Red chilli HS code for export: whole, powder, crushed and fresh

Key takeaways

• Whole dried chilli is 0904 21 10, and chilli powder is 0904 22 11 [1].
• Fresh green chilli is in a different chapter, under 0709 60 10 [1].
• The test list of Spices Board uses these codes to set the tests for each market [2].
• The EU checks 20% of Indian dried chilli consignments for ethylene oxide [3].

What are the HS codes for chilli?

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

Allspice has its own lines. Allspice is the genus Pimenta. Whole allspice is 0904 21 20, and allspice powder is 0904 22 21 [1]. Do not use these codes for chilli.

The test list of Spices Board from 2023 also gives 0904 22 12 for chilli seed [2]. This code is not in the current ITC (HS) list [1]. Ask your CHA which code applies to your product.

Why does the correct code matter?

The code tells customs and laboratories what you ship. The mandatory test list of Spices Board gives the tests for each market by HS code [2]. For example, for the USA, the list gives these limits for whole chilli under 0904 21 10:

• total aflatoxins: 20 ppb;
• Salmonella: absent in 25 g.

For chilli powder to the USA, the list adds a test for Sudan I to IV dyes [2]. The result must be "not detected". Our guide to aflatoxin limits in spices compares the limits for each market.

The EU uses the 4-digit heading 0904 for its checks. After the June 2026 update, the EU lists Indian dried, crushed or ground Capsicum in Annex I for ethylene oxide [3]. The EU checks 20% of these consignments. Annex I does not require an official certificate. Fresh chilli is a different entry, for pesticide residues [3].

How much chilli does India export?

Chilli is the largest Indian spice export by volume. In 2025-26, India exported 683,681 tonnes of chilli, with a value of $1,176.98 million [4]. The largest markets were:

The export data does not divide whole chilli and powder. Our guide to chilli exports to China examines the largest market.

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 lot has two products, give each product its own line. For example, put whole chilli and chilli powder on different lines, each with its code. The specification guides for dry red chilli and red chilli powder give the quality limits for each form.

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