Heading 0908

Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms

7 declarable lines

Heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace and cardamoms. It is split first by spice type and then by whether the spice is neither crushed nor ground or is crushed or ground. Ground mace has a further split for Bombay or wild mace, ground versus other ground mace.

Products in this heading

Whole nutmeg
Ground nutmeg
Whole mace
Bombay mace, ground
Other ground mace
Green cardamom pods
Black cardamom pods
Ground cardamom

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the spice: nutmeg, mace or cardamoms.
Determine whether the product is neither crushed nor ground or is crushed or ground.
For crushed or ground mace, decide whether it is Bombay or wild mace, ground, or other ground mace.
For cardamoms, use the condition of the pods or seed spice: whole or crushed or ground.

Often confused with

Black pepper
Pepper of the genus Piper is classified in heading 0904, not with nutmeg, mace and cardamoms.
Heading 0904
Vanilla beans
Vanilla has its own heading in chapter 09.
Heading 0905
Cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers are separate from nutmeg, mace and cardamoms.
Heading 0906
Cumin seeds
Cumin is grouped with anise, badian, fennel, coriander and caraway seeds.
Heading 0909
Ginger
Ginger is classified in the residual spice heading 0910.
Heading 0910

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for whole nutmeg?

Whole nutmeg that is neither crushed nor ground is 0908.11.00.00. Its general (MFN) rate is Free.

What is the duty on ground mace?

Bombay or wild mace, ground is 0908.22.20.00 and its general (MFN) rate is 7.4 cents/kg. Other ground mace is 0908.22.40.00 and its general (MFN) rate is Free.

How do I classify cardamom powder?

Cardamom powder is crushed or ground cardamoms, so use 0908.32.00.00. Its general (MFN) rate is Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.