What exactly is classified as cumin in trade?

Cumin refers specifically to the whole seeds of the plant, neither crushed nor ground. It is listed under HS code 090931 as a spice commodity.

How should whole cumin seeds be stored to maintain quality?

Whole cumin seeds should be kept in a cool, dry, and airtight environment away from direct sunlight. Maintaining low humidity prevents moisture absorption and preserves aroma and flavor.

Can whole cumin seeds be used directly in cooking, or do they need processing?

Whole cumin seeds can be added directly to dishes for a subtle flavor, but many recipes call for toasting or grinding them to release stronger aromatic oils. Toasting briefly in a dry pan enhances the spice's taste before grinding or using whole.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice sold as dried seeds. The seeds are stored in cool, dry conditions to preserve their volatile oil content.

Prices, specifications and international trade for cumin under HS 090931.

Cumin Price

$2,343USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Cumin Historical Unit Values

Cumin is quoted in USD/t at IND. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Cumin Exports and Imports

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India led reported cumin exports in 2025, at $506M.

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Cumin Facts and HS Code

Cumin belongs to spices and herbs within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 090931.

Cumin HS Code

Also known as	cumin seeds
Product type	Raw
Form	Dried
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Spices and herbs — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes	090931
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	IND

Production & Handling

Cumin storage guidance: Cool, dry storage with relative humidity below 60%

Production and Storage

Storage conditions	Cool, dry storage with relative humidity below 60%
Processing steps	Hand picking/cleaning Grading/sorting Bulk packaging in moisture‑barrier bags

Uses & Risks

Cumin is used in Food processing, Oleoresin & nutraceuticals, and Retail & HORECA.

End Uses

Food processing
Use as whole seeds or ground spice in curry bases, spice blends and processed foods
Oleoresin & nutraceuticals
Extraction of volatile oil for flavoring and health‑related ingredients
Retail & HORECA
Sale of bulk or bagged cumin seeds to retailers, restaurants and catering services

Uses and Related Commodities

Standards	codex CXS 327-2017 — Standard for Cumin

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Aflatoxin B1 contamination Food safetyMedium Cumin seeds can contain aflatoxin B1 residues exceeding safety limits, especially if stored in humid conditions.	Food safety	Medium	Implement routine HPLC testing for aflatoxin and enforce strict moisture control during storage.
Heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium) Food safetyMedium Lead and cadmium can accumulate in cumin seeds from contaminated soils or processing equipment.	Food safety	Medium	Perform ICP‑OES analysis for heavy metals and source from regions with documented low soil contamination.
Pesticide residue presence Food safetyMedium Residual pesticides may be detected in cumin seeds, particularly in non‑organic batches, posing health risks.	Food safety	Medium	Require certified organic sourcing and conduct GC‑MS/LC‑MS screening for pesticide residues on each shipment.

Cumin Questions

What exactly is classified as cumin in trade?: Cumin refers specifically to the whole seeds of the plant, neither crushed nor ground. It is listed under HS code 090931 as a spice commodity.
How should whole cumin seeds be stored to maintain quality?: Whole cumin seeds should be kept in a cool, dry, and airtight environment away from direct sunlight. Maintaining low humidity prevents moisture absorption and preserves aroma and flavor.
Can whole cumin seeds be used directly in cooking, or do they need processing?: Whole cumin seeds can be added directly to dishes for a subtle flavor, but many recipes call for toasting or grinding them to release stronger aromatic oils. Toasting briefly in a dry pan enhances the spice's taste before grinding or using whole.