0908.31.00.00 - Neither crushed nor ground

This HTS category encompasses cardamoms that are in their whole, intact form, meaning they have not undergone any process of crushing or grinding. This includes dried fruits of the genus *Elettaria* and *Amomum*, preserved in their natural state. Examples include whole cardamom pods, whether green or brown, and individual cardamom seeds still enclosed within their pods. The key classification criterion here is the physical integrity of the cardamom.

In contrast to the sibling category 0908.32.00.00, which covers cardamoms that have been mechanically broken down into smaller particles, this category specifically excludes any cardamoms that have been crushed or ground. This distinction is crucial for accurate customs declarations, as the processing method directly impacts the classification and potential duties applied.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS classification system, there are no further subcategories. The classification is determined solely by whether the cardamoms are in their whole, unadulterated form or have been subjected to crushing or grinding. For practical classification, importers and exporters should visually inspect the product to confirm it consists of intact cardamom pods or seeds still within their pods.