Black Rice
Black rice (Oryza sativa var. nigra) is an heirloom variety with a dark bran layer, imported unhulled or hulled for use in desserts and salads. Although botanically related to rice, unprocessed black rice is classified under tariff item 1008.90.00 as 'other cereals' because it is not the husked, milled, or otherwise worked rice of heading 10.06.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the black rice is husked (brown rice)
Chapter note 1(B) states that rice, husked, milled, polished, glazed, parboiled or broken remains classified in heading 10.06, so processed black rice falls there.
If the black rice is milled, polished, glazed, or parboiled
These further processing steps place the rice squarely in heading 10.06, not 10.08.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the black rice is imported in its natural, unprocessed state (unhulled or hulled only) to qualify for heading 10.08; if it is husked, milled, polished, or parboiled, it must be classified under heading 10.06 instead
• Declare the botanical name (Oryza sativa var. nigra) on customs documents to avoid confusion with true wild rice (Zizania spp.)
• Verify whether a phytosanitary certificate is required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for grain imports
Related Products under Tariff item 1008.90.00
Adlay or Job's Tears
Adlay or Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) seeds are hard, pearl-like grains used in Asian beverages and porridges. They are classified under tariff item 1008.90.00 as other cereals, distinct from ornamental varieties.
Amaranth Grain
Amaranth grain (Amaranthus spp.) consists of tiny, gluten-free seeds used in porridge, flour, and snacks. It falls under tariff item 1008.90.00 as other cereals due to its culinary use as a staple grain.
Black fonio Grain
Black fonio grain (Digitaria iburua) offers a nutty flavor for gourmet dishes and is a rarer cereal variant. Tariff item 1008.90.00 designates it as other cereals, with growing demand in the superfood sector.
California Wild Rice
California wild rice (Zizania texana or cultivated strains) is grown in Sacramento Valley paddies, mimicking natural lake conditions. It is explicitly under tariff item 1008.90.00 as wild rice despite cultivation.
Certified Organic Wild Rice
Certified organic wild rice is hand-harvested from aquatic plants (Zizania spp.) without synthetic inputs, meeting organic certification standards. As an unprocessed cereal grain, it is classified under tariff item 1008.90.00 as 'other cereals,' which explicitly includes wild rice in the Customs Tariff of Canada.
Fonio Millet
Fonio millet (Digitaria exilis) is a tiny West African cereal grain known for quick cooking and nutritional density, harvested and sold whole. It is classified under tariff item 1008.90.00 as other cereals, separate from proso millet.