Dry Vermouth
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π· Dry Vermouth (Aromatic White Wine Fortified with Herbs)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Dry Vermouth"?
Dry Vermouth is a type of aromatized wine. It is typically made from white wine that has been fortified with neutral grape spirit and flavored with various botanicals, most notably Artemisia absinthium (wormwood)βhence the name "vermouth." The term "Dry" indicates that the product has a low residual sugar content (typically < 5 g/L) and a crisp, herbaceous taste profile.
In international trade, it is crucial to distinguish Vermouth from: 1. Standard Wine (Ch 22.04): Without aromatic additives or fortification beyond specific limits for wine. 2. Liqueurs (Ch 22.08): Which are usually sweeter and have a higher alcohol content by volume (often > 15-20% ABV) and are defined by their sweet/flavoring profile rather than wine-based aromatization.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is wine-based, aromatized with botanicals (like wormwood, cloves, cinnamon, etc.), and fortified β It is Vermouth.
- If it is unfortified and unflavored β It is Wine (HS 2204).
- If it is spirit-based (e.g., gin, absinthe) β It is Spirits/Liqueurs (HS 2208).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
2204.30.90.00 |
Other aromatized wines (e.g., Vermouth) | Red or White Vermouth (Sweet or Dry) | Wine-based, fortified, aromatized with botanicals |
2204.10.00.00 |
Sparkling wine | Champagne, Prosecco, etc. | Fermented under pressure, no botanical additives |
2204.21.00.00 |
Other wines in containers β€ 2 L | Still wine in small bottles | Non-sparkling, still wine |
2208.90.90.00 |
Liqueurs and cordials | Baileys, KahlΓΊa, Sambuca | Spirit-based, sweet, flavored |
2208.30.00.00 |
Whiskey | Scotch, Bourbon, etc. | Distilled spirit from grain |
π Critical Reminder:
- All Vermouth, regardless of color (Red/White) or sweetness (Dry/Sweet), falls under HS 2204.30.90.00 ("Other aromatized wines").
- Do NOT classify Dry Vermouth under2208(Liqueurs) just because it has herbs; the base is wine, not neutral spirit.
- Do NOT classify under2204.10or2204.21unless it lacks the aromatic/herbal flavoring profile.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Duties & Surcharges)
β Destination Market: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and ongoing)
π― 1. 2204.30.90.00 ββ Other Aromatized Wines (Including Dry Vermouth)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 11.9% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | 0% (No Section 301 surcharge on this specific subheading) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 10% (Against China-origin products, per IEEPA Order 10840) |
| Total Duty Rate | 21.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 21.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Alcohol products are excluded from de minimis relief for China) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:2204.30.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 11.9% base rate is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for aromatized wines.
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge applies specifically to China-origin aromatized wines, effective from late 2025.
- Total landed duty cost: 21.9%. This is significant for high-volume imports.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Must specify China origin for IEEPA calculation. |
| β Formula/Ingredient List | βοΈ | Must prove base is wine and not spirit-based. |
| β ABV Label | βοΈ | Typically 15β18% ABV for Vermouth. |
| β TTB Label Approval | βοΈ | Required for US alcohol importation (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Dry Vermouth" and HS Code 2204.30.90.00. |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | For food/beverage import alerts. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Base is Wine, Flavor is Herbs, HS is 2204, Not 2208!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Vermouth | 2204.30.90.00 |
Misdeclare as 2208.90 (Liqueurs) β Higher scrutiny, potential misclassification penalties. |
| Sweet Vermouth | 2204.30.90.00 |
Same HS as Dry. Sweetness level does not change HS for Vermouth. |
| Gin or Spirit with Herbs | 2208.30 or 2208.90 |
Do NOT declare as Vermouth if base is grain/potato spirit. |
| Unflavored White Wine | 2204.21.00.00 |
Do NOT declare as Vermouth if no botanicals are added. |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Private Label/OEM | Ensure the label complies with US TTB regulations (country of origin, ABV, alcohol warning). |
| Glass vs. Bag-in-Box | HS Code is the same, but packaging may affect duty valuation (CIF includes packaging cost). |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to duty if over $800 value, but often cleared under de minimis if not from China. For China, no de minimis for alcohol. |
| Non-China Origin (e.g., Italy, France) | Apply for USMCA or FTAA benefits if applicable, or standard MFN rate (11.9%) without IEEPA surcharge. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2204.30.90.00 |
21.9% (CN) / 11.9% (Others) | TTB + FDA | IEEPA 10% adds cost for China origin. |
| π¨π³ China | 2204.30.90.00 |
11.0% (MFN) / 0% (if FTA) | CIQ Label | Import regulations strict on alcohol content labels. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2204 30 |
14.4% | EC Labeling Compliance | "Vermouth" is a protected term in some contexts; ensure compliance. |
| π¬π§ UK | 2204 30 |
14.4% | Excise Duty + VAT | Post-Brexit rules apply; check UK IPID. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2204.30.00 |
12.0% | Shohazei (Excise) + Consumption Tax | Strict labeling on alcohol content. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the IEEPA surcharge for China-origin goods.
- EU and Japan have stable rates but require strict labeling compliance.
- China-origin Dry Vermouth faces a 21.9% total duty in the US, making pricing strategies critical.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Dry Vermouth as 2208.90.90.00 (Liqueurs)
π Consequence: Wrong duty rate, potential audit, and delays. TTB will flag the product as "wine-based aromatized" not "spirit-based."
β Mistake 2: Assuming "Dry" means itβs not alcoholic or is water-based
π Consequence: Misclassification under food items (Ch 21) β Severe penalties for duty evasion.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA for China-origin goods
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% surcharge β Back taxes + interest + penalties.
β Mistake 4: Omitting TTB Label Approval for US imports
π Consequence: Goods detained at customs until label is corrected or removed.
β Correct Practice:
"Dry Vermouth, 16% ABV, Wine-based, Aromatized with Wormwood & Herbs, Model: DRV-VERM-01, TTB Approved"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money & Time
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Wine Base + Herbs = 2204.30"
πΉ "Dry or Sweet Doesnβt Matter β Only Botanicals Do"
πΉ "China Origin to US = 21.9% Duty β Plan Ahead!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing from Italy, France, or Spain, you may avoid the 10% IEEPA surcharge, paying only the 11.9% base duty. Consider diversifying suppliers to mitigate geopolitical tariff risks.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Engage a licensed US customs broker.
π Prepare TTB label approval before shipment.
π Calculate landed cost including 21.9% duty if sourcing from China.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point in duty affects your profit margin!
Customer Reviews
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.