Coffee Husks, Skins & Coffee-Containing Substitutes

Dried coffee husks and skins used in cascara beverages are classified under 0901901000 within heading 090190. However, FDA has previously raised questions about cascara's status as a lawfully marketed food ingredient in the US, so importers should confirm current FDA guidance and admissibility before shipping.

A coffee substitute containing coffee (0901902000) is a blended product in which coffee is combined with other ingredients — such as chicory, roasted grains, or herbal additives — as part of a formulated mixture. Pure roasted coffee, even if flavored, is classified under heading 0901 rather than as a substitute. The key test is whether coffee is the sole or predominant ingredient versus one component of a multi-ingredient blend.