Beverages, spirits and vinegar › Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less…
Other distilled cereal beverages
HS 220890China → United States
1Overview
- Destination duty: Free (General, same on all 17 lines) — No preferential agreement with China — the basic / MFN rate applies.
- Federal VAT / GST: None — The US has no federal VAT. State sales tax is not charged at import.
- This code covers: Other distilled cereal beverages
- Additional tariffs: at least +12.5% — Section 301 forced-labor duty (China) (Re-verified 2026-09-15: no change.)part of this HS code only
- Regime to watch: US duty-free de minimis suspended for all countriesSince 2025-08-29 Executive Order 14324 has suspended duty-free de minimis entry for shipments from every country. Parcels are now dutiable and need an entry with HS classification and origin, which raises the difficulty of small consignments.federalregister.gov
Key points
- De minimis is suspended indefinitely: non-postal modes since 2026-06-24, international mail since 2026-07-24. The US$800 duty-free entry no longer exists.
- No federal VAT or GST. State sales or use tax is a separate matter handled after import, not at the border.
- US$2,500 separates informal from formal entry. Mail shipments up to US$2,500 in HTSUS chapters 1-97 may use the new postal informal entry process, with duty due by the 7th day of the month following arrival.
- The importer of record may self-file in ACE, but formal entries require a customs bond, and ocean cargo also requires an Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) at least 24 hours before loading.
- The Section 122 surcharge ended on 2026-07-24, and a Section 301 forced-labour action covering 60 economies took effect the same day. Additional duties appear as HTSUS Chapter 99 lines, so check what is in force on your entry date.
Key points on the origin side
- Customs registration as consignor is required before exporting; foreign trade operator registration was abolished from 2022-12-30.
- Most goods carry no export duty; only the limited list in the Import and Export Tariff carries an export duty or provisional export rate.
- Exports are zero-rated or exempt for VAT, and a qualifying exporter claims the refund at the rate published for the commodity code.
- Check the regulatory condition code on the commodity code to see whether an export licence, a dual-use licence (State Council Decree 792) or statutory inspection applies. MOFCOM and GACC publish the dual-use licensing catalogue each year.
- Certificates of origin are issued by customs or CCPIT and are what the buyer uses to claim preference at destination.
- Statutory inspection is governed by the Catalogue of Import and Export Commodities Subject to Compulsory Inspection (the 法检 catalogue), shown as customs supervision condition A (import inspection) / B (export inspection) on the commodity code and adjusted by GACC announcement from time to time (latest adjustment: GACC Announcement 2026 No. 97, effective 2026-07-16). Check the supervision conditions of your code before declaring.
As of: 2026 HTS Rev.15 · Guidance as of: 2026-09
2Classification
HS6 names
- ko기타
- enOther distilled cereal beverages
- zh_hant其他穀類酒
- zh_hans其他谷类酒
United States tariff lines
| Line | Description |
|---|---|
| 2208.90.01.00 | AquavitUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other |
| 2208.90.05.00 | Not fit for use as beveragesUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Bitters |
| 2208.90.10.00 | Fit for use as beveragesUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Bitters |
| 2208.90.12.00 | In containers each holding not over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Slivovitz › Valued not over $3.43/liter |
| 2208.90.14.00 | In containers each holding over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Slivovitz › Valued not over $3.43/liter |
| 2208.90.15.00 | Valued over $3.43/literUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Slivovitz |
| 2208.90.20.00 | Valued not over $2.38/literUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Other › In containers each holding not over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.25.00 | Valued over $2.38 but not over $3.43/literUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Other › In containers each holding not over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.30.00 | Valued over $3.43/literUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Other › In containers each holding not over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.35.00 | Valued not over $2.38/literUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Other › In containers each holding over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.40.00 | Valued over $2.38/literUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Brandy › Other › In containers each holding over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.46 | Kirschwasser and ratafiaUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other |
| 2208.90.46.30 | In containers each holding not over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Kirschwasser and ratafia |
| 2208.90.46.60 | In containers each holding over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Kirschwasser and ratafia |
| 2208.90.50 | In containers each holding not over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Tequila |
| 2208.90.50.30 | Certified organicUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Tequila › In containers each holding not over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.50.60 | OtherUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Tequila › In containers each holding not over 4 liters |
| 2208.90.55.00 | In containers each holding over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Tequila |
| 2208.90.71.00 | Imitations of brandy and other spirituous beveragesUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other |
| 2208.90.72.00 | Mezcal in containers each holding not over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Other › Spirits |
| 2208.90.75.00 | OtherUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Other › Spirits |
| 2208.90.80 | OtherUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Other |
| 2208.90.80.10 | Premixed cocktails or other mixed beverages, ready to consume as packaged, in containers each holding not over 4 litersUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Other › Other |
| 2208.90.80.20 | OtherUndenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages › Other › Other › Other |
China export-side line (reference)
- 22089010---龙舌兰酒
- 22089020---白酒
- 22089090---其他
Top 3 United States rulings
As of: 2026 HTS Rev.15
3Duty & tax
No preferential agreement with China — the basic / MFN rate applies.
| Line | Description | General | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2208.90.01.00 | Aquavit | Free | — | $1.99/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.05.00 | Not fit for use as beverages | Free | — | $1.32/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.10.00 | Fit for use as beverages | Free | — | $1.32/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.12.00 | In containers each holding not over 4 liters | Free | — | $2.35/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.14.00 | In containers each holding over 4 liters | Free | — | $1.32/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.15.00 | Valued over $3.43/liter | Free | — | $2.35/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.20.00 | Valued not over $2.38/liter | Free | — | $2.35/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.25.00 | Valued over $2.38 but not over $3.43/liter | Free | — | $2.35/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.30.00 | Valued over $3.43/liter | Free | — | $2.35/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.35.00 | Valued not over $2.38/liter | Free | — | $1.32/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.40.00 | Valued over $2.38/liter | Free | — | $1.32/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.46 | Kirschwasser and ratafia | Free | — | $3.08/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.46.30 | In containers each holding not over 4 liters | — | — | — |
| 2208.90.46.60 | In containers each holding over 4 liters | — | — | — |
| 2208.90.50 | In containers each holding not over 4 liters | Free | — | $1.68/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.50.30 | Certified organic | — | — | — |
| 2208.90.50.60 | Other | — | — | — |
| 2208.90.55.00 | In containers each holding over 4 liters | Free | — | $1.32/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.71.00 | Imitations of brandy and other spirituous beverages | Free | — | $2.35/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.72.00 | Mezcal in containers each holding not over 4 liters | Free | — | $1.78/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.75.00 | Other | Free | — | $1.78/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.80 | Other | 21.1¢/pf.liter | Free / 9.3¢/pf.liter | $4.05/pf. liter |
| 2208.90.80.10 | Premixed cocktails or other mixed beverages, ready to consume as packaged, in containers each holding not over 4 liters | — | — | — |
| 2208.90.80.20 | Other | — | — | — |
Chapter 99 additional duties
at least +12.5%Layers charged on top of the HTS rate above when the goods enter the US. Each layer is shown with its status, as-of date and source.
| Measure | Adds | Ch.99 line | Status · as of · source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 301 forced-labor duty (China) (Re-verified 2026-09-15: no change.)12.5% added on top of the tariff rate. | +12.5% | 9903.05.31, 9903.05.43 | in forcecourt challenge pendingAs of: 2026-09-15CBP CSMS #69326983, 23 July 2026 (re-read 2026-09-09) |
| Section 301 China Lists 1-4A (Re-verified 2026-09-15: no change.)only some of the 8-digit lines under this code are in scope (2208.90.01, 2208.90.05, 2208.90.10, 2208.90.12, 2208.90.14, 2208.90.15, 2208.90.20, 2208.90.25, 2208.90.30, 2208.90.35, 2208.90.40, 2208.90.46, 2208.90.50, 2208.90.55, 2208.90.71, 2208.90.72, 2208.90.75) — which line the goods take decides whether it is charged.some sub-lines Section 301 List 4A (7.5%)19 of 21 lines: 2208.90.01, 2208.90.05, 2208.90.10, 2208.90.12, 2208.90.14, 2208.90.15 +11 | —not in total | 9903.88.01, 9903.88.02, 9903.88.03, 9903.88.15 | in forceAs of: 2026-09-15HTSUS ch.99 subchapter III U.S. note 20; USTR Section 301 lists |
| IEEPA reciprocal tariff (struck down)no longer collected (as of 2026-09-09). Shown because material published before that date still quotes it. | —not in total | 9903.01, 9903.02 | struck downcourt challenge pendingAs of: 2026-09-09Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, No. 24-1287 (U.S. 20 Feb 2026) |
| IEEPA fentanyl duty (China, struck down)no longer collected (as of 2026-02-20). Shown because material published before that date still quotes it. | —not in total | 9903.01 | struck downcourt challenge pendingAs of: 2026-02-20CRS LSB11398, Supreme Court rules against IEEPA tariffs |
| Section 122 balance-of-payments surcharge (expired)no longer collected (as of 2026-07-24). Shown because material published before that date still quotes it. | —not in total | — | expiredcourt challenge pendingAs of: 2026-07-24Section 122 surcharge: imposed 24 Feb 2026, CIT ruling 7 May 2026, expired 24 July 2026 |
| Additional total | at least +12.5% | ||
Caveats
- The total is a floor, not a full estimate: Section 301 China Lists 1-4A (Re-verified 2026-09-15: no change.) could not be quantified from the HS code alone.
- Part of this HS code is in scope and part is not (2208.90.01, 2208.90.05, 2208.90.10, 2208.90.12, 2208.90.14, 2208.90.15, 2208.90.20, 2208.90.25, 2208.90.30, 2208.90.35, 2208.90.40, 2208.90.46, 2208.90.50, 2208.90.55, 2208.90.71, 2208.90.72, 2208.90.75) — the 8-digit line the goods actually take decides.
- These layers are defined at the 8- or 10-digit HTS line. An HS6 code (220890) can only give the general picture.
- At least one of these duties is being challenged in court. It is being collected today, but that can change.
- The US$800 de minimis exemption is suspended, so low-value parcels are dutiable too; statutory repeal follows on 2027-07-01.
- Duty is not the whole bill: MPF and (for ocean freight) HMF apply on top, and are not included here.
- Information only, as of 2026-09-15. The HTSUS Chapter 99 notes and CBP CSMS guidance in force on the entry date control — verify with CBP or a licensed customs broker.
De minimis status
US $800 de minimis exemption
Suspended for all countries from 2025-08-29 and made indefinite by CBP interim final rules of 2026-06-24 (non-postal immediately, international mail from 2026-07-24). On 2026-08-13 the Court of International Trade rejected a challenge to the suspension, so it now stands on firmer ground. Statutory repeal follows on 2027-07-01 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and as at the 2026-09-09 re-check no legislation has moved that date. The $100 gift and $200 accompanied-articles exemptions survive. Goods carrying a Chapter 99 duty cannot use the postal informal-entry route.
- Threshold:
- US$800
- Suspended:
- 2025-08-29
- Statutory repeal:
- 2027-07-01
Information, not advice. US additional duties change often and are under litigation. What you actually pay is set by the HTSUS Chapter 99 notes and CBP CSMS guidance in force on the entry date — verify with CBP or a licensed broker.
As of: 2026-09-15
- · The United States has no federal value-added or goods-and-services tax. Customs collects duty and fees only.
- · Merchandise processing fee: 0.3464% of the entered value on formal entries, with a minimum and maximum re-indexed to inflation each fiscal year. For FY2026 (through 2026-09-30) the range is US$33.58 to US$651.50; for FY2027 (from 2026-10-01) it is US$34.58 to US$670.86. Informal entries pay a flat amount instead — US$2.77, 8.30 or 12.45 in FY2027.
- · Harbor maintenance fee: 0.125% of the value on cargo arriving by vessel.
- · State sales or use tax may apply to the onward sale or use of the goods and is administered by state revenue departments, not by CBP.
- · Chapter 99 additional duties are added to the ordinary rate. As of 2026-09 that means Section 232 measures and the Section 301 forced-labour action effective 2026-07-24; the Section 122 surcharge ended on 2026-07-24. Verify what applies on the entry date.
Landed-cost estimate
- Duty rate used
- 0%
- Customs value
- —
- Duty
- —
- Additional duty (Ch.99) (≥ 12.5%)
- —
- Federal VAT / GST
- —
- Estimated total
- —
A rough estimate. The real amount depends on valuation, classification and origin determination.
As of: 2026 HTS Rev.15
4Requirements
- FD4FDA
Beverages, spirits and vinegar incl. bottled water - FDA food (FD4); alcoholic beverages also TTB. Potential.
- Confidence:
- chapter-heuristic
- headingTTB
Distilled spirits and liqueurs - TTB Importer Basic Permit + COLA + excise.
- Confidence:
- chapter-heuristic
CBP does not publish a complete per-HS PGA flag file, so this is mapped with a chapter/heading heuristic.
Agencies involved
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)Clears imports, assesses duty and fees, and enforces other agencies' requirements at the bordercbp.gov
- U.S. International Trade CommissionPublishes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, including the Chapter 99 additional-duty provisionshts.usitc.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics; Prior Notice and MoCRA registration and listingfda.gov
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)Plant and animal products, permits and phytosanitary requirementsaphis.usda.gov
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Radio-frequency devices and equipment authorisationfcc.gov
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)Consumer products and children's product certificationcpsc.gov
As of: 2026-08-27
5Documents
China export documents
- Export goods declaration (出口货物报关单)
- Issued by:
- Consignor or an entrusted customs broker, filed through the Single Window
- When:
- Before the goods are loaded
Cross-border e-commerce exports use dedicated supervision codes such as 9610, 9710 and 9810.
Official page - Commercial invoice and packing list
- Issued by:
- Exporter
- When:
- With the declaration
Description, specification, quantity, unit price, terms of sale and origin; the destination customs authority also values the goods from them.
Official page - Bill of lading or air waybill
- Issued by:
- Carrier or freight forwarder
- When:
- Issued after loading
Used for settlement and for the buyer to take delivery, and forms part of the export refund evidence.
Official page - Export licence or dual-use item and technology export licence
- Issued by:
- Ministry of Commerce and its authorised issuing bodies
- When:
- Before declaration, for controlled or licensed goods
Dual-use items require end-user and end-use checks, and some items sit on their own dedicated control lists.
Official page - Export inspection and quarantine documents
- Issued by:
- Customs
- When:
- Completed before declaration, for goods on the statutory inspection catalogue
Includes sampling, inspection, quarantine treatment and the corresponding certificates.
Official page - Certificate of origin
- Issued by:
- Customs or the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
- When:
- When the buyer claims a preferential rate at destination
Covers RCEP and Korea-China FTA certificates, ECFA certificates for early harvest goods going to Taiwan, and ordinary certificates of origin.
Official page - Customs brokerage agreement
- Issued by:
- Exporter and customs broker
- When:
- Before entrusting the broker
Sets out each party's declaration responsibilities and the scope of the authorisation.
Official page - Export VAT refund documents
- Issued by:
- Exporter
- When:
- After the goods are declared for export and payment is received
Special VAT invoices or purchase documents, export declaration data and the receipt of foreign exchange.
Official page - Booking note or shipping order
- Issued by:
- Carrier or freight forwarder
- When:
- Obtained after booking
The basis on which goods enter the customs supervision area and are loaded.
Official page
United States import documents
- CBP Form 3461, Entry/Immediate Delivery
- Issued by:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- When:
- At or before arrival, filed electronically in ACE
The release document. It may generally be filed up to five days before arrival.
Official page - CBP Form 7501, Entry Summary
- Issued by:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- When:
- Within 10 working days of release
Carries the HTSUS classification, value and duty calculation. Duty may be paid entry by entry or on a periodic monthly statement.
Official page - Commercial invoice
- Issued by:
- Seller or exporter
- When:
- With the entry
Should identify buyer and seller, describe the goods, and state quantity, unit and total price, currency, terms of sale and country of origin.
Official page - Packing list
- Issued by:
- Seller or exporter
- When:
- With the entry
Carton-level contents, weights and marks, used during examination.
Official page - Bill of lading or air waybill
- Issued by:
- Carrier or freight forwarder
- When:
- Issued at loading
Evidence of the contract of carriage and of the right to take delivery.
Official page - Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)
- Issued by:
- Importer or its agent
- When:
- At least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel
Ocean cargo only. It does not apply to air, truck or rail shipments.
Official page - Customs bond, single transaction or continuous
- Issued by:
- Surety licensed by the U.S. Treasury
- When:
- In place before the entry is filed
Required for formal entries and for the new postal informal entry process.
Official page - Free trade agreement claim of origin
- Issued by:
- Exporter, producer or importer
- When:
- Held at the time the claim is made
For Korean-origin goods, KORUS uses self-certification with no prescribed form; the claim is made on the entry using the special program indicator KR. Taiwan and mainland China have no free trade agreement with the United States.
Official page - Partner government agency data
- Issued by:
- FDA, USDA, FCC, CPSC, EPA and others
- When:
- With the entry
Examples: FDA Prior Notice for food, cosmetic facility registration and product listing under MoCRA with a named U.S. responsible person, FCC declarations for radio-frequency devices, CPSC certificates for children's products.
Official page
6Procedure
- Pre-loading filingsThe importer or its agent files the Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel, and the carrier files its advance cargo manifest on the same 24-hour timeline.
- Entry filingCBP Form 3461 is filed in ACE, generally up to five days before arrival. Entry must be made within 15 calendar days of arrival, otherwise the goods are moved to a General Order warehouse.
- Review, examination and agency holdsCBP may select the shipment for document review, X-ray or a physical examination, and a partner government agency such as FDA, USDA or CPSC may place its own hold.
- ReleaseOnce CBP and any agency holds are cleared, the goods are released and may leave the port.
- Entry summary and paymentCBP Form 7501 is filed within 10 working days of release with duty, merchandise processing fee and harbor maintenance fee, paid entry by entry or on a periodic monthly statement.
- LiquidationCBP fixes the final duty at liquidation, normally within 314 days of entry. Post-summary corrections and protests have their own separate deadlines.
- Advance manifestThe air carrier transmits its advance cargo information before arrival. The Importer Security Filing does not apply to air cargo.
- Entry filingCBP Form 3461 is filed in ACE, commonly before the aircraft lands, so that release can follow shortly after arrival.
- Review and agency holdsCBP and partner government agencies review the entry and may examine the shipment at the airport cargo facility.
- Release and deliveryAfter release the goods leave the bonded air cargo facility.
- Entry summary and liquidationCBP Form 7501 and duty follow within 10 working days of release, then liquidation as for ocean cargo.
- Advance dataThe express consignment operator or the postal operator transmits shipment data to CBP before arrival.
- EntrySince 2026-06-24 low-value goods can no longer be released from the manifest. Express shipments are entered as informal entries, normally Entry Type 11, and anything above US$2,500 requires a formal entry.
- Mail shipmentsSince 2026-07-24 mail shipments valued at US$2,500 or less and classifiable in HTSUS chapters 1 to 97 may use the postal informal entry process, filed by a licensed customs broker or by the owner or purchaser, with a basic importation and entry bond in place.
- Duty assessment and paymentDuty and fees are calculated on the declared value. Express operators normally advance the duty and bill the buyer; under the postal process duty is due no later than the 7th day of the month following the package's arrival.
- Agency screening and deliveryFood, cosmetics, drugs, radio devices and children's products still require their agency data, and goods subject to quota, antidumping or countervailing duties, Chapter 98 or 99 duties, or a free trade agreement claim are excluded from the postal informal process.
- Declaration on arrivalTravellers declare everything acquired abroad, on CBP Form 6059B or its electronic equivalent, and answer the CBP officer's questions at the port of entry.
- Personal exemptionsReturning U.S. residents generally have a personal exemption of US$800. Non-residents' accompanied personal and household articles of US$200 or less remain exempt under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(B).
- Commercial merchandiseGoods carried for resale are not covered by a personal exemption. They require an informal or formal entry like any other import, and partner government agency rules still apply.
- PaymentDuty on declared goods above the exemption is paid at the port of entry before the traveller leaves the customs area.
Show China export-side steps
- Registration and preliminary checksComplete customs registration and any export refund registration; look up the regulatory conditions and refund rate for the commodity code to see whether a licence or statutory inspection applies.
- Book, prepare and obtain permitsBook with the carrier and obtain the shipping order, complete packing and marks, and obtain the export licence, dual-use licence and export inspection where required.
- DeclarationThe export declaration is filed through the Single Window after the goods have entered the customs supervision area and at least 24 hours before loading (GACC Decree 277, art. 7). The consignor may file directly or appoint a registered customs broker.
- Examination and inspectionComply with customs examination, and complete the inspection and quarantine procedure for goods on the statutory catalogue.
- Release and departureAfter release the goods are loaded and depart; collect the bill of lading and the declaration close-out data.
- Settlement and refundReceive payment and file the export VAT refund claim. The documents and the declaration data have to match.
7Difficulty
Broker recommended
Score: 0.84
A signal derived from public data, not advice.
Why this reading
- regime[TTB] TTB importer basic permit + COLA + federal exciseThe importer must hold a TTB Importer Basic Permit (a US-domiciled entity), obtain label pre-approval (COLA), and pay federal excise; state three-tier licensing applies on top.ttb.gov2026-09-07
- requirement2 destination import requirement(s) found: Distilled spirits and liqueurs - TTB Importer Basic Permit + COLA + excise., Beverages, spirits and vinegar incl. bottled water - FDA food (FD4); alcoholic beverages also TTB. Potential.ttb.gov2026-09-07
- ambiguityClassification is contested — 45 US rulings split across 13 subheadings.rulings.cbp.gov2026-09-07
- timingSince 2025-08-29 Executive Order 14324 has suspended duty-free de minimis entry for shipments from every country. Parcels are now dutiable and need an entry with HS classification and origin, which raises the difficulty of small consignments.federalregister.gov2026-09-07
Components
| Import requirements | 0.76 | Distilled spirits and liqueurs - TTB Importer Basic Permit + COLA + excise. ttb.govBeverages, spirits and vinegar incl. bottled water - FDA food (FD4); alcoholic beverages also TTB. Potential. fda.govCBP publishes no complete per-HS PGA flag file, so a chapter/heading heuristic map is used (confidence=chapter-heuristic). customs_v0.sqlite:us_requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Classification ambiguity | 0.70 | US rulings: 45, spread over 13 subheadings rulings.cbp.govUS CROSS: 45 rulings, 11% of them decided on more than one line · 7 other HS6 codes examined in the same cases rulings.cbp.gov |
| Regulatory regime | 0.87 | TTB importer basic permit + COLA + federal excise ttb.gov |
China origin-side note: No per-HS China export requirement table is held; CIQ inspection and export licensing must be checked separately.
As of: 2026-09-07
8Cases
Rulings held:Korea 101United States 45Taiwan 12China —
Rulings from the destination authority come first, newest first. A similar case does not by itself decide the classification.
United States rulings (destination)
Showing the 10 most recent of 45 held
- NYThe tariff classification of Imitation Silver Tequila from the United StatesDecided line: 2208.90.7100Date: 2025-01-06Reference: N344585
- NYThe tariff classification of Imitation Brandy with Natural Flavors from the United StatesDecided line: 2208.90.7100Date: 2024-12-20Reference: N344583
- NYThe tariff classification of Imitation Gold Tequila from the United StatesDecided line: 2208.90.7100Date: 2024-12-20Reference: N344584
- NYThe tariff classification of Feline Shell and Coral Essence Blends from AustraliaDecided line: 2208.90.7500Date: 2023-08-07Reference: N333933
- NYThe tariff classification of Ouzo of from GreeceDecided line: 2208.90.7500Date: 2023-06-02Reference: N332794
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- NYThe tariff classification of the Olmeca Altos Margarita beverage from MexicoDecided line: 2208.90.8000Date: 2022-08-17Reference: N327223
- NYThe tariff classification of Jameson Ready-To-Drink Canned ProductsDecided line: 2208.90.8000Date: 2022-04-05Reference: N324800
- NYThe tariff classification of Hard Seltzer Base from GermanyDecided line: 2208.90.8000Date: 2022-03-29Reference: N324690
- NYThe tariff classification and country of origin of TX Whiskey Ready-To-Drink Canned ProductsDecided line: 2208.90.8000Date: 2021-12-15Reference: N322885
- HQAffirmation of HQ H320380; Tariff classification of “Frequencies of Living Flowers”Decided line: 2208.90.7500Date: 2021-11-30Reference: H321302
China rulings (origin)
No public classification-ruling corpus exists for China, so there is nothing to show.
Show rulings from other countries (20)
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverages; MIRIN찹쌀, 쌀, 정제수, 알코올, 포도당시럽 등을 혼합하여 당화, 압착, 여과 등의 공정을 거쳐 조제한 미황색계 액상 [알코올 함량: 약 14.2%(v/v), 불휘발분: 약 47.2%(v/v)] ※ 다른 식품의 조리과정에 첨가하여 풍미 증진용으로 사용하기 위하여 제조되어 불휘발분 30도 이상인 것으로서 알코올을 ...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2026-03-31Reference: CLIP-0072026001410
- KR관세평가분류원Diplomatico Mantuanoㅇ 당밀을 발효하여 증류한 럼(Rum) 78.2%에 설탕 1.1%, 캐러멜 색소 0.01%, 정제수 20.69%를 혼합한 갈색 투명한 액상을 유리병에 소매포장한 주류(내용량: 700ml) ㅇ 제조공정 : 발효(당밀) → 증류 → 숯 여과 → 숙성 → 물, 설탕, 캐러멜색소 첨가 → 필터링Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2025-08-29Reference: CLIP-0072025003390
- KR관세평가분류원Diplomatico Reserva Exclusivaㅇ 당밀을 발효하여 증류한 럼(Rum) 78.2%에 설탕 1.9%, 캐러멜 색소 0.01%, 정제수 19.89%를 혼합한 갈색 투명한 액상을 유리병에 소매포장한 주류(내용량: 700ml) ㅇ 제조공정 : 발효(당밀) → 증류 → 숯 여과 → 숙성 → 물, 설탕, 캐러멜색소 첨가 → 필터링Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2025-08-29Reference: CLIP-0072025003380
- KR관세평가분류원SCOTCH WHISKY HIGHBALL LEGENDARY SCOT ; 350MLㅇ 물품개요 - 스카치 위스키(몰트, 그레인), 탄산, 물을 혼합하여 조제한 연한 미황색 액상을 알루미늄제 캔에 소매포장한 것(내용량 : 350ml) - 구성성분 : 스카치 위스키 18.7%, 물 76%, 탄산가스 5.3% - 가격 비율 : 스카치 위스키 99.6%, 물 0.1%, 탄산가스 0.3% - 알코올...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2024-07-08Reference: CLIP-0072024002110
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverages; COGNAC FLAVOR MQ+56502브랜디 24%와 주정 37%, 향기 성분(Ethyl acetate, Isoamyl alcohol 등) 0.9%, 물 38.1%를 혼합한 미황색 투명한 액상[불휘발분 2도 미만] ※ 국세청 주류면허지원센터 : 알코올 함량 52.3 V/V%, 음용 가능 - 용도 : 주류 제조용 원료(착향) ※ 품목분류는 수출입신...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2024-04-26Reference: CLIP-0072024001370
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverages; Hinode Hon Mirin; 320㎖ㅇ 미림(찹쌀 물, 알코올, 누룩), 알코올, 포도당시럽, 덱스트로오스, 물을 혼합·조제한 미황색계 액상을 플라스틱 용기에 소매포장한 것 [내용량 : 320㎖, 알코올 함량 : 약 14.0%(v/v), 불휘발분함량 : 43.77%] - 용도 : 조리용(음용가능) ※ 「주세법」에 따른 '주류'의 해당여부 확인 ...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2021-12-13Reference: CLIP-0072021004290
- KR관세평가분류원spirituous beverages; HONMIRIN찹쌀, 입국, 주정 등을 혼합하여 당화 및 숙성 후 압착, 여과 등을 거쳐 제조한 미황색계 투명액상을 플라스틱 용기에 소매포장한 것(내용량 : 1ℓ, 알코올함량 : 14 v/v%, 불휘발분 : 약 42.6 w/v%) ※ 「주세법 시행령」제2조 제2호에 따라 다른 식품의 조리과정에 첨가하여 풍미 증진용으로 사용...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2021-06-18Reference: CLIP-0072021002216
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverage; TOPO CHICO HARD SELTZER STRAWBERRY GUAVA; MEXICOㅇ 탄산수에 주정, 딸기향, 구아바향 등을 혼합하여 제조한 무색투명 액상을 금속캔에 소매포장한 것(내용량 : 355ml, 알코올 함량 : 4.7 v/v%, 불휘발분 : 2% 미만) - 용도 : 음용 ※ 품목분류는 수출입신고 당시의 물품상태에 따라 변경될 수 있음Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2020-11-20Reference: CLIP-0072020004938
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverage; TOPO CHICO HARD SELTZER PINEAPPLE TWIST; MEXICOㅇ 탄산수에 주정, 파인애플향 등을 혼합하여 제조한 무색투명 액상을 금속캔에 소매포장한 것(내용량 : 355ml, 알코올 함량 : 4.7 v/v%, 불휘발분 : 2% 미만) - 용도 : 음용 ※ 품목분류는 수출입신고 당시의 물품상태에 따라 변경될 수 있음Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2020-11-20Reference: CLIP-0072020004936
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverage; TOPO CHICO HARD SELTZER TANGY LEMON LIME; MEXICOㅇ 탄산수에 주정, 레몬라임향 등을 혼합하여 제조한 무색투명 액상을 금속캔에 소매포장한 것(내용량 : 355ml, 알코올 함량 : 4.7 v/v%, 불휘발분 : 2% 미만) - 용도 : 음용 ※ 품목분류는 수출입신고 당시의 물품상태에 따라 변경될 수 있음Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2020-11-20Reference: CLIP-0072020004937
- TW其他再製酒，酒精強度（以容積計）超過２０％者Strath Convalescence drops 100ml 酒精濃度32%Decided line: 22089090366Date: 2020Reference: 109AA0744
- TW其他穀類酒St Feuilien Triple Distilled Malt 500mL ABV46%Decided line: 22089090197Date: 2020Reference: 109AA0191
- KR관세평가분류원Kaoliang wine; MINGNIANG 40.8고량, 밀, 쌀을 증류한 것에 차농축액(홍차잎)과 용안육, 구기자, 자일리톨 추출물을 혼합한 무색 투명 액상을 유리병에 소매포장한 것(제시규격 125ml)(알코올 함량 40.8 v/v%, 불휘발분 약 2 w/v%미만) - 용도 : 고량주Decided line: 2208906000Date: 2019-06-12Reference: CLIP-0072019002380
- KR관세평가분류원Kaoliang wine; MINGNIANG 50.8고량, 밀, 쌀을 증류한 것에 차농축액(홍차잎)과 용안육, 구기자, 자일리톨 추출물을 혼합한 무색 투명 액상을 유리병에 소매포장한 것(제시규격 125ml)(알코올 함량 50.8 v/v%) - 용도 : 고량주 ※ 품목분류는 수출입신고 당시의 물품상태에 따라 변경될 수 있음Decided line: 2208906000Date: 2019-06-12Reference: CLIP-0072019002381
- KR관세평가분류원Other sprits; Qinbai(沁白); PR.CHNA보드카, 백주(고량주), 향료, 물 등을 혼합한 무색 투명한 액상을 유리병에 소매포장한 것(내용량 280ml) [알코올함량 18(v/v)%, 불휘발분 2%(w/v) 미만] - 용도 : 음용 ※ 품목분류는 수출입신고 당시의 물품상태에 따라 변경될 수 있음Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2018-06-05Reference: CLIP-0072018002785
- TW酒精強度以容積計不超過１０％之再製酒RIO銳澳微醺 口味：3.8度水蜜桃白蘭地味雞尾酒(再製酒) 規格：275MLDecided line: 22089070002Date: 2018Reference: 107AA0188
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverages; Kobe Kyoryuchi StrongChu-hi Lemon Zero; JAPANSpirits, Lemon juice, Citric acid anhydrous, Trisodium cirtrate, Lemon flavour, Acesulfame K 등을 혼합하고 이산화탄소를 주입한 무색 투명 액상의 주류를 금속캔(내용량 350ml)에 소매포장[알코올함량 8%(v/v), 불휘발분 약 0.6%...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2017-08-18Reference: CLIP-0072017005328
- TW其他烈酒及其他含有酒精成分之飲料Emperador Bebida Espirituosa Light(Taiwan Exclusive) 27.5% 750ml 菲律賓Emperador 安博多 Bebida Espirituosa 酒 Light 27.5% 750mlDecided line: 22089090909Date: 2017Reference: 106AA0184
- TW其他烈酒及其他含有酒精成分之飲料Emperador Brandy Classic(Taiwan Exclusive) 36% 750ml 菲律賓Emperador 安博多 Classic 白蘭地 36% 750mlDecided line: 22089090909Date: 2017Reference: 106AA0183
- KR관세평가분류원Other spirituous beverage; Calpis Sour(Original); TAIWANㅇ물 76%, 발효유, 설탕, 주정 2.3%, 탈지분유, 요구르트향, 대두식이섬유, 젖산, 펙틴, 구연산, 구연산나트륨, 천연향(사과, 오렌지, 레몬 등) 등으로 조제된 유백색 액상을 유리병에 소매포장한 물품[내용량 275mL, 알코올 용량 약 3 (v/v)%, 불휘발분 약 11.1 (w/v)%] - 용도 :...Decided line: 2208909000Date: 2016-12-29Reference: CLIP-0072016007671
Sources: Federal Register: Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network · Federal Register: Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process · Federal Register: Notice of Implementation of Executive Order 14324, Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries · CBP Form 7501, Entry Summary (revision 02/26) · CBP: Importer Security Filing (10+2) · Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States · Supreme Court of the United States: Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (No. 24-1287) · FDA: Registration and Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products · Federal Register: Proclamation 11012, Imposing a Temporary Import Surcharge (Section 122; terminated 2026-07-24) · Federal Register: Notice of Actions in Section 301 Investigations — forced labour (60 economies, effective 2026-07-24) · Federal Register: Customs User Fees To Be Adjusted for Inflation in Fiscal Year 2027 (CBP) · eCFR: 19 CFR 141.5 — time limit for entry (15 calendar days after landing) · China International Trade Single Window · GACC online service guide: enterprise registration and declaration · General Administration of Customs of China · Ministry of Commerce of China · State Taxation Administration: export VAT refund · China Council for the Promotion of International Trade · State Council: Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items (State Council Decree 792, in force 2024-12-01) · MOFCOM: 2026 Catalogue of Dual-Use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export Licensing (MOFCOM/GACC Announcement 2025 No. 91) · State Council Gazette: Provisions on the Declaration of Import and Export Goods (GACC Decree 277, in force 2025-05-01) · Ministry of Finance, Tariff Department: Tariff Law of the People's Republic of China (in force 2024-12-01) · China MOJ — Regulations for the Implementation of the Import and Export Commodity Inspection Law (State Council Order 447, rev. 2013), Art. 3 on the inspection catalogue
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