Category: Country

0. Bottom line first: What is in / not in this Chapter (ultra-summary)

• Typical examples INCLUDED in this Chapter (3–6):
  • Green (unroasted) coffee beans, including decaffeinated (HS 0901).
  • Roasted coffee beans or roasted ground coffee (HS 0901).
  • Tea leaves (green / black / partly fermented), including flavoured tea (HS 0902).
  • Dried chilli peppers and ground chilli powder (Capsicum), black peppercorns and ground pepper (HS 0904).
  • Single spices like vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamoms, saffron, turmeric (HS 0905–0910). (wcoomd.org)
• Typical examples commonly EXCLUDED (3–6; include likely alternative Chapter/Heading):
  • Coffee extract / instant coffee and tea extracts / concentrates → typically Chapter 21 (often heading 2101). Information needed to decide: is it the plant product itself (beans/leaves) or an extract/preparation?
  • Ready-to-drink coffee/tea beverages → typically Chapter 22 (non-alcoholic beverages), not Chapter 9.
  • “Herbal tea” blends with no tea (no Camellia sinensis) → often not 0902; candidates may include Chapter 12 (plants/parts) or Chapter 21 (food preparations), depending on composition/presentation (Information needed to decide: full ingredient list and form).
  • Cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba) → excluded from Chapter 9 by Chapter Note; typically goes to heading 1211. (wcoomd.org)
• The top practical decision points (1–3):
  1. Is it the plant product itself (beans/leaves/spice), or an extract/preparation/drink? (Chapter 9 vs Chapters 21/22.)
  2. For tea: immediate packing size (≤ 3 kg vs bulk) drives the HS6 split. (wcoomd.org)
  3. For spices: mixtures and added substances can flip you to 0910 (mixtures) or out of the Chapter entirely (mixed seasonings → 2103), depending on whether the mixture still behaves like a spice mix. (wcoomd.org)
• (Optional) Situations where misclassification tends to be “high-cost” in practice:
  • Products claimed under FTA/EPA: wrong HS → wrong PSR → origin claim fails.
  • Spices/seasonings: customs may treat “seasoning mixes” as 2103 rather than Chapter 9, impacting duty rate and sometimes regulatory handling. (wcoomd.org)

1. How to reach this Chapter (classification logic)

1-1. Core classification rules (where GIR matters)

• GIR 1 (Headings + legal Notes) is usually enough for Chapter 9:
  • Chapter 9’s legal Notes cover spice-mixture rules and exclusions; headings/subheadings list coffee/tea/spices. (wcoomd.org)
• GIR 6 matters for HS6 splits:
  • Example: tea in immediate packings ≤ 3 kg vs bulk tea is a different HS6. (wcoomd.org)
• Where “essential character” thinking appears in practice:
  • Spice mixtures with “other substances” (salt, starch, anti-caking agents, etc.) can stay in Chapter 9 only if the mixture still has the essential character of spices; otherwise it flips out (often to heading 2103). (wcoomd.org)
• Perspectives to avoid “classifying by product name only” (use, material, condition, degree of processing, etc.):
  • “Instant coffee” (extract/preparation) vs “roasted coffee” (beans/ground) are different HS products.
  • “Herbal tea” might not be “tea” for HS purposes if it’s not from the tea plant.
  • “Curry powder” can be a spice mixture (Chapter 9) or a mixed seasoning (Chapter 21) depending on what else is added and its commercial character.

1-2. Decision flow (pseudo flowchart)

• Step 1:
  • Beans/leaves/spice pieces/powders? → go Step 2.
  • Extract/essence/concentrate, beverage, sauce/seasoning with significant non-spice ingredients? → check Chapter 21/22 first.
• Step 2:
  • Coffee → heading 0901.
  • Tea → heading 0902.
  • Maté → heading 0903.
  • Pepper / dried chilli etc → heading 0904.
  • Other listed spices → headings 0905–0910. (wcoomd.org)
• Step 3:
  • Coffee: roasted vs not; decaffeinated vs not. (wcoomd.org)
  • Tea: green vs black/partly fermented; immediate packing ≤ 3 kg vs other. (wcoomd.org)
  • Spices: whole vs crushed/ground; mixture rules for headings 0904–0910. (wcoomd.org)
• Common boundary disputes (e.g., boundary between Chapter X and Chapter Y):
  • Chapter 9 vs Chapter 21 (extracts and mixed seasonings) vs Chapter 22 (beverages).
  • Chapter 9 pepper vs heading 1211 for cubeb pepper (species matters). (wcoomd.org)

2. Main Headings (4-digit) and what they cover

2-1. Table of key 4-digit Headings (REQUIRED)

• Rule:
  • If the Chapter has few Headings: list ALL
  • If many: list 10–20 that are operationally important (frequent / high error / regulatory or origin-impacting) + group “Others”
    Use this table format:
    | Heading (4-digit) | Plain-English summary | Typical examples (products) | Key decision criteria / exclusions / cautions |
    |—|—|—|—|
    | 0901 | Coffee (green/roasted/decaf), plus coffee husks/skins and coffee substitutes containing coffee | Green coffee beans; roasted beans; ground roasted coffee; decaf coffee | Exclude coffee extracts/instant coffee and preparations → often heading 2101 (check product form). |
    | 0902 | Tea (green / black / partly fermented), whether or not flavoured | Green tea leaves; matcha powder; black tea; flavoured tea | Packaging split at HS6: immediate packings ≤ 3 kg vs other. Exclude tea extracts → often 2101. |
    | 0903 | Maté | Yerba mate leaves | Narrow heading; confirm it’s maté (not other herbal materials). |
    | 0904 | Pepper (Piper) and dried/crushed/ground Capsicum/Pimenta fruits | Black peppercorns/ground pepper; dried chillies; chilli powder; paprika powder | Watch cubeb pepper exclusion (species); whole vs crushed/ground splits. |
    | 0905 | Vanilla | Whole vanilla beans; ground vanilla | Whole vs crushed/ground split. Preparations/extracts may move to Chapter 21 depending on composition. |
    | 0906 | Cinnamon and cinnamon-tree flowers | Cinnamon sticks; ground cinnamon | HS6 distinguishes “Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)” from other cinnamon; plus whole vs ground. |
    | 0907 | Cloves | Whole cloves; ground cloves | Whole vs crushed/ground split. |
    | 0908 | Nutmeg, mace, cardamoms | Nutmeg whole/ground; mace; cardamoms | Separate HS6 splits by product (nutmeg/mace/cardamoms) and state (whole vs ground). |
    | 0909 | Seeds of anise/badian/fennel/coriander/cumin/caraway; juniper berries | Coriander seed whole/ground; cumin seed whole/ground; fennel seed; star anise; juniper berries | Separate HS6 splits for coriander, cumin, and “others” (whole vs ground). |
    | 0910 | Ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry and other spices (incl. certain mixtures) | Ginger whole/ground; saffron; turmeric; dried thyme/bay leaves; curry powder; spice blends | Mixtures of spices from different headings 0904–0910 classify here (0910.91). Added substances can flip out to 2103 if it becomes a “mixed seasoning”. |

Headings/subheadings and Chapter Notes above follow the HS2022 legal text for Chapter 9. (wcoomd.org)

2-2. Operationally important splits at the 6-digit Subheading level (REQUIRED)

• Organize the main split criteria (e.g., weight, composition %, end-use, processing state, form/shape, packaging, standards)
  • Coffee: roasted vs not roasted; decaffeinated vs not
  • Tea: green (not fermented) vs black/partly fermented; immediate packing size
  • Spices: whole vs crushed/ground; mixtures; botanical identity (wcoomd.org)
• 2–5 confusing Subheading pairs/groups:
  • Pair/group 1: Coffee state and decaffeination
    • Where the split happens:
      • 0901.11 / 0901.12 (not roasted, not decaf / decaf)
      • 0901.21 / 0901.22 (roasted, not decaf / decaf)
      • 0901.90 (other) (wcoomd.org)
    • Information needed to decide:
      • Roasted? Decaffeinated? Coffee itself or a preparation/extract?
    • Typical mistake pattern:
      • “Instant coffee” treated as roasted coffee (0901) without confirming it is an extract/preparation.
  • Pair/group 2: Tea packing-size split (often missed)
    • Where the split happens:
      • 0902.10 vs 0902.20 (green tea in immediate packings ≤ 3 kg vs other)
      • 0902.30 vs 0902.40 (black/partly fermented tea in immediate packings ≤ 3 kg vs other) (wcoomd.org)
    • Information needed to decide:
      • Immediate pack weight/unit; fermentation status.
    • Typical mistake pattern:
      • Bulk tea declared under the “≤ 3 kg” subheading.
  • Pair/group 3: Pepper vs Capsicum/Pimenta; whole vs ground
    • Where the split happens:
      • 0904.11 vs 0904.12 (pepper whole vs crushed/ground)
      • 0904.21 vs 0904.22 (Capsicum/Pimenta whole dried vs crushed/ground) (wcoomd.org)
    • Information needed to decide:
      • Botanical genus + physical form.
    • Typical mistake pattern:
      • “Pepper powder” coded without verifying whether it’s Piper pepper or chilli.
  • Pair/group 4: Spice mixtures (stay in Chapter 9 vs move out)
    • Where the split happens:
      • Different-heading spice mixtures → 0910.91
      • But if “other substances” change the character → out of Chapter 9 (often heading 2103) (wcoomd.org)
    • Information needed to decide:
      • Full formulation (% by weight), role of salt/sugar/starch/oil, marketing/use.
    • Typical mistake pattern:
      • Seasoning blend treated as 0910.91 based only on presence of spices.

3. Interpreting Section Notes and Chapter Notes (legal text → practical meaning)

3-1. Relevant Section Notes

• Key points (summary):
  • Chapter 9 is in Section II (Vegetable products): generally plant products in relatively simple forms (dried, crushed/ground), not complex preparations or drinks.
• Practical meaning (with concrete examples):
  • Coffee beans/leaves/spices → likely Chapter 9.
  • Extracts, sauces, beverages → often shift to Section IV (Prepared foodstuffs) or Chapter 22 (beverages).
• Typical patterns where a Section Note “moves you to another Chapter”:
  • If the product is processed beyond the “plant product” stage (extracted, prepared, ready-to-drink), it commonly leaves Section II.

3-2. Chapter Notes for this Chapter

• Key points (summary):
  • The Chapter Notes provide rules for mixtures of products of headings 0904–0910 and set a rule for added substances (when classification stays vs flips out). (wcoomd.org)
• Definitions (if any):
  • Practical working tests:
    • “Crushed or ground” = physical state (powder/particles vs whole pieces).
    • “Immediate packings ≤ 3 kg” = the direct pack unit at import (not the outer carton). (wcoomd.org)
• Exclusions (state alternative Chapter/Heading explicitly):
  • Cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba) → excluded from Chapter 9 → heading 1211. (wcoomd.org)
  • Mixtures that become mixed condiments/seasonings → heading 2103 (outside Chapter 9). (wcoomd.org)

4. How the Chapter Notes change classification outcomes (where the code flips)

Purpose: make “note-driven splits” visible.

• Impact point 1: Mixtures of spices (same heading vs different headings)
  • What to check (information needed):
    • Are the ingredients from one heading, or from multiple headings within 0904–0910?
  • Evidence to collect in practice (spec sheets, composition data, SDS, catalogs, photos, process flow, etc.):
    • Ingredient list and % by weight; process description (blending only vs other).
  • Typical misclassification:
    • Multi-spice blend classified under a single-spice heading instead of 0910 (mixture rule). (wcoomd.org)
• Impact point 2: “Added substances” test (stay in Chapter 9 vs move to mixed seasonings)
  • What to check (information needed):
    • Does the mixture retain the essential character of spices, or is it a mixed seasoning/condiment?
  • Evidence to collect in practice:
    • Full recipe; marketing label; intended use; lab analysis if needed.
  • Typical misclassification:
    • High-salt seasoning mix kept in 0910.91; customs reclassifies to 2103. (wcoomd.org)
• Impact point 3: Species exclusion — cubeb pepper
  • What to check (information needed):
    • Scientific name: Piper nigrum vs Piper cubeba.
  • Evidence to collect in practice:
    • Supplier botanical declaration; COA; photos.
  • Typical misclassification:
    • Cubeb pepper declared as 0904 “pepper” instead of heading 1211. (wcoomd.org)

5. Common mistakes in practice (cause → correction)

Write 5–10 items using this exact pattern:

1. Mistake:
   • Instant coffee / coffee extract treated as 0901 coffee.
   • Why it happens:
     • “Coffee powder” wording hides that it’s an extract/preparation.
   • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
     • Verify if it is coffee itself (0901) or a preparation/extract (often Chapter 21, e.g., 2101).
   • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
     • Documents: manufacturing process, ingredient list, COA.
     • Questions: “Is it brewed/extracted and then dried?” “Is there carrier (maltodextrin)?”
2. Mistake:
   • Tea subheading error by ignoring ≤ 3 kg immediate packings.
   • Why it happens:
     • Teams use shipment weight instead of pack-unit weight.
   • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
     • Use 0902.10/0902.30 only if in immediate packings ≤ 3 kg; otherwise 0902.20/0902.40. (wcoomd.org)
   • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
     • Documents: packing list, net content, pack photos.
     • Questions: “What is the smallest sealed unit at import?”
3. Mistake:
   • “Herbal tea” classified as 0902.
   • Why it happens:
     • Market term “tea” used for non-tea infusions.
   • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
     • Confirm tea-plant content; if not tea, classification is outside this Chapter (Information needed to decide: full formula and analysis beyond Chapter 9).
   • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
     • Documents: ingredient list with botanical names; label.
     • Questions: “Is Camellia sinensis present?”
4. Mistake:
   • Curry/seasoning mix with significant salt/additives classified as 0910.91.
   • Why it happens:
     • “Contains spices” assumed to mean “is spices”.
   • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
     • Apply the Chapter Note: mixtures with added substances stay only if they retain the essential character of spices; otherwise mixed seasonings go to 2103. (wcoomd.org)
   • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
     • Documents: formulation (%), label, intended-use statement.
     • Questions: “What % is salt/starch?” “Is it sold as a ‘complete seasoning’?”
5. Mistake:
   • “Pepper” genus not confirmed (Piper vs Capsicum/Pimenta).
   • Why it happens:
     • “Pepper” used loosely for chilli, paprika, etc.
   • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
     • Use 0904 structure (Piper vs Capsicum/Pimenta; whole vs ground). (wcoomd.org)
   • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
     • Documents: botanical/spec sheet, supplier declaration.
     • Questions: “Which genus?” “Whole or ground?”
6. Mistake:
   • Cubeb pepper treated as ordinary pepper (0904).
   • Why it happens:
     • Similar appearance; supplier description says “pepper”.
   • Correct approach (which Note / which Heading logic supports it):
     • Chapter Note exclusion → consider heading 1211. (wcoomd.org)
   • Prevention (documents to verify / internal questions to ask):
     • Documents: botanical ID; COA.
     • Questions: “Is this Piper cubeba?”

6. Points to watch for FTA/EPA origin certification

6-1. Relationship between HS classification and PSR (Product-Specific Rules)

• HS assignment drives PSR selection (misclassification breaks the origin analysis)
  • Wrong HS6 → wrong PSR → origin claim can fail.
• Common pitfalls (HS for materials vs HS for final goods; evaluating processes; etc.)
  • Using supplier HS codes for inputs without validation.
  • Mixing HS editions (HS2022 operations vs PSR written in HS2012/HS2017).
  • Not documenting blending/grinding/roasting steps (often explicitly referenced in PSRs). (税関ホームページ)

6-2. HS version differences referenced by agreements (HS2012 / HS2017 / HS2022)

• Explicitly state which HS edition each agreement uses (e.g., “Agreement refers to HS2012”)
• CPTPP
  • Agreement refers to HS2012 for PSR purposes (Annex 3‑D states “HS Classification (HS2012)”). (内閣官房)
  • Practical cautions if the agreement’s HS edition differs from HS2022:
    • “The CPTPP refers to HS2012 for ROO/PSR purposes, which may differ from HS2022 used in current operational classification. Misalignment can cause PSR selection errors. Practical approach: (1) classify the finished good in HS2022, (2) map HS2022→HS2012 using an official correlation table or agreement-provided transposition guidance, (3) apply PSR in the agreement’s HS edition, and (4) keep an audit trail showing the mapping logic and sources.”
• Japan–EU EPA
  • Agreement refers to HS2017 (Annex 3‑B uses “Harmonized System classification (2017)”). (税関ホームページ)
  • Practical cautions:
    • “The Japan–EU EPA refers to HS2017 for ROO/PSR purposes, which may differ from HS2022 used in current operational classification. Misalignment can cause PSR selection errors. Practical approach: (1) classify the finished good in HS2022, (2) map HS2022→HS2017 using an official correlation table or agreement-provided transposition guidance, (3) apply PSR in the agreement’s HS edition, and (4) keep an audit trail showing the mapping logic and sources.”
• Japan–UK EPA
  • Agreement refers to HS2017 (Annex 3‑B uses “Harmonized System classification (2017)”). (税関ホームページ)
  • Practical cautions:
    • “The Japan–UK EPA refers to HS2017 for ROO/PSR purposes, which may differ from HS2022 used in current operational classification. Misalignment can cause PSR selection errors. Practical approach: (1) classify the finished good in HS2022, (2) map HS2022→HS2017 using an official correlation table or agreement-provided transposition guidance, (3) apply PSR in the agreement’s HS edition, and (4) keep an audit trail showing the mapping logic and sources.”
• RCEP
  • Agreement refers to HS2022 for PSR purposes (transposed PSR in HS 2022; implemented from 2023-01-01). (税関ホームページ)
  • Practical cautions (HS2022 agreement):
    • “The RCEP refers to HS2022 for ROO/PSR purposes. In practice, confirm that the HS code used for tariff classification aligns with the same HS edition referenced in the agreement annexes and operational guidance. If national tariff line codes are used for declarations, label them explicitly as national codes and keep HS6 consistent for PSR selection.” (税関ホームページ)
• How to handle transposition (old → new mapping) in general
  • Do not guess mappings when splits/merges exist; treat them as “Information needed to decide”.
  • Record: HS2022 code, mapped code in agreement HS edition, mapping source, and rationale.
  • If multiple mappings exist, state the deciding product facts and evidence to collect.

6-3. Practical checklist (data needed for origin analysis)

• BOM, cost data, processing steps, country of origin, HS for non-originating materials, RVC assumptions
  • For Chapter 9 goods, processing may be simple (roasting, grinding, blending) but must be documented.
• Supporting documents & retention (general guidance)
  • Supplier declarations, production records, packaging specs (tea ≤ 3 kg), blend formulas (spice mixtures).

7. Differences between HS2022 and earlier HS editions (what changed and why)

7-1. Change summary (REQUIRED TABLE)

Comparison (e.g., HS2017→HS2022)	Change type (new / deleted / split / merged / wording / scope)	Codes affected	Practical meaning of the change	Operational impact
HS2017→HS2022	No change identified at HS6 level for Chapter 9 (not listed among WCO HS2017↔HS2022 correlation table changes)	Chapter 09 (0901–0910)	Treat Chapter 9 HS6 structure as stable across 2017 and 2022; still validate if you rely on national codes	Lower HS6 master-data migration risk; main risk remains Note application (mixtures/seasonings) rather than code changes

7-2. Why it changed (REQUIRED)

• List the sources you relied on (correlation tables, WCO legal text, customs guidance, agreement annexes, etc.)
  • WCO correlation table (HS2017→HS2022), which lists changes; Chapter 09 codes are not listed there. (wcoomd.org)
• Explain: “Based on which document and which information, what changed and why.”
  • Basis: absence of Chapter 09 entries in the changes table indicates no HS6 restructuring for Chapter 9 in HS2022.
• If there is no change, explicitly state “No change” and explain the basis.
  • No change identified for Chapter 09 at HS6 level in HS2022 vs HS2017, based on the correlation changes listing. (wcoomd.org)

8. HS codes added or removed before HS2022 (historical perspective)

• Summarize major additions/deletions/restructures across HS2007 → HS2012 → HS2017 → HS2022 in a table
• Where possible, show mappings (old code → new code, or “no direct mapping/unknown”)

Period	Change (high level)	Examples of codes affected (old → new)	Practical meaning
HS2007→HS2012	HS6 restructuring to separately identify crushed/ground forms for multiple spices; some low-trade subheadings deleted and reorganized	0904.20 → 0904.21 / 0904.22 (Capsicum/Pimenta whole vs ground); 0905.00 → 0905.10 / 0905.20 (vanilla whole vs ground); 0907.00 → 0907.10 / 0907.20 (cloves whole vs ground); 0908.10/20/30 → split into whole vs ground for nutmeg/mace/cardamoms; 0910.10 → 0910.11 / 0910.12 (ginger whole vs ground)	Requires master-data capture of “whole vs ground”; improves accuracy for statistics and compliance
HS2012→HS2017	No change identified in the correlation table changes listing for Chapter 9 (no Chapter 09 entries found for key 09xx codes)	(No listed Chapter 09 changes)	Chapter 9 appears stable at HS6 after HS2012 restructure
HS2017→HS2022	No change identified (see Section 7)	(No listed Chapter 09 changes)	HS6 stability continues into HS2022

Evidence for HS2007→HS2012 restructures in Chapter 9 is from the official HS2012↔HS2007 correlation table (Table I). (税関ホームページ)
Evidence for “no listed Chapter 9 changes” in HS2012→HS2017 is from the official HS2017↔HS2012 correlation table (no matches found for key Chapter 09 codes). (税関ホームページ)

9. Clearance trouble scenarios caused by violating Notes (case-style)

Provide 3–5 cases in this exact pattern:

• Case name (short): Instant coffee vs roasted coffee (0901 vs Chapter 21)
  • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
    • Product treated as coffee (0901) without confirming it was an extract/preparation (often Chapter 21).
  • Why it happens (product naming, set treatment, end-use misunderstanding, processing state misunderstanding, etc.):
    • “Coffee powder” label; teams assume ground roasted coffee.
  • Typical impacts (general: amendments, additional duty/tax, increased inspection, delays, etc.):
    • Amendments, duty/tax adjustments, increased scrutiny.
  • Prevention (advance ruling, pre-check, document readiness, etc.):
    • Keep manufacturing-flow evidence; use Japan Customs advance ruling for borderline items. (税関ホームページ)
• Case name (short): Curry blend flips to mixed seasoning (0910.91 vs 2103)
  • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
    • The “added substances / essential character” test was not applied. (wcoomd.org)
  • Why it happens:
    • High salt/starch/sugar; marketed as “complete seasoning”.
  • Typical impacts:
    • Reclassification, duty rate change, possible regulatory knock-on checks.
  • Prevention:
    • Collect full formulation and intended-use statement; consider advance ruling for high-volume SKUs.
• Case name (short): Tea immediate packing error (≤ 3 kg vs bulk)
  • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
    • The HS6 split based on immediate packings ≤ 3 kg was ignored. (wcoomd.org)
  • Why it happens:
    • Packaging changed by supplier/logistics; HS master not updated.
  • Typical impacts:
    • Delays and amendments.
  • Prevention:
    • Tie HS code to the actual pack configuration per shipment; keep photos/packing evidence.
• Case name (short): Cubeb pepper misdeclared as pepper (1211 vs 0904)
  • What went wrong (which Chapter Note / Section Note was violated):
    • Cubeb pepper exclusion was missed. (wcoomd.org)
  • Why it happens:
    • Supplier description says “pepper”; product looks similar.
  • Typical impacts:
    • Reclassification and document follow-up.
  • Prevention:
    • Require botanical name in procurement specs; confirm with COA.

10. Import/export regulatory considerations (compliance)

• For Japan, summarize frequent regulations/permits/quarantine relevant to this Chapter (only if applicable)
• Use these axes (only those that apply):
  • Quarantine / sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS)
    • Plant quarantine (MAFF / Plant Protection Stations):
      • Plant Protection Stations perform import inspections for plants, and plant quarantine inspections are required when bringing plants into Japan. Many Chapter 9 goods are plant products (coffee beans, tea leaves, spices) and may be subject to plant quarantine depending on the item/form/origin. (農林水産省)
      • Japan Customs indicates that for quarantine-required plants it is necessary to submit the certificate/licence issued by the Plant Protection Station and obtain customs confirmation. (税関ホームページ)
    • Food sanitation / imported foods (MHLW Quarantine Stations):
      • Japan’s imported food framework obliges importers to submit an import notification to a quarantine station (under the Food Sanitation framework) before the goods can be used/sold for business purposes. Coffee/tea/spices are food items and commonly fall into imported-food workflows. (厚生労働省)
  • CITES / species restrictions
    • Not typically applicable to Chapter 9 (coffee/tea/spices), unless the product includes unexpected regulated wildlife ingredients (rare for this Chapter).
  • Export controls (if applicable)
    • Not typically applicable for typical Chapter 9 products.
  • Other permits / notifications
    • Depending on product specs and use, further controls may apply (e.g., additives, contaminants, labeling). Requirements depend on product specs, composition, end-use, and destination—verify the latest official notices and consult competent agencies when in doubt.
• Official places to verify (agencies / official guides / contact points):
  • MAFF Plant Protection Station (plant quarantine guidance). (農林水産省)
  • MHLW Imported Foods Inspection Services / Imported Food Safety (import notification guidance). (厚生労働省)
  • Japan Customs FAQ on plant quarantine document confirmation. (税関ホームページ)
• Typical preparatory documents (general):
  • Product specs (botanical name, form, processing), ingredient list/formulation, COA (incl. contaminants where relevant), packing list/labels, plant quarantine certificates (if required), food import notification documentation.

11. Practical checklist (classification → clearance → origin → regulations)

• Before classification (collect product information)
  • Botanical identity (where relevant) + physical form (whole/cut/ground/extract)
  • Composition (% by weight) for spice mixes / flavoured teas
  • Packaging details for tea (immediate pack ≤ 3 kg test)
• After classification (re-check Notes / exclusions / boundaries)
  • Mixture rules and added-substance “essential character” check
  • Cubeb pepper exclusion (species check)
  • Boundary check: Chapter 9 vs Chapter 21 vs Chapter 22
• Before declaration (invoice description, units, supporting documents)
  • Invoice descriptions that match HS reality (avoid “coffee powder” ambiguity)
  • Packaging evidence for tea; formulation evidence for spice mixes
• FTA/EPA checks (PSR, materials, processes, retention)
  • Confirm agreement HS edition and mapping logic if needed
  • Keep blending/roasting/grinding records (often PSR-relevant)
• Regulatory checks (permits/notifications/inspection)
  • Plant quarantine applicability + certificates (if required)
  • MHLW imported-food notification workflow

12. References (sources)

• WCO (HS2022 legal text, correlation tables, amendment package, etc.)
  • HS2022 legal text — Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, maté and spices). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (wcoomd.org)
  • WCO correlation table HS2017→HS2022 (changes listing / Table I). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (wcoomd.org)
  • HS2012↔HS2007 correlation table (Table I; Chapter 9 HS6 restructures). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (税関ホームページ)
• Japan customs and public-agency guidance
  • MAFF Plant Protection Station — Plant quarantine inspections (English). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (農林水産省)
  • Japan Customs — Customs confirmation requirement concerning Plant Protection Law restrictions (FAQ 1803). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (税関ホームページ)
  • MHLW — Imported Foods Inspection Services / Imported Food Safety (import notification). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (厚生労働省)
  • Japan Customs — Advance Ruling on Classification. Accessed: 2026-02-15. (税関ホームページ)
• FTA/EPA texts, annexes, operational guidance
  • CPTPP Annex 3‑D PSR — HS Classification (HS2012). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (内閣官房)
  • Japan–EU EPA Annex 3‑B PSR — Harmonized System classification (2017). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (税関ホームページ)
  • Japan–UK EPA Annex 3‑B PSR — Harmonized System classification (2017). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (税関ホームページ)
  • RCEP PSR (HS2022 transposed; implemented from 2023-01-01). Accessed: 2026-02-15. (税関ホームページ)

Disclaimer (MUST BE INCLUDED VERBATIM; DO NOT MODIFY)

This material is provided for general informational purposes regarding HS classification, customs clearance, FTA/EPA rules of origin, and import/export regulations. It does not constitute legal advice, tax advice, customs advice, or a definitive classification ruling for any specific transaction. Final HS classification is determined by the customs authority of the importing/exporting country, and classification outcomes may differ for the same or similar products depending on specifications, composition, end-use, form, degree of processing, commercial reality, documentation, and other transaction-specific facts. Tariff rates, origin rules, import/export regulations, permits, and inspection requirements may change due to legal amendments or administrative updates; you must always verify the latest official laws, regulations, public notices, and agreement texts. For important transactions, you should consider using the customs advance ruling system and/or consulting qualified professionals (customs brokers, attorneys, tax advisors) and conduct appropriate verification before making decisions. The author assumes no liability for any damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, this material.

Appendix A. Key national tariff line subdivisions in Japan (optional)

• HS is a 6-digit international system (HS6). Japan declarations typically use national statistical/tariff codes beyond HS6 (e.g., 9 digits) for domestic tariff/statistics management—do not confuse these with HS itself. (税関ホームページ)
• Practical approach:
  • Keep HS6 correct first (for classification logic and PSR selection),
  • Then map HS6 → Japan national code for duty/statistics filing (and document the mapping in your master data).

Appendix B. How to find customs advance rulings / decisions (optional)

• What information to prepare to make consultations efficient (general guidance)
  • Clear product description, samples/photos, specs (botanical name, processing), ingredient list with % (for mixes), packaging details (tea packs), manufacturing flow (extract vs raw product).
• Japan Customs (advance classification ruling)
  • Japan Customs provides an Advance Classification Ruling process for inquiries before importation. (税関ホームページ)
  • If classification risk is high (large volumes, seasoning blends, borderline coffee/tea preparations), consider using the advance ruling route early to reduce clearance uncertainty. (税関ホームページ)