Spices; cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), neither crushed nor ground

HS code 090611 covers unprocessed cinnamon, a highly valued spice derived from the inner bark of several species of the Cinnamomum tree. Cinnamon is a crucial ingredient in many cuisines worldwide and has a long history of use in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. As a globally traded commodity, the cinnamon industry plays a significant role in the international spice trade, contributing to the broader agricultural and food processing sectors.

The production of unprocessed cinnamon involves the harvesting of the inner bark from Cinnamomum trees, typically during the rainy season when the bark is most easily peeled. The harvested bark is then dried, graded, and sorted based on factors such as color, thickness, and aroma. This process ensures the cinnamon retains its distinctive flavor and quality before being packaged and distributed for domestic and international markets.

The primary inputs for the cinnamon industry include the Cinnamomum trees, which require specific climatic conditions to thrive, such as tropical or subtropical environments. Additionally, the industry relies on skilled labor for the harvesting, drying, and processing of the cinnamon bark. Machinery for sorting, grading, and packaging the final product is also an essential input.

The primary output of HS code 090611 is unprocessed cinnamon sticks or quills, which are then used as a spice in various food and beverage applications. The cinnamon produced under this code may be further processed and incorporated into other products, such as 090619 (Spices; cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), crushed or ground), 330124 Essential oils; of cinnamon, or 330129 Essential oils; other, depending on the specific needs of the end-user industries.