Mountain Rice
Mountain rice, also known as upland rice, consists of Oryza sativa varieties grown without flooding and sold as whole seeds for gourmet markets. Because it is imported in an unprocessed, whole-grain form, it is classified under tariff item 1008.90.00 as 'other cereals,' distinct from paddy 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 mountain rice is in the husk (paddy rice)
Paddy rice, even if grown upland, is classified in heading 10.06 when in the husk, per chapter note 1(B).
If the mountain rice is husked but not further processed
Husked rice falls under heading 10.06, not 10.08, regardless of the cultivation method.
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
• Confirm that the mountain rice is not husked, milled, or otherwise worked; any such processing moves it to heading 10.06
• Provide a detailed product description including the growing method (upland, non-flooded) to support classification under 10.08
• Check with the CFIA for any seed import restrictions, as whole seeds may be subject to plant health regulations
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.
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.
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.