Single spices — whole, ground, or crushed — remain in Chapter 9 even if they have been processed. Once two or more spices are mixed together, or a spice is combined with other flavoring or food ingredients, the product typically moves to Chapter 21 as a mixed condiment or seasoning. The chapter notes to Chapter 9 explicitly exclude mixtures of spices from its scope.

FDA targets spice shipments for examination based on country of origin, commodity type, and importer history. Common refusal grounds include filth (insect fragments, rodent contamination), decomposition, and pesticide residues exceeding tolerances. Importers can reduce detention risk by sourcing from suppliers with robust HACCP programs and by ensuring shipments are accompanied by certificates of analysis.