The split is mechanical processing: pods that are intact and unprocessed fall under 090510 (whole, not crushed or ground), while any milling or crushing moves the product to 090520. Vanilla extracts and oleoresins are classified elsewhere, outside this heading entirely.

FDA reviews vanilla shipments for adulteration, labeling compliance, and pesticide residues. Importers should also confirm that country-of-origin documentation is accurate, as Madagascar, Uganda, and Indonesia are the primary sources and origin can affect buyer specifications and pricing.