Cardamoms, Crushed or Ground

Ground spices, including cardamom, are a known target for economically motivated adulteration — for example, dilution with spent cardamom husks or starch. FDA may collect samples at the port of entry for laboratory analysis, and shipments from suppliers on active import alerts can be detained without physical examination. Importers should conduct supplier audits and obtain third-party certificates of analysis to reduce the risk of a detention or refusal.

Yes. De-hulled cardamom seeds that have not been crushed or ground may be argued to fall under the 'neither crushed nor ground' heading (090831) rather than 090832. CBP's classification turns on the degree of processing: if the seeds remain intact and recognizable, they likely belong in 090831. Importers uncertain about the correct heading for a partially processed product should seek a binding ruling from CBP before the first shipment.