Understanding Spice HSN Code
Spices are aromatic plant substances used in cooking, medicines, cosmetics, and food processing. India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, and chilli. Each spice is classified under a specific HS code based on type and form (whole or ground).
Spices fall under Chapter 09 – Coffee, Tea, Mate, and Spices. Each spice has a distinct HS code under headings 0901 to 0910.
Importance of HS Code for Spices
Accurate HS code classification for spices is essential for:
- GST and Customs Duty Assessment
- Smooth Import/Export Clearance
- Eligibility for RoDTEP and Agri Export Schemes
- Food Licensing and FSSAI Compliance
HS Code Classification for Common Spices
Here are the standard HS codes for whole and powdered forms of major spices:
- 090411 – Black pepper (whole)
- 090412 – Black pepper (crushed or ground)
- 090931 – Cumin seeds (whole)
- 090932 – Cumin seeds (crushed or ground)
- 090921 – Coriander seeds (whole)
- 090922 – Coriander (crushed or ground)
- 090411 – Chilli (whole, including dry red chilli)
- 090422 – Chilli powder
- 09103010 – Turmeric (whole)
- 09103020 – Turmeric powder
- 090830 – Cardamom
- 090961 – Fennel (whole)
- 090962 – Fennel (ground)
- 091099 – Mixed spice powders (garam masala, curry powder, etc.)
Spices GST Rates in India
GST on spices varies depending on packaging:
- Loose / Unbranded Spices: 0% GST
- Branded or Pre-packaged Spices: 5% GST
- Mixed or Blended Spices: 5% or 12% GST (based on composition)
HS Codes and GST Rates for Spices
Here’s a table listing common spices, HS codes, and applicable GST rates:
GST on Indian Spices – Loose vs Packaged (2026)
🌶️ Black Pepper
HS Code & Form:
090411 / 090412
Whole / Ground
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🌿 Cumin (Jeera)
HS Code & Form:
090931 / 090932
Whole / Ground
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🌱 Coriander
HS Code & Form:
090921 / 090922
Whole / Ground
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🌶️ Dry Red Chilli
HS Code & Form:
090411 / 090422
Whole / Powder
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🟡 Turmeric
HS Code & Form:
09103010 / 09103020
Whole / Powder
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🌾 Fennel (Saunf)
HS Code & Form:
090961 / 090962
Whole / Ground
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🫛 Cardamom
HS Code & Form:
090830
Whole
Loose GST: 0%
Branded GST: 5%
🥣 Mixed Spice Powders
HS Code & Form:
091099
Garam Masala, Curry Mix
Loose GST: 5%
Branded GST: 5%–12%
Final Thoughts
Spices are classified under Chapter 09, and their HS codes vary by type and form. In India, loose or unbranded spices are GST-exempt, while branded/pre-packaged spices attract 5% GST. Mixed or value-added spice blends may attract up to 12% GST. Proper classification ensures legal compliance, accurate taxation, and export benefits.
FAQs
HS Code is 09103020 for turmeric powder and 09103010 for whole turmeric.
Only loose, unbranded spices are exempt; packaged or branded spices attract 5% GST.
Mixed spice powders like garam masala fall under HS 091099.
Both fall under HS 0904 but are taxed similarly, 0% for loose, 5% for packaged.
5% GST if branded or pre-packaged; 0% if sold loose.
