Juniper berries
CN β USAI Analysis
π« Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Logistics Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Juniper Berries"?
Juniper berries are not true berries but the female seed cones of the Juniperus communis shrub. They are widely used in: 1. Culinary Arts: Essential for gin production, meat preservation, and European cuisine (e.g., sauerkraut). 2. Pharmaceuticals & Herbal Medicine: Used for digestive aids and diuretics. 3. Industrial/Aromatherapy: Essential oils and scents.
In international trade, they are classified based on their state (fresh, dried, crushed) and use.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Fresh Juniper Berries: Rarely traded in bulk due to short shelf life; often classified under Chapter 08 (Edible Fruit & Nuts) if for human consumption.
- Dried Juniper Berries: The most common form for export/import; also generally Chapter 08 or Chapter 12 (Oil Seeds/Fruits) depending on preparation.
- Juniper Essential Oils: Classified under Chapter 33 (Essential Oils).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Dried/Fresh |
|---|---|---|---|
0810.90.90 |
Other fresh fruit (including juniper berries) | Fresh harvest, direct sale to processors | β Fresh |
0811.90.90 |
Frozen fruit (including juniper berries) | Frozen storage, long-term preservation | β Frozen |
0813.40.90 |
Other dried fruit (including juniper berries) | Dried for culinary, medicinal, or gin production | β Dried |
1211.90.98 |
Plants and parts of plants, primarily used in perfumery, pharmacy, or insecticide | Dried, crushed, or in powder form for industrial/pharmaceutical use | β Processed/Dried |
3301.29.00 |
Essential oils of citrus fruit (note: juniper oil is often here or under other essential oils) | Distilled essential oils from juniper berries | β Distilled Oil |
1302.39.00 |
Vegetable saps and extracts (including juniper extracts) | Concentrated extracts, not essential oils | β Extract |
π Critical Reminder:
- Dried Juniper Berries for Gin Production: Typically classified under0813.40.90(Dried Fruit).
- Dried Juniper Berries for Herbal Medicine/Pharmacy: May be classified under1211.90.98if considered "primarily used in pharmacy."
- Essential Oils: Always3301.29.00(Other non-citrus essential oils).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 0813.40.90 ββ Dried Juniper Berries (Culinary/Medicinal)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.6% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (for Chinese/Hong Kong products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:0813.40.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Additional Tax 25%" comes from the "Additional Tariffs" under Section 301 of the US Trade Act;
- "IEEPA 10%" is the additional tariff on Chinese products under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act;
- Total 40.6%, a high tariff, must be anticipated in advance!
π― 2. 1211.90.98 ββ Juniper Berries for Pharmaceutical/Perfumery Use
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% (if applicable under Section 301 for botanical products) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% (if USITC applies) or 10% (if exempt from USITC) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1211.90.98 |
π Note:
- If classified as "plant parts primarily used in pharmacy," some may qualify for lower base rates, but US Section 301 tariffs still apply;
- Always confirm with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) via an Advance Ruling.
π― 3. 3301.29.00 ββ Juniper Essential Oil
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption Available? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3301.29.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Essential oils are high-value, low-volume items;
- 40.5% total tariff significantly impacts margins;
- Consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Europe, Africa) for potential exemptions.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (All Are Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include origin, drying method, moisture content, particle size |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbiological tests |
| β Phytosanitary Certificate | βοΈ | Mandatory for plant products; issued by origin country's agricultural authority |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Dried Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis, for Gin Production" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, packaging type (bags, drums) |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Required for food/gin ingredients entering the US |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If non-China origin, claim FTA benefits (e.g., EU, Canada) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Know the Use, Pick the Chapter; Dried for Food is Ch.08, Medicinal is Ch.12, Oil is Ch.33!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Dried berries for gin | 0813.40.90 |
Misdeclare as 1211.90.98 β Higher scrutiny |
| Dried berries for herbal tea | 0813.40.90 or 1211.90.98 |
Inconsistent use declaration β Delay |
| Juniper Essential Oil | 3301.29.00 |
Misdeclare as 0813.40.90 β Severe penalty |
| Fresh berries (rare) | 0810.90.90 |
Misdeclare as dried β Phyto rejection |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Juniper Berries | Provide supplier contract + processing details to prove use |
| Bulk vs. Retail Packaging | Bulk imports face stricter phytosanitary checks; retail may qualify for different handling |
| Juniper Berries from Non-China Origins | If from EU, Canada, or Africa, apply for zero or reduced tariffs via FTA |
| Mixed Shipments (Berries + Oil) | Declare separately with distinct HS Codes to avoid confusion |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 0813.40.90 |
40.6% (China) | FDA + Phyto | High due to Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 0813.40.90 |
5.0% | None | Low tariff, major importer |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 0813.40.90 |
0% (if from eligible origins) | EFSA + Organic Cert. | No additional tariffs for most |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 0813.40.90 |
0% | FSA + Phyto | Post-Brexit, tariffs aligned with EU |
| π―π΅ Japan | 0813.40.90 |
0% | JGMP + JAS | Low tariffs, high quality standards |
π Conclusion:
- The US has the highest tariff burden on Chinese juniper products due to Section 301;
- China is a major importer, with low tariffs and large demand for gin/culinary uses;
- EU and Japan offer more favorable conditions, especially for organic-certified products.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons from Blood)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Juniper Berries" without specifying use
π Consequence: CBP may reclassify to 1211.90.98 with higher scrutiny β Delay or penalty
β Mistake 2: Failing to provide a Phyto Certificate
π Consequence: Goods rejected at port β Return or destruction
β Mistake 3: Misdeclaring essential oil as dried berries
π Consequence: Severe penalty for misclassification β Fines + seizure
β Mistake 4: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice for food-grade imports
π Consequence: Refusal of entry β Loss of cargo
β Correct Practice:
"Dried Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis, dried, for gin production, processed in China, batch no. XYZ, with Phyto Certificate and FDA Prior Notice filed"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs, Increase Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Dried for Food is Ch.08, Medicinal is Ch.12, Oil is Ch.33, Phyto is a Must, FDA Prior Notice is Key!"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Destiny, Tariff Differs by 25%, One Step Wrong, Thousands Lost in Penalties!"
π Tips:
- If your juniper berries are sourced from Europe, Africa, or South America, you may qualify for zero or reduced tariffs in the US under various trade agreements;
- It is recommended to apply for an Advance Ruling with CBP before shipment to avoid classification disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + File FDA Prior Notice
π Ensure your Juniper Berries pass customs smoothly, enter the market efficiently, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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.