Analysis
HTS 0904.11.00 covers neither crushed nor ground under heading 0904 (pepper of the genus Piper; dried or crushed or ground fruits of the genus Capsicum…). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 2 ten-digit suffixes, reported in kilograms.
For statistics it divides in two: 0904.11.00.20 for black and 0904.11.00.40 for white. Both pay the same duty; the suffix records which kind was imported.
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 85% of the 48 tariff lines in chapter 09 that are also free. Free here means free of the base duty only: origin-specific Chapter 99 duties such as Section 301 can still be owed.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 311942 (Spice and Extract Manufacturing), an industry of 473 US establishments employing 25,339 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 10 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.
The general rate of Free has not changed in any edition of the schedule since Jan 2023.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0904.12.00 | Pepper of the genus Piper: crushed or ground | Free |
| 0904.21.20 | Of the genusCapsicum(including cayenne pepper, paprika and red pepper): paprika | 3¢/kg |
| 0904.21.40 | Anaheim and ancho pepper | 5¢/kg |
| 0904.21.60 | Of the genusCapsicum(including cayenne pepper, paprika and red pepper): other | 2.5¢/kg |
| 0904.21.80 | Of the genus Pimenta (including allspice) | Free |
| 0904.22.20 | Of the genus Capsicum (including cayenne Pepper, paprika and red pepper): paprika | 3¢/kg |
| 0904.22.40 | Anaheim and ancho pepper | 5¢/kg |
| 0904.22.73 | Mixtures of mashed or macerated hot red peppers and salt | Free |
| 0904.22.76 | Of the genus Capsicum (including cayenne Pepper, paprika and red pepper): other | 5¢/kg |
| 0904.22.80 | Of the genus Pimenta (including allspice) | Free |