Candied Cherries
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2006009000 | 51.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2008600020 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2008600040 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Candied Cherries: HS Code Classification & 2026 US Customs Duty Guide
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition: Are Your Cherries Really "Candied"?
Candied cherries are preserved fruit products where sugar acts as the primary preservative. In international trade, the precise processing method and final form dictate the HS Code. Misclassification can lead to severe underpayment of duties, especially with current US trade policies.
There are three distinct categories for Candied Cherries under US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS):
- Cherries in Sugar Syrup (Chopped/Whole): Classed under 2006.00. These are typically maraschino-style cherrels, often chopped or whole, preserved in sugar.
- Cherries, N.E.S. (Not Elsewhere Specified): Classed under 2006.00 (other subheading). This is a catch-all for sugar-preserved fruits that donβt fit specific descriptions.
- Prepared Cherries (Sweetened/Consisted): Classed under 2008.60. This includes cherries that are "prepared" or "consisted," often with added flavorings, colors, or specific textures (like Maraschino characteristics) that move them from simple preservation to "prepared food."
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is simply "cherries preserved in sugar" without complex preparation β Chapter 2006.
- If the product has specific Maraschino characteristics or is "prepared/sweetened" in a way that alters its basic state β Chapter 2008.
- Maraschino Cherries specifically often fall under 2008.60 due to their specific preparation and flavoring profile.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
2006.00.20.00 |
Cherries, candied, glacΓ©, or dried | "Sugar-Preserved Cherries" | Whole or chopped cherries preserved in sugar/syrup. Basic preservation. |
2006.00.90.00 |
Other fruits, nuts, and peel of melons, candied | "Other Candied Fruits" | Fruits preserved in sugar that do not fit specific subheadings. Catch-all for non-specific sugar preserves. |
2008.60.00.20 |
Cherries, prepared or preserved, sweetened or otherwise prepared | "Maraschino Cherries" | Specifically matches Maraschino characteristics. Often dyed red, flavored with almond/amaretto, distinct texture. |
2008.60.00.40 |
Cherries, prepared or preserved, sweetened or otherwise prepared | "Sweetened/Prepared Cherries" | Cherries that are "prepared" or "consisted," falling under the broader prepared fruit category. |
π Key Insight:
- 2006 vs. 2008: The line is thin. 2006 is for "candied/glacΓ©" (simple sugar immersion). 2008 is for "prepared/consisted" (often involving more processing, specific flavor profiles like Maraschino).
- Maraschino is the key keyword here. If your product is explicitly Maraschino, it leans heavily toward 2008.60.00.20.
π° III. 2026 US Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on context of additional tariffs)
β Effective Date: Current US Trade Policy (Post-2024 Adjustments)
π― 1. HS Code 2006.00.20.00 β Candied Cherries (Sugar Preserved)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 9.9Β’/kg + 6.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 9.9Β’/kg + 6.4% + 25.0% + 10.0% |
| Calculation Basis | Weight (per kg) + Ad Valorem on CIF value |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (High tariff value excludes de minimis) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS 2006.00.20 β USITC Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most common classification for standard candied cherrels.
- The 9.9Β’/kg is a specific duty based on weight.
- The 6.4% is the base ad valorem rate.
- 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods.
- 10% is the Section 122 tariff (often applied to agricultural products under certain trade conditions).
- Total Burden: High due to compound duties.
π― 2. HS Code 2006.00.90.00 β Other Candied Fruits
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 16.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 51.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 51% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS 2006.00.90 β USITC Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- This is a higher risk classification if misapplied. It applies to other sugar-preserved fruits not specifically listed.
- No specific duty per kg, only ad valorem.
- Total Rate: 51% is significantly higher than 2006.00.20 for low-weight/high-value items.
- Avoid unless your product genuinely does not fit the "Cherries" specific description.
π― 3. HS Code 2008.60.00.20 β Maraschino Cherries
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.9Β’/kg + 4.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 6.9Β’/kg + 4.5% + 25.0% + 10.0% |
| Calculation Basis | Weight (per kg) + Ad Valorem on CIF value |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS 2008.60.00.20 β USITC Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Lower Base Rate than 2006.00.20!
- 6.9Β’/kg is cheaper than 9.9Β’/kg.
- 4.5% base is lower than 6.4%.
- Why? Maraschino cherries are considered a "prepared food" with higher value-add, sometimes benefiting from different base rates, but still subject to 301 and 122.
- Best Option? If your product is genuinely Maraschino, this HS Code offers the lowest total duty burden.
π― 4. HS Code 2008.60.00.40 β Sweetened/Prepared Cherries
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.9Β’/kg + 4.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 6.9Β’/kg + 4.5% + 25.0% + 10.0% |
| Calculation Basis | Weight (per kg) + Ad Valorem on CIF value |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS 2008.60.00.40 β USITC Section 301 β IEEPA Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- Identical tax treatment to 2008.60.00.20.
- Applies to other prepared cherries that donβt fit the "Maraschino" specific description but are still "prepared/consisted."
- Key Takeaway: Any "Prepared/Consisted" cherry (Chapter 2008) enjoys the lower base duty of 6.9Β’/kg + 4.5%, compared to "Candied" (Chapter 2006) at 9.9Β’/kg + 6.4%.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Sugar content, preservation method, any flavorings/colors. |
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | Explicitly state if "Maraschino" flavoring (almond extract) is used. |
| β Photos (Packaging & Product) | βοΈ | Show label, color, shape (whole/chopped). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clear description: "Maraschino Cherries" vs. "Candied Cherries". |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for Section 122 and 301 determination. |
| β Labeling Compliance | βοΈ | FDA-compliant labeling for food products. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "Golden Rule")
π₯ βPrepared > Candied: Use 2008 for Maraschino, Save Money!β
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Red Dye Cherries, no special flavor | 2006.00.20.00 |
Basic candied/glacΓ©. |
| Maraschino Cherries (Almond flavor, dyed) | 2008.60.00.20 |
Lower base duty. Specific match. |
| Chopped Cherries in Syrup, no special prep | 2006.00.20.00 |
Simple preservation. |
| Unspecified Sugar-Preserved Cherries | 2006.00.90.00 |
Higher risk. Avoid if possible. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do not classify Maraschino cherries as2006.00.20.00if they meet the definition of2008.60.00.20. While 2006 might seem similar, 2008 offers a lower base rate.
- However, if you misclassify 2008 as 2006, you might be under-declaring if the base rate is higher, or over-declaring if the base rate is lower.
- Best Practice: Use 2008.60.00.20 for Maraschino-style cherries to minimize base duty.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| FDA Registration | Ensure facility is FDA-registered. Food products require strict compliance. |
| Sugar Content Labeling | Must declare total sugars, added sugars on nutrition label. |
| Section 301 Exclusions | Check if your specific product has an exclusion from Section 301. Most candied cherries are not excluded. |
| Section 122 | This tariff is currently active for many agricultural products. Assume it applies unless proven otherwise. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Total Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2008.60.00.20 |
~39.5% + 6.9Β’/kg | Lowest base duty. Use for Maraschino. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 2006.00.20.00 |
~41.4% + 9.9Β’/kg | Higher base duty. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 2006.00.90.00 |
51.0% | Highest risk. Avoid. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2006.00 |
Varies (0-20%) | No Section 301/122. Lower overall duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 2006.00 |
Varies (5-10%) | No Section 301/122. Lower overall duty. |
π Conclusion:
- US Market: HS Code2008.60.00.20is the cost-effective choice for Maraschino cherries.
- Avoid2006.00.90.00due to the flat 51% rate.
- Always verify if your product qualifies as "Prepared" (2008) vs. "Candied" (2006).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Calling all sugar-preserved cherries "Candied" and using 2006.00.20.00.
π Result: Overpaying base duty if the product is Maraschino (2008).
Fix: Use 2008.60.00.20 for Maraschino.
β Error 2: Using 2006.00.90.00 for specific cherries.
π Result: 51% duty. Unnecessarily high.
Fix: Use specific subheadings (.20 or .20 in 2008).
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122.
π Result: Underpayment of 10%. Penalties and interest.
Fix: Always add 10% for Section 122 on agricultural products from China.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Maraschino Cherries, Pre-packaged, Dyed Red, Almond Flavor, Net Wt. 1kg, HS 2008.60.00.20"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Maraschino = 2008.60.00.20 = Lower Base Duty!"
πΉ "Candied = 2006.00.20.00 = Higher Base Duty!"
πΉ "Always add 25% (301) + 10% (122) for China Origin!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is Maraschino, always use 2008.60.00.20. It saves you 3.0Β’/kg and 1.9% in base duty compared to 2006.00.20.00. On large volumes, this adds up to significant savings.
π£ Action Step:
π Verify with Customs Broker: Confirm if your specific product meets the "Maraschino" definition for
2008.60.00.20.
π Prepare Documentation: Include ingredient lists and photos to support the classification.
π° Calculate Landed Cost: Use the 2008.60.00.20 rate for accurate profit margins.
β¨ Clear Customs, Optimize Duties, Maximize Profits!
πΌ Every Cent Counts in International Trade!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.