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HSChapter 09
U.S. imports of saffron (HS 091020) totaled $1.6M in April 2026, traded with 15 countries.
Importers of Saffron paid $16K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 9.8% on $158K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSaffron — the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus — is among the world's highest-value spices by weight and enters the US under a single tariff line (0910200000), with Spain historically the dominant commercial supplier and Afghanistan a significant and growing source. Adulteration is a pervasive trade concern: saffron is frequently diluted with safflower petals, turmeric, or dyed plant fibers, and FDA may detain shipments for examination or laboratory analysis when fraud is suspected. Importers should obtain detailed certificates of origin and quality specifications, as country-of-origin labeling and grade standards (ISO 3632) are often referenced in commercial contracts and buyer specifications.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Importers should require ISO 3632-compliant quality certificates specifying crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal content, which are the internationally recognized markers for saffron purity and grade. Third-party laboratory testing at origin and at the US port of entry is advisable, particularly for shipments from origins with a history of adulteration complaints. A licensed customs broker can advise on FDA's current import alert status for specific suppliers.
Saffron does not carry a tariff-rate quota under current US schedules, and no special import license is required beyond standard FDA food facility registration and prior notice filing. However, shipments from certain origins may be subject to FDA import alerts based on prior adulteration findings, so checking OASIS records before committing to a supplier is recommended.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPAIN | $915K | -- | -$915K |
| AFGHANISTAN | $509K | -- | -$509K |
| GREECE | $113K | -- | -$113K |
| FRANCE | $41K | -- | -$41K |
| INDIA | $25K | -- | -$25K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0910200000 | SAFFRON | $1.6M | 9.81% | $16K |
SAFFRON
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0910200000 | SAFFRON | $34K |
SAFFRON
1.2K kg
COFFEE, NOT ROASTED, NOT DECAFFEINATED
HS 090111
COFFEE, ROASTED, NOT DECAFFEINATED
HS 090121
COFFEE, NOT ROASTED, DECAFFEINATED
HS 090112
PEPPER OF GENUS PIPER, NEITHER CRUSHED NOR GROUND
HS 090411
CAPSICUM/PEPPERS, PIMENTA/ALLSPICE, CRUSHED/GROUND
HS 090422
PEPPER OF THE GENUS PIPER, CRUSHED OR GROUND
HS 090412
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $505K | $15K | -$490K |
| New Jersey | $300K | -- | -$300K |
| Virginia | $255K | -- | -$255K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | $284K | -- | -$284K |
| NEW ORLEANS, LA | $191K | -- | -$191K |
| WASHINGTON, DC | $179K | -- | -$179K |