vanilla beans
- Whole Bourbon vanilla pods
- Whole Tahitian vanilla pods
- Whole Mexican vanilla beans
- Also under 0905.10
- Nielsen-Massey Vanillas (bulk sourcing)
- Rodelle (bulk sourcing)
- Simply Organic (whole beans)
- Heilala Vanilla (whole beans)
- Vanilla Bean Kings (whole beans)
Codes often confused with 0905.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 0905.20, which is for vanilla that has been crushed or ground. Another frequent error is classifying vanilla beans under 3301.90, which covers vanilla oleoresins or extracts. While these are derived from vanilla beans, they are chemical preparations and belong in Chapter 33. Furthermore, synthetic vanillin is classified under 2912.41 and should never be confused with the natural bean.
Top exporters and importers of HS 090510 (the code used for whole vanilla beans), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 090510 (the code used for whole vanilla beans) in UN Comtrade data was Madagascar, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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 090510, not only whole vanilla beans.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Madagascar $124M 49% of world exports
- 2 France $35M 14% of world exports
- 3 Uganda $16M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $253M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $97M 33% of world imports
- 2 France $76M 26% of world imports
- 3 Germany $26M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $294M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 vanilla beans
Brazil classifies whole vanilla beans under NCM 0905.10.00: HS 0905.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whole vanilla beans
What is the HS code for Whole vanilla beans?
The HS code for Whole vanilla beans is 090510 (Spices; vanilla, neither crushed nor ground). The HS code for whole vanilla beans is 0905.10.
How do I classify Whole vanilla beans for customs?
Whole vanilla beans is classified under HS code 090510 — Spices; vanilla, neither crushed nor ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are green vanilla beans classified differently than cured ones?
No, both green (fresh) and cured vanilla beans are classified under 0905.10 as long as they are whole and not ground.
Which countries are the top exporters of whole vanilla beans (HS 090510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 090510 (the code used for whole vanilla beans) in UN Comtrade data were Madagascar ($124M, 49% of world exports), France ($35M) and Uganda ($16M). World exports came to about $253M, 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 vanilla beans (HS 090510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 090510 (the code used for whole vanilla beans) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($97M, 33% of world imports), France ($76M) and Germany ($26M). World imports came to about $294M, 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 vanilla beans the same in all countries?
The base HS code 090510 for Whole vanilla beans 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 vanilla beans in Brazil?
In Brazil, whole vanilla beans (HS 090510) is classified under NCM 0905.10.00.