Ground Black Pepper
Finely ground black pepper derived from Piper nigrum berries, used as a staple spice in kitchens worldwide. It falls under HTS 0904.12.00.00 as crushed or ground pepper of the genus Piper. This classification applies to retail and bulk forms excluding prohibited pepper shells.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | +7.5% | 7.5% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇨🇦Canada | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as whole peppercorns
Whole, neither crushed nor ground peppercorns of Piper genus are classified under the unprocessed subheading.
If blended with other spices or seasonings
Mixtures of ground pepper with other spices fall under mixtures of spices in Chapter 91, not pure Piper pepper.
If processed into seasoned salt or spice mixes for retail
Ground pepper incorporated into prepared sauces or mixed condiments shifts to Chapter 21 for food preparations.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify the product is from Piper nigrum and free of prohibited pepper shells to avoid import rejection under US notes
• Include lab certificates confirming no impurities, as impure spices may face restrictions similar to tea prohibitions
• For certified organic ground pepper, reference approved standards in General Statistical Note 6 for duty benefits
Related Products under HTS 0904.12.00.00
Organic Ground White Pepper
Ground white pepper from Piper nigrum with outer hull removed, certified organic for premium culinary use. Classified under HTS 0904.12.00.00 for crushed or ground Piper pepper. Organic status requires compliance with General Statistical Note 6 standards.
Coarse Ground Black Pepper
Coarsely crushed black pepper from Piper nigrum, ideal for table grinders and rustic cooking. HTS 0904.12.00.00 covers all crushed or ground forms of Piper genus pepper. Excludes cubeb pepper prohibited by chapter notes.
Fine Ground Tellicherry Black Pepper
Premium fine-ground Tellicherry black pepper from select Piper nigrum varieties from India. Falls under HTS 0904.12.00.00 as ground pepper of the genus Piper. Known for bold flavor in gourmet applications.
Ground Green Peppercorns
Ground immature green peppercorns from Piper nigrum, preserved by drying for fresh pepper flavor. Classified in HTS 0904.12.00.00 for crushed or ground Piper pepper. Distinct from Capsicum genus products.
Malabar Ground Black Pepper
Robust ground black pepper from Malabar coast Piper nigrum, popular in spice blends. HTS 0904.12.00.00 applies to all ground forms of Piper genus excluding prohibited shells. Ideal for commercial seasoning.
Ground Long Pepper
Ground long pepper (Piper longum) from the Piper genus, used in Ayurvedic and Asian cuisines. Covered by HTS 0904.12.00.00 as crushed or ground Piper pepper. Not to be confused with allspice (Pimenta).