Pakistani Spices & Agri HS Code Reference 2026

How HS codes work — 6-digit base + country-specific extensions

The Harmonized System (HS) is the World Customs Organization's classification standard for international trade, used by 200+ countries. Every product traded across borders gets an HS code. The structure:

• HS 6-digit base — harmonized globally. The first 6 digits are the same in USA, EU, China, GCC, and every WCO member country.
• Country-specific extensions — countries add 2-4 digits for national tariff distinctions: USA uses 10-digit HTSUS, EU uses 8-digit CN (Combined Nomenclature), China uses 8-digit HS-CN, India uses 8-digit ITC-HS, Russia uses 10-digit TN VED, GCC harmonizes at 8-digit.

For Pakistani agri export classification, the 6-digit base is the reliable starting point. Country-specific extensions matter when calculating tariffs and preferential rates. This guide lists the 6-digit base + the major importing country's national tariff code where relevant.

Spices — HS Chapter 09 (0904 to 0910)

0904 — Pepper, capsicum, paprika

0908 — Nutmeg, mace, cardamom

0909 — Anise, coriander, cumin, caraway, fennel, juniper seeds

0910 — Ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, other spices

Oilseeds — HS Chapter 12 (1207)

Forage seeds — HS Chapter 12 (1209)

Medicinal/aromatic plants — HS 1211

Salt — HS Chapter 25 (2501)

Gums & resins — HS 1301

Nuts & kernels — HS 0802

Dried fruits — HS 0813

Country-specific tariff variations

Common misclassification errors — and how to avoid them

1. Fenugreek classified as 1207.99 (oilseeds) instead of 0910.99 (spices): Most major markets (USA, EU, China) use 0910.99 for fenugreek seeds for human consumption. India uses 1207.99 in some contexts. Verify with destination customs broker which tariff rate is lower.
2. Basil seeds (tukmaria) classified inconsistently: For falooda industry / beverage use, 0910.99 is more common. For oil extraction or sproutable seed positioning, 1207.99 applies. The two codes typically carry different duty rates — pick the lower-duty path where legally defensible.
3. Khewra pink salt classified as 2501.00.30 (technical) when it should be 2501.00.91 (food-grade): Pink salt for retail private-label and gourmet foodservice is food-grade and uses 2501.00.91. Technical salt rate is sometimes lower, but classifying food-grade product as technical can trigger customs reclassification + retroactive duties.
4. Damascena rose classified as 0910.99 (spice) instead of 1211.90 (medicinal/aromatic): Both can apply depending on intended use. For perfumery + cosmetic + medicinal use, 1211.90 is correct. For culinary tea use, 0910.99 sometimes works.
5. Forage seeds classified as 1209.99 (other) instead of specific subheading: Always classify to the most specific subheading possible — 1209.21 for alfalfa, 1209.22 for clover species, 1209.29 for grasses. Generic 1209.99 risks higher duty + customs scrutiny.
6. Sea buckthorn classified as 0810.90 (fresh fruit) instead of 1211.90 (medicinal/aromatic): Dried sea buckthorn berries for nutraceutical / medicinal use go under 1211.90. Fresh fruit (rare in international trade) under 0810.90.
7. Salt lamps classified as 2501 (salt) instead of 9405 (lamps): Carved decorative salt lamps with USB/electric components are lamps under 9405.41 or 9405.49 — not raw salt. Misclassification triggers customs reclassification and penalty.

Pakistani FTA preferential rates — context for tariff savings

Pakistan has several Free Trade Agreements and Preferential Trade Arrangements that reduce import duty on Pakistani agricultural products in member countries. Critical for buyer cost optimization:

Pakistan-China FTA (CPFTA Phase II, effective 2020)

• ~75% of Pakistani exports to China enjoy 0% or reduced tariff under preferential rates.
• Pakistani spices (cumin, fenugreek, fennel, kalonji), forage seeds, salt, and medicinal plants benefit from 0% tariff under Form E certification.
• Required: GACC-registered exporter + Form E Certificate of Origin from Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.

Pakistan-Indonesia PTA (effective 2013, expanded 2025)

• Selected Pakistani products enter Indonesia at preferential rates.
• Pakistani spices (fenugreek, cumin) and Khewra salt benefit.
• Required: PTA Form D Certificate of Origin.

Pakistan-Malaysia FTA (MPCEPA, effective 2008)

• Pakistani agri products enter Malaysia at reduced/zero duty for many categories.
• Required: MPCEPA Form for preferential origin.

EU GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus)

• Pakistan retains EU GSP+ status, allowing duty-free / reduced-duty access to EU markets for many product categories.
• Includes Pakistani spices, forage seeds, salt, dried flowers, medicinal plants.
• Required: GSP Form A Certificate of Origin issued by TDAP.

Pakistan-Sri Lanka FTA (PSFTA)

• Pakistani agri products at preferential rates into Sri Lanka.
• Required: PSFTA Form.

SAFTA (South Asian FTA)

• Reduced duties for trade between SAARC countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan.
• Pakistan-India trade currently disrupted; Pakistan-Bangladesh and Pakistan-Sri Lanka active.

Frequently asked questions

Further reading

• Buyer Resources hub — Incoterms, ports, payment terms, documentation
• Glossary: HS code for spices
• Glossary: HS code for pink salt
• Glossary: Certificate of Origin
• Glossary: FOB Karachi
• Pakistani Fenugreek Buyer's Guide 2026
• Pakistani vs Iranian vs Egyptian Cumin Guide
• Khewra Pink Salt International Wholesale Guide
• Pakistani Forage Seeds for GCC Dairy Guide