If you are importing spices or dehydrated vegetables from India, getting the HS code right is not optional โ it determines your customs duty rate, import licensing requirements, and whether your shipment clears quickly or sits at the port for weeks.
This guide covers the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for the most commonly exported Indian spices, dehydrated vegetables, and freeze-dried ingredients. We have sourced this from the Indian Trade Classification (ITC-HS) system, which aligns with the international WCO framework at the 6-digit level.
Important: HS codes beyond 6 digits vary by country. The codes listed here are the Indian export (ITC-HS) codes. Your country's import authority may use additional digits. Always verify with your customs broker.
Spice Powders โ HS Codes
| Product | HS Code (ITC-HS) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Turmeric Powder | 0910.30.10 | Turmeric (curcuma), ground |
| Red Chilli Powder | 0904.22.00 | Chillies and peppers, dried and ground |
| Coriander Powder | 0909.21.00 | Coriander seeds, crushed or ground |
| Cumin Powder | 0909.31.00 | Cumin seeds, crushed or ground |
| Black Pepper Powder | 0904.12.00 | Pepper, crushed or ground |
| Ginger Powder | 0910.11.00 | Ginger, ground |
| Cardamom Powder | 0908.32.00 | Cardamom, ground |
Whole Spices โ HS Codes
| Product | HS Code (ITC-HS) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds (Whole) | 0909.31.00 | Cumin seeds, neither crushed nor ground |
| Coriander Seeds (Whole) | 0909.21.00 | Coriander seeds, neither crushed nor ground |
| Black Pepper (Whole) | 0904.11.00 | Pepper, neither crushed nor ground |
| Green Cardamom (Whole) | 0908.31.00 | Cardamom, neither crushed nor ground |
| Cloves (Whole) | 0907.10.00 | Cloves, neither crushed nor ground |
| Fennel Seeds | 0909.61.00 | Fennel seeds, neither crushed nor ground |
| Star Anise | 0909.10.00 | Anise seeds |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 0910.91.00 | Other spices, including bay leaves |
| Mustard Seeds | 1207.50.00 | Mustard seeds |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 1212.94.00 | Fenugreek seeds |
Dehydrated Vegetables โ HS Codes
| Product | HS Code (ITC-HS) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydrated Onion (Flakes/Powder) | 0712.20.00 | Dried onions, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder |
| Dehydrated Garlic (Flakes/Powder) | 0712.90.10 | Dried garlic |
| Dehydrated Ginger | 0910.11.00 | Dried ginger, neither crushed nor ground |
| Dehydrated Tomato | 0712.90.90 | Dried tomatoes and other vegetables |
| Dehydrated Spinach | 0712.90.90 | Dried leafy vegetables |
| Dehydrated Beetroot | 0712.90.90 | Dried root vegetables |
Freeze-Dried and Spray-Dried Products โ HS Codes
| Product | HS Code (ITC-HS) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Freeze-Dried Mango Powder | 0813.20.00 | Dried mangoes and mango powder |
| Spray-Dried Banana Powder | 0803.90.00 | Dried bananas and banana powder |
| Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder | 0811.10.00 | Frozen/dried strawberries |
| Spray-Dried Tomato Powder | 0712.90.90 | Dried tomato preparations |
Common Mistakes That Cause Customs Problems
- Using ground spice codes for whole spices โ The HS codes are different depending on whether the spice is whole or ground. Cumin seeds (whole) and cumin powder have different sub-headings.
- Mixing dehydrated and freeze-dried under one code โ Freeze-dried fruit powders often fall under different chapters than dehydrated vegetables.
- Not matching the ITC-HS code to the country's import code โ India uses 8-digit ITC-HS codes. The USA uses HTS codes, the EU uses CN codes. The first 6 digits usually match, but digits 7-8 can differ.
- Incorrect product description on shipping documents โ The product description on the commercial invoice and packing list must exactly match what the HS code covers.
How Daley Global Handles HS Code Compliance
At Daley Global, every export shipment includes a complete set of trade documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, APEDA certificate, phytosanitary certificate, and product analysis reports. We work with experienced customs house agents (CHAs) to ensure the correct HS code is applied to every consignment.
If you are unsure about the correct HS code for a product you want to import from India, contact our export team. We can provide the ITC-HS code along with all supporting documentation required by your customs authority.
Need bulk spice imports from India with full documentation support? Contact our export team or request a free sample with a complete specification sheet.