HS 0910Food & Beverage

Saffron - HS 0910 classification, duty and landed cost

Saffron moves through customs under HS heading 0910. This guide sets out sample sub-codes, indicative import duty in major markets, key trade documents and a worked landed-cost calculation - refresh figures against the live tariff schedule before quoting.

Reviewed against WCO HS · WTO IDB · National customs schedules2 authoritative sourcesLast reviewed July 2026

Sample 6-digit codes

Code	Description
0910.20	Saffron

Need to check a specific code? Use the free HS code lookup tool.

Typical import duty by market

Market	Duty
European Union	0% - 25% CAP tariffs, seasonal duties; EFSA labelling and additive rules.
United States	0% - 20% FDA Prior Notice; specific alcohol excise on wines/spirits.
China	5% - 30% Plus 9% - 13% VAT; GACC importer registration required.
India	10% - 100% BCD + 5% - 28% GST; FSSAI import licence.
UAE	0% - 5% 5% VAT; 50-100% excise on sugary drinks, tobacco, energy drinks.

Worked landed-cost example

20 MT of Saffron at FOB USD 800,000 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.

FOB valueUSD 16,000,000

Freight + insuranceUSD 1,040,000

CIF valueUSD 17,040,000

Import duty @ ~8% (indicative for Food & Beverage)USD 1,363,200

VAT / GST @ ~5% on CIF+dutyUSD 920,160

Landed cost ≈ USD 19,323,360 - re-run the numbers against your exact HS 8-digit code and destination tariff before quoting.

Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.

Regulatory checkpoints

· Health / Sanitary certificate from origin competent authority.
· Certificate of Analysis (COA) covering microbiological and heavy metal limits.
· Labelling in destination language: ingredients, allergens, nutrition, batch, best-before.

Top exporting countries

· Iran
· Spain
· Afghanistan
· India

Frequently asked questions

Which HS code applies to Saffron?

Saffron sits under HS 0910.20 for the described form; processed variants may fall under Chapter 20 or 21.

What labelling is required for Saffron at destination?

Full ingredient list, allergen callouts, nutrition panel, best-before date, batch number, importer name and address in the destination language.

What certificates travel with Saffron?

Health / sanitary certificate from origin authority, Certificate of Analysis, Halal or Kosher certificate where relevant, and Certificate of Origin for preferential duty.

Does Saffron need refrigeration?

Products shipped chilled (0-4°C) or frozen (-18°C or colder) require an unbroken cold chain with a datalogger inside the container; ambient goods only need a dry, well-ventilated stow.

Are there quotas or excise on Saffron?

Some destinations apply TRQs, seasonal duties, or specific excise (alcohol, sugary drinks, tobacco). Check the destination tariff schedule before quoting.