Juniper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9601908000 | 21.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9601906000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΏ Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Juniper"?
Juniper berries are not true berries but dried, female seed cones of the Juniperus species, most commonly Juniperus communis. In international trade, they are primarily classified as spices and condiments or aromatic plants. However, their classification can shift depending on their form (whole, crushed, ground) and intended use (culinary, medicinal, or raw material for gin/juniper oil).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If processed for essential oils or resins β May fall under Chapter 33 (Essential Oils) or 1301 (Resins);
- If sold as a spice/seasoning β Falls under Chapter 9 (Coffee, tea, spices);
- If used for medicinal purposes without further processing β May fall under Chapter 12 (Edible plants) or 3004 (Medicaments).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Processing Status |
|---|---|---|---|
0910.99.00.00 |
Spices: Other (including juniper berries, crushed or ground) | Culinary spice, gin flavoring, food additive | β Processed (dried, crushed) |
1211.90.80.00 |
Plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, or for insecticidal, fungicidal, etc. properties, fresh or dried | Medicinal herbs, raw botanical material | β Raw/Dried |
0909.30.00.00 |
Coriander seeds and juniper berries, whole or crushed | Whole or crushed juniper berries for culinary use | β Whole/Crushed |
3301.90.90.00 |
Essential oils (terpene or not terpene), including concrete and absolute; resinoids; extracted oleoresins; concentrates in fats, fixed oils, etc. | Juniper essential oil, resin, or extract | β Extracted |
3004.90.90.00 |
Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products, put up in measured doses or in forms for retail sale | Formulated medicinal supplements containing juniper | β Pharmaceutical Form |
π Key Reminder:
- Culinary Juniper Berries: Typically classified under 0910.99.00.00 or 0909.30.00.00 depending on form;
- Medicinal/Herbal Use: Often classified under 1211.90.80.00;
- Essential Oil: Falls under 3301.90.90.00;
- Avoid Misclassification: Do not classify whole dried juniper as "vegetable" (Chapter 7) or "fruit" (Chapter 8) unless specifically exempted.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 0910.99.00.00 β Spices: Other (including crushed/ground juniper berries)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0% (No Section 301 duty for this specific subheading under current list) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China/HK products under IEEPA, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 13.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.7% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:0910.99.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 3.7% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate;
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge applies to all Chinese-origin spices unless specifically exempted;
- Total 13.7% is considered moderate for food items but still significant for low-value bulk imports.
π― 2. 0909.30.00.00 β Coriander seeds and juniper berries, whole or crushed
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301, Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China/HK products) |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:0909.30.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- This subheading is explicitly listed under Section 301, attracting an additional 25%;
- Combined with IEEPAβs 10%, the total hits 35% β a high burden for whole/crushed berries;
- Even if "whole," if from China, this rate applies strictly.
π― 3. 1211.90.80.00 β Plants and parts of plants used primarily in perfumery, pharmacy, etc.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1211.90.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Warning:
- If declared as "herbal medicine" or "botanical extract," customs may reclassify to this heading;
- Same high tariff burden as above β no advantage over culinary classification for Chinese origin.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include form (whole/crushed), processing method, intended use |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for proving origin; if from EU, may qualify for lower rates |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | Required for plant-based imports to prevent pest introduction |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Juniper Berries, Dried, for Culinary Use" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify net/gross weight, package type |
| β FDA Prior Notice (if food) | βοΈ | Mandatory for food imports to US |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Pesticide residue, heavy metals, mycotoxins (if for human consumption) |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Whole vs. Crushed, Culinary vs. Medicinal, Name Precision, Tariff Halved!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Dried whole juniper berries | 0909.30.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "herbal tea" β 35% |
| Crushed/ground juniper | 0910.99.00.00 |
Declare as "spice mix" β 35% if misclassified |
| Juniper essential oil | 3301.90.90.00 |
Declare as "berry" β 100%+ penalty |
| Medicinal supplement | 3004.90.90.00 |
Declare as "food" β FDA rejection |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| EU Origin Juniper | Apply for preferential tariff (often 0% base); verify CO under EU-US trade agreements |
| Bulk Import for Gin Production | Declare as "raw material for alcoholic beverage"; may qualify for industrial use exemption in some cases |
| Small Retail Package (<$800) | No De Minimis: Even small packages are denied de minimis if from China under IEEPA |
| Organic Certification | Provide USDA Organic or EU Organic certificate to avoid additional inspection delays |
π V. Global Main Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 0910.99.00.00 |
13.7% (CN) | FDA + Phytosanitary | 35% if misclassified |
| πͺπΊ EU | 0910.99.00.00 |
2.4% | No additional duty | Low base rate, no IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 0910.99.00.00 |
0% | No special permit | Duty-free for many spices |
| π¬π§ UK | 0910.99.00.00 |
2.4% | GB Plant Health | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 0910.99.00.00 |
0% | CFIA Permit | Duty-free for many botanicals |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tariff burden due to IEEPA + Section 301;
- EU and UK offer much lower rates (2.4%) if correctly declared;
- China is duty-free for imports, making it attractive for re-export hubs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned the Hard Way)
β Error 1: Declaring "juniper berries" as "essential oil"
π Consequence: 100%+ penalty, seizure, and FDA warning letter
β Error 2: Mixing whole and crushed in one shipment without clear labeling
π Consequence: Customs reclassification to higher tariff (0909.30.00.00 β 35%)
β Error 3: Failing to provide Phytosanitary Certificate
π Consequence: Shipment held, decontamination fees, or return to origin
β Error 4: Using vague terms like "herbal spice"
π Consequence: Delayed clearance, additional inspection, potential misclassification
β Correct Practice:
"Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis, Dried, Whole/Crushed, Food Grade, USDA Organic, Phytosanitary Certified, For Culinary Use"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Whole vs. Crushed, Name Precision, Tariff Halved!"
πΉ "HS Code is Life, 25% Tariff Gap, One Mistake, Thousands Lost!"
π Pro Tip:
If your juniper berries are originating from the EU, Canada, or Australia, you may qualify for preferential tariffs (0%~2.4%);
Recommend Advance Ruling Application with CBP to confirm classification before shipment.
π£ Act Immediately:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your juniper berries clear smoothly, export efficiently, and boost profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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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.