Spices; vanilla, crushed or ground

HS code 090520 covers the trade and production of vanilla, a highly valued spice derived from the pods of the vanilla orchid. Vanilla is a crucial ingredient in a wide range of food, beverage, and fragrance products, making it an important component of the global food and flavor industry. As one of the most labor-intensive agricultural crops, the vanilla trade plays a significant role in the economies of several tropical regions where it is cultivated.

The production of vanilla involves a complex and labor-intensive process. After the vanilla orchid flowers are hand-pollinated, the pods are harvested and undergo a curing process that can take several months. This process involves a series of steps, including wilting, sweating, drying, and conditioning, which develop the characteristic flavor and aroma of the vanilla beans.

The primary inputs for the vanilla industry include the vanilla orchid plants, which require specific climatic conditions to thrive, as well as skilled labor for hand-pollination and the curing process. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment and facilities for drying, conditioning, and processing the vanilla beans.

The primary output of HS code 090520 is vanilla in its crushed or ground form, which is then used as a flavoring agent in a wide range of food, beverage, and fragrance products. Other related HS codes that may consume vanilla include 330210 Essential oils and resinoids, 210500 Ice cream and other edible ice, and 330300 Perfumes and toilet waters.