Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms (heading 0908): importing markets
HS heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace and cardamoms, within chapter 09 on coffee, tea, mate and spices. By 2025 import value, Saudi Arabia leads the…
Published on 24 October 2026Updated on 24 October 2026
HS heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace and cardamoms, within chapter 09 on coffee, tea, mate and spices. By 2025 import value, Saudi Arabia leads the ranking with about 288 million USD, followed by India and China. For a company exporting from Spain, the first decision is the subheading, because duties, documents and buyers depend on it.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 24 October 2026
Fact sheet
- Code
- 0908
- Chapter
- 09 · Coffee, tea, mate and spices
- Subheadings
- 9
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 287,705,607 |
| India | 142,780,182 |
| China | 98,064,223 |
| United States | 63,096,388 |
| Germany | 45,211,759 |
| Netherlands | 41,910,674 |
| Kuwait | 40,716,075 |
| United Kingdom | 33,116,943 |
| Jordan | 27,833,516 |
| Egypt | 27,274,053 |
| Pakistan | 21,805,550 |
| Canada | 19,158,703 |
| Japan | 19,045,381 |
| France | 17,887,429 |
| Iraq | 16,231,613 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 24 October 2026
What to know before exporting nutmeg, mace and cardamoms
Heading 0908 is a four-digit Harmonized System code. It groups nutmeg, mace and cardamoms, and it is divided into 9 subheadings. Each product is classified under one of them, and the classification determines the duty and the paperwork.
The import ranking is concentrated in the Middle East and Asia. Saudi Arabia, India and China are the three largest importers by declared value in 2025. Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are the main European destinations in the same table, and the United States is fourth.
Value does not say how accessible a market is. The ranking shows where demand is largest, not where it is easiest to sell. Some of these countries are also producers or re-exporters of spices, so part of their imports may be destined for other markets.
For a company exporting from Spain, the duty depends on the subheading and on the agreement in force with the destination country. The duty for each market is checked in Access2Markets, entering the full code and the destination. Within the EU single market there is no customs duty, but the shipment is still documented for VAT and statistics.
Spices are food products, so sanitary and labelling rules apply in the destination. Which certificates or analyses are required varies by country and by whether the product is whole or ground. These requirements are also checked in Access2Markets before quoting, since they affect cost and lead time.
A practical order of work: confirm the subheading of your product, choose two or three destinations from the ranking, check duty and import requirements for each, and only then look for distributors in the sector. Importers are usually approached by subheading, so having the code clear shortens the first conversation.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 24 October 2026
Frequently asked questions
What products are covered by HS 0908?
Heading 0908 covers nutmeg, mace and cardamoms. It belongs to chapter 09, which also includes coffee, tea, mate and other spices, and it is split into 9 subheadings. The exact subheading depends on the product and its presentation.
Which countries import the most nutmeg, mace and cardamoms?
By value declared to UN Comtrade for 2025, Saudi Arabia is first with about 288 million USD, followed by India with about 143 million and China with about 98 million. The United States, Germany and the Netherlands complete the first six.
Where can I find the import duty for 0908 from Spain?
In Access2Markets, the European Commission tool. You enter the product code and the destination country, and it shows the duty applicable to goods exported from the EU, including any preferential rate under a trade agreement. The result depends on the subheading and on the agreement in force.
Do the largest importers also offer the best opportunity?
Not necessarily. The ranking measures total imports, which include re-exports and goods bought from large established suppliers. A smaller market, such as Jordan or Kuwait in the table, can be easier to enter if there is less competition or lower requirements. That has to be checked market by market.
Is the import data for 2025 final?
It is the latest period with consolidated data. Countries report to UN Comtrade with a delay, so figures for the most recent year can be revised and some countries may appear with incomplete data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 24 October 2026
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