Black Pepper
Black pepper is the dried fruit of the Piper nigrum plant and is traded as whole peppercorns or ground spice. It is a primary raw agricultural commodity used widely as a seasoning in food preparation.
Prices, specifications and international trade for black pepper under HS 090411.
Black Pepper Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Black pepper is quoted in USD/t at VNM. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore black pepper pricesBlack Pepper Exports and Imports
Brazil led reported black pepper exports in 2025, at $509M.
Compare black pepper exporting countriesBlack Pepper Specifications and Quality
Black pepper grading factors include Moisture Content, Size, and Color.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for black pepper considers Moisture Content, Size, and Color.
- Moisture Content
The moisture level is measured as a percentage of weight and must not exceed the maximum allowed for the grade.
- Size
Length of the peppercorns is measured in millimetres and classified into grades such as small, medium and large.
- Color
The colour of the peppercorns is assessed for uniformity, ranging from dark brown to black for fully mature fruit.
- Pungency
Pungency is expressed in Scoville Heat Units and is used to differentiate varieties and grades.
- Foreign Matter
The presence of extraneous material such as stones, stems or other seeds is inspected and limited per grade specifications.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for black pepper include Mold, Discolouration, and Physical Damage.
- Mold
Visible fungal growth on the surface of peppercorns is not acceptable.
- Discolouration
Uneven or faded colour that deviates from the standard grade is considered a defect.
- Physical Damage
Cracked or broken peppercorns that affect integrity are recorded as defects.
- Foreign Matter
Inclusion of stones, stems, or other seeds beyond permitted limits is a defect.
Certifications
Certifications documented for black pepper include ISO 22000, HACCP, and Organic. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- ISO 22000
Food safety management system certification widely adopted for pepper trade.
- HACCP
Hazard analysis and critical control points certification ensuring safe processing.
- Organic
Organic certification (e.g., USDA Organic) for pepper produced without synthetic pesticides.
- Fairtrade
Fairtrade certification indicating compliance with social and environmental standards.
Black Pepper Facts and HS Code
Black pepper belongs to spices and herbs within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 090411.
Black Pepper HS Code
| Also known as | White pepper |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Piper nigrum |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Spices and herbs — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 090411 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | VNM |
Production & Handling
Processing steps for black pepper include Harvesting of pepper berries, Sun‑drying or mechanical drying of the berries, Cleaning and removal of foreign material.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical black pepper packaging includes Jute Bag, Polypropylene Bag, and Bulk Container.
- Jute Bag
Standard 25 kg jute bag used for bulk shipment of whole peppercorns.
- Polypropylene Bag
25 Kg polypropylene bag with moisture‑barrier lining for protected transport.
- Bulk Container
Large bulk containers (e.g., 20‑ton flexible intermediate bulk containers) for high‑volume shipments.
Uses & Risks
Black pepper is used in Culinary seasoning, Food manufacturing, and Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
End Uses
- Culinary seasoning
Ground or whole pepper is used to flavor a wide range of dishes and food products.
- Food manufacturing
Incorporated into sauces, soups, snack foods, and ready‑to‑eat meals as a spice ingredient.
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products
Used for its bioactive compounds in dietary supplements and traditional remedies.
- Cosmetics and personal care
Employed for its fragrance and preservative properties in soaps, creams, and perfumes.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food processing, Restaurant and catering services, Consumer packaged goods manufacturers, Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies, Cosmetics and personal care manufacturers |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Rainfall variability ClimateHigh Irregular rainfall patterns affect pepper plant growth and can lead to lower harvests. | Adopt irrigation systems and select varieties tolerant to moisture stress. |
Port congestion LogisticsMedium Delays at major exporting ports can increase transit times and risk of spoilage. | Plan shipments with buffer times and consider alternative routing or inland storage. |
Pepper leaf spot disease PestMedium Fungal leaf spot can reduce yield and quality of pepper crops. | Implement crop rotation, use disease‑resistant varieties, and apply appropriate fungicides. |
Deforestation pressure SustainabilityLow Expansion of pepper farms into forested areas can impact biodiversity. | Source from certified sustainable farms and support agroforestry practices. |
Black Pepper Questions
- What are the typical grading criteria for black pepper?
- Black pepper is graded based on moisture content, particle size, and the presence of foreign matter. The moisture must not exceed a specified maximum, usually around 13% w/w. Size grading is performed by sieving to ensure uniform particle distribution, and any defects that affect appearance are limited.
- How should black pepper be stored and handled to maintain quality?
- The commodity should be stored in dry, well‑ventilated facilities at temperatures below 25 °C to prevent moisture uptake. Bulk shipments are commonly kept in sealed containers or bags that protect against humidity and pests. Handling equipment should avoid crushing the peppercorns to preserve the desired size grade.