Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms
HS v2022 Code: 0908
About nutmeg, mace and cardamoms
HS code 0908 covers a group of highly valued spices that have been used for centuries in culinary and medicinal applications around the world. Nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms are all derived from plants native to Southeast Asia and have become integral components of many regional cuisines. These spices play a significant role in the global spice trade, with major producers and exporters located in countries like Indonesia, India, and Guatemala.
Production process
Nutmeg is obtained from the seed kernel of the Myristica fragrans tree, while mace is the dried, lacy reddish covering of the nutmeg seed. Cardamoms are the dried, aromatic fruits of various Elettaria and Amomum plant species. Harvesting and processing techniques vary by spice type but generally involve manual picking, drying, and cleaning to prepare the spices for market.
Production inputs
The primary inputs for this industry are the nutmeg, mace, and cardamom plants. These require specific tropical growing conditions, including warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-drained soils. Cultivation also relies on manual labor for harvesting and post-harvest processing. Some mechanized equipment may be used for larger-scale operations, such as drying ovens and cleaning machinery.
Production outputs
The main outputs from HS code 0908 are the dried, whole or ground spices that are used extensively in cooking, baking, and traditional medicines. Nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms are commonly used in 0910 (Ginger, saffron, turmeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices) as well as 2103 Sauces and preparations; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings.
Family tree for nutmeg, mace and cardamoms
graph LR
A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/09'>09: Coffee, tea, mate and spices</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0908'>0908: Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms</a>"]
A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0901'>0901: Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0902'>0902: Tea</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0903'>0903: Mate</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0904'>0904: Pepper of the genus piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus capsicum or of the genus pimenta</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0905'>0905: Vanilla</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0906'>0906: Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers</a>"]
A --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0907'>0907: Cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems)</a>"]
A --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0909'>0909: Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin, caraway or juniper</a>"]
A --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/0910'>0910: Ginger, saffron, tumeric (curcuma), thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices</a>"]
B --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/090811'>090811: Spices; nutmeg, neither crushed nor ground</a>"]
B --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/090812'>090812: Spices; nutmeg, crushed or ground</a>"]
B --> N["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/090821'>090821: Spices; mace, neither crushed nor ground</a>"]
B --> O["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/090822'>090822: Spices; mace, crushed or ground</a>"]
B --> P["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/090831'>090831: Spices; cardamoms, neither crushed nor ground</a>"]
B --> Q["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/090832'>090832: Spices; cardamoms, crushed or ground</a>"]
%% Color coordination by level
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classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
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classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px
%% Apply classes
class A level2
class B level4
class C level4
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level4
class J level4
class K level4
class L level6
class M level6
class N level6
class O level6
class P level6
class Q level6
class B highlight
%% class A level1
%% class B,C level2
%% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
%% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
%% class B highlight