| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2209000000 | Doc | 0.5¢/pf.liter+55.0% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7326908688 | Doc | 82.9% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7326903500 | Doc | 87.8% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7323997000 | Doc | 60.3% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 7323999030 | Doc | 83.4% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Ice Wine Stone
Ice wine stone, also known as wine diamonds or argol, refers to the crystalline deposits that form inside bottles of wine, particularly those prone to tartrate stabilization issues like ice wine. These crystals are generally harmless, but their presence is often considered aesthetically undesirable.
Material Composition
The primary component of ice wine stone is potassium bitartrate (KHC₄H₄O₆), a salt formed from potassium and tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is naturally present in grapes, and potassium is introduced during winemaking processes. Other tartrate salts, like calcium tartrate, can also contribute to crystal formation, though less commonly.
Purpose & Formation
Ice wine, due to its high sugar content and production method (freezing grapes on the vine), often contains elevated levels of tartaric acid and potassium. When conditions are right – typically cold temperatures – these compounds can precipitate out of solution and form crystals. This is a natural process and does not indicate spoilage. The crystals form when the wine is cooled, as solubility decreases with temperature.
Function
Ice wine stone does not have a functional purpose. Its formation is a byproduct of the wine's chemical composition and storage conditions. Winemakers often employ cold stabilization techniques to minimize crystal formation before bottling, but it is not always entirely preventable, especially in ice wine.
Usage Scenarios
- Wine Bottles: Primarily found adhering to the inside of wine bottles, particularly the bottom of the bottle and the cork.
- Wine Barrels: Can also form in wine barrels during aging.
- Wine Tanks: Occasionally observed in wine tanks during storage.
Common Types & Appearance
- Potassium Bitartrate: These are the most common type, appearing as clear to translucent, colorless or white, needle-shaped or rhomboid crystals. They can grow individually or in clusters.
- Calcium Tartrate: Less common, these crystals are typically more granular and less transparent than potassium bitartrate. They often appear as a fine sediment.
- Argol: Refers to the crude tartar deposit that accumulates in wine barrels during aging. It's a mixture of various tartrate salts and can be processed for use in baking (cream of tartar).
Mitigation
While harmless, ice wine stone can be reduced through:
- Cold Stabilization: Cooling the wine to near freezing temperatures before bottling to encourage precipitation of tartrates.
- Filtration: Removing tartrate crystals through filtration.
- Adding Metatartaric Acid: A process used to inhibit tartrate crystallization.
- Proper Storage: Maintaining consistent, cool temperatures can help minimize crystal formation.
Based on the provided information, the classification of “ice wine stone” requires careful consideration of its material and intended use. The following HS codes may be relevant:
- 7326908688: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Other: Other. This code covers a broad category of iron or steel articles. If the “ice wine stone” is made of iron or steel and doesn’t fall into more specific categories, this could be applicable. The total tax rate is 82.9%, comprised of a 2.9% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025, with a further 25% additional tariff for steel or aluminum products.
- 7326903500: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Containers of a kind normally carried on the person, in the pocket or in the handbag. If the “ice wine stone” is designed as a container for carrying, particularly if it’s pocket-sized or handbag-sized, this code might be suitable. The total tax rate is 87.8%, consisting of a 7.8% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025, with a further 25% additional tariff for steel or aluminum products.
- 7323997000: Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Cookingware. If the “ice wine stone” is used as cookingware, this code could apply. The total tax rate is 60.3%, consisting of a 5.3% base tariff and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025, with a further 25% additional tariff for steel or aluminum products.
- 7323999030: Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel: Other: Other: Not coated or plated with precious metal: Other: Other Kitchen or tableware suitable for food or drink contact. If the “ice wine stone” is used as tableware for food or drink contact, this code could apply. The total tax rate is 83.4%, consisting of a 3.4% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025, with a further 25% additional tariff for steel or aluminum products.
Regarding HS codes 7323997000 and 7323999030, please note the need to verify whether the product is coated or plated with precious metal, as these codes specifically exclude such items. Additionally, for HS codes 7323997000, 7323999030, 7326908688 and 7326903500, a 25% additional tariff applies to steel or aluminum products effective April 2, 2025.