Cassia vs Ceylon Cinnamon: Coumarin Data

Species comparison table

Cassia and true cinnamon are different species with very different coumarin loads. Coumarin is a compound of concern at high chronic intake, so the distinction matters for any product sold as "cinnamon" into the EU.

Why the distinction is load-bearing

• —Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) is high in coumarin; true or Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is very low. Selling cassia as "cinnamon" into the EU is a coumarin-exposure problem.
• —India schedules cassia and cinnamon as separate spices, so the sourcing and documentation should name the species, not just "cinnamon".
• —Both classify under HS heading 0906, so the customs heading alone does not separate them. The contract and the certificate of analysis have to name the species.

Buyer note

For an EU-bound product, decide up front whether you need true Ceylon cinnamon (low coumarin) or can use cassia within coumarin limits, name the species on the purchase order, and require species confirmation on the lot. Do not accept "cinnamon" without a species.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon?

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) is high in coumarin; true Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is very low. India schedules them separately, and both fall under HS 0906, so name the species on the contract.