Cumin HS code for export: seeds, powder and black cumin

Key takeaways

• Whole cumin for spice use is usually 0909 31 29 [1].
• Cumin powder is 0909 32 00 [1].
• The test list of Spices Board uses these codes to set the tests for each market [2].
• The EU uses the 6-digit codes for its pesticide and ethylene oxide checks [3].

What are the HS codes for cumin?

The ITC (HS) list of Spices Board gives these codes [1]:

"Of seed quality" means seed for sowing. If you sell cumin as a spice, the code is usually the "other" line. Ask your CHA which line applies to black cumin and kalonji products.

Caraway has its own codes. The list puts caraway with fennel, under 0909 61 31 and 0909 61 39 [1]. Do not use these codes for cumin.

Why does the correct code matter?

The mandatory test list of Spices Board gives tests by HS code [2]. For example, for the USA, the list gives these limits for cumin seeds under 0909 31 21 and 0909 31 29:

• extraneous matter: max 3.00%;
• other seeds: max 0.25%;
• Salmonella: absent in 25 g.

For Canada, the list gives a Salmonella test for ground cumin under 0909 32 00 [2]. The result must be "absent in 25 g".

The EU uses the 6-digit codes. The June 2026 EU list puts Indian cumin seeds (0909 31 00) and ground cumin (0909 32 00) in Annex I [3]. The hazard is pesticide residues, and the check rate is 50%. Cumin is also in Annex II for ethylene oxide, with an official certificate and a 20% check rate. Our guide to pesticide residues in cumin for the EU explains the two rules.

How much cumin does India export?

Cumin is a large Indian spice export by value. In 2025-26, India exported 196,800 tonnes of cumin, with a value of $524.22 million [4]. The largest markets were:

The data does not divide whole seed and powder. Our guides to cumin buyers in the UAE and cumin exports to the USA examine two of these markets.

How do you put the code on your documents?

Use the same code on all documents for one shipment:

• the proforma invoice;
• the commercial invoice and the packing list;
• the shipping bill;
• the test request to the laboratory.

If one shipment contains seed and powder, give each its own line. Put the code on each line. Our cumin spec sheet page gives the quality limits for each form.

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