Market
In the United States, ground mace is a niche spice ingredient used in seasoning applications across retail and food-manufacturing channels. The U.S. market is import-dependent for mace supply and relies on domestic importers and processors for grinding, blending, and packaging under FDA food-safety requirements. FDA has identified Salmonella and filth as recurring hazards in spices, and noncompliant shipments can face detention or refusal at entry. Tariff classification typically falls under HTS heading 0908.20 for mace, where many “Other” mace lines are duty-free, while certain “Bombay or wild mace, ground” lines carry a specific duty rate.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and processing market
Domestic RolePrimarily an importing, processing (grinding/blending/packaging), and consumption market for mace as a spice ingredient
SeasonalityYear-round availability supported by imports and shelf-stable inventory management.
Risks
Food Safety HighSalmonella contamination in imported spices can trigger FDA detention/refusal, including detention without physical examination under Import Alert #99-19 for food products due to Salmonella; ground spices are a recognized risk category in FDA spice safety work.Use an FSVP-backed supplier-approval program with hazard analysis, risk-based verification (audit/testing/records review), and test-and-hold or validated pathogen-reduction treatment evidence for each lot of ground spice.
Regulatory Compliance MediumGaps in FSMA import compliance (FSVP), FDA Prior Notice, or facility registration/recordkeeping can cause border delays, holds, or enforcement actions for ground mace shipments entering the U.S.Confirm the declared FSVP importer, file FDA Prior Notice within the required timeframes, and maintain readily retrievable FSVP and facility-registration records aligned to the product and supplier.
Chemical Contaminants MediumFDA has implemented import-safety actions for spices where chemical/radiological contamination risks are identified (e.g., import certification requirements for certain shrimp and spices from specified regions of Indonesia due to potential Cesium-137 contamination), which can add documentation and entry risk for affected origin/regions.Verify origin/region and monitor FDA import requirements affecting spices; ensure any required certifications, testing, and documentation accompany shipments from covered areas.
Quality And Filth MediumSpices are subject to FDA scrutiny for filth and hygiene defects (e.g., insect/rodent contamination or mold), which can lead to rejection or reconditioning costs and reputational damage in U.S. channels.Apply cleanliness specifications, hygienic handling, foreign-matter controls (sieving/metal detection), and supplier sanitation programs aligned to FDA expectations and industry benchmarks.
Food Fraud MediumGround spices have elevated vulnerability to economically motivated adulteration (substitution, fillers, or undeclared additives), which can trigger regulatory action and customer delisting in the U.S.Use authenticated supply chains with documented specifications, supplier verification, and targeted authenticity testing as appropriate to the supplier and risk profile.
Labor & Social- Forced-labor enforcement is a cross-cutting import-disruption risk in the U.S.; CBP enforces 19 U.S.C. 1307 via Withhold Release Orders (WROs)/Findings and UFLPA-related enforcement, which can stop goods from entry depending on origin and supply-chain evidence.
Standards- GFSI-recognized food-safety certification (e.g., BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000) for processors/packers
- HACCP or ISO 22000 food-safety management systems
- ASTA Cleanliness Specifications (industry benchmark for spice cleanliness/defect tolerances)
FAQ
What is the single biggest border-entry risk for ground mace shipments into the United States?Food-safety noncompliance—especially Salmonella findings—can lead to FDA detention and refusal; FDA’s Import Alert #99-19 allows detention without physical examination for food products due to Salmonella, and FDA’s spice risk work identifies Salmonella as a recurring hazard in spices.
What U.S. import compliance programs should an importer have in place for ground mace?A covered U.S. importer should have an FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) for the product and supplier, and the shipment must have FDA Prior Notice submitted and confirmed before arrival; these are core FDA import compliance requirements for foods, including spices.
How is ground mace typically classified for U.S. customs duty purposes?Mace is classified under HTS heading 0908.20; the USITC HTS shows many “Other” mace lines as duty-free, while “Bombay or wild mace, ground” is listed with a specific duty rate, so correct classification depends on the product’s identity and the applicable subheading.