Latte Art
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2202991000 | 34.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2202992800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨ Latte Art β The Art of Coffee & Precision in Every Pour
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Expert Strategy for Coffee Enthusiasts & Importers
π One: Product Definition & Classification β What Exactly Is Latte Art?
Latte Art is not a product β itβs a craft. Itβs the visual masterpiece created by pouring steamed milk into espresso, forming intricate designs like hearts, rosettas, swans, and even abstract patterns. While the result is beautiful, Latte Art itself is not a tradable commodity.
However, if you're importing products related to Latte Art, such as pre-made flavored milk drinks, coffee-based beverages with added sweeteners, or ready-to-drink latte-style beverages, then the classification applies.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Latte Art (as a skill) β Not taxable, not importable
- Latte-style beverages with added sugar, flavoring, or milk base β Taxable products under HS Code 2202.99.10.00 / 2202.99.28.00
π¦ Two: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Contains Milk Base? | Contains Added Sugar/Flavor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2202.99.10.00 |
Waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavored, and other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading 2009: Other: Other: Milk-based drinks: Chocolate milk drink | Ready-to-drink chocolate milk beverages, flavored lattes, sweetened milk-based drinks | β Yes (milk-based) | β Yes (sugar/flavor) |
2202.99.28.00 |
Same as above: Other: Other: Milk-based drinks: Other: Other | Non-chocolate milk-based flavored beverages (e.g., vanilla, caramel, berry), non-alcoholic, sweetened | β Yes (milk-based) | β Yes (sweetening/flavoring) |
π Key Insight:
- Any non-alcoholic, milk-based drink with added sugar or flavoring β Must be classified under 2202.99.10.00 or 2202.99.28.00
- Even if itβs βlatte-styleβ β if itβs pre-packaged, sweetened, and milk-based β Itβs a beverage, not an art form!
π° Three: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Withιε Taxes & Policy Rules)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including future imports)
π― 1. 2202.99.10.00 β Chocolate Milk Drink (Milk-based, Sweetened, Flavored)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 17.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% (from Section 301 of USTR) |
| Total Tax Rate | 24.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible (denied de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USTR: 301 Tariff List β HS: 2202.99.10.00 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 17% base tariff is standard for non-alcoholic beverages with added sugar.
- The +7.5% additional tariff is part of the U.S. Section 301 China tariffs targeting products with "high-value added" components.
- Chocolate milk drinks are considered βvalue-addedβ due to processing, flavoring, and milk content β Triggered under USTRβs 301 list.
π― 2. 2202.99.28.00 β Other Milk-Based Flavored Drinks (Non-Chocolate)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Eligible (if below $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USTR: 301 Exemption List β HS: 2202.99.28.00 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 |
π Important Note:
- This code applies to non-chocolate, milk-based, flavored beverages (e.g., vanilla, caramel, berry, hazelnut).
- No additional tariffs are imposed under Section 301 for this subcategory.
- Zero duty means no import tax β ideal for cost-sensitive importers.
π οΈ Four: Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | List ingredients: milk, sugar, flavorings, preservatives |
| β Ingredient List & Label Copy | βοΈ | Prove itβs not chocolate (to avoid 2202.99.10.00) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Flavored Milk Beverage, Non-Chocolate, Ready-to-Drink" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For claiming duty exemptions or preferential treatment |
| β Lab Test Report (e.g., for sugar content, milk fat) | βοΈ | Prove product composition |
| β Packaging Photos | βοΈ | Show labeling, bottle type, brand, and design |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Smart Declaration Tips)
π₯ βLabel Right, Tax Right, Save Big!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate-flavored milk drink | 2202.99.10.00 |
2202.99.28.00 |
+24.5% tax, penalties |
| Vanilla-flavored milk drink | 2202.99.28.00 |
2202.99.10.00 |
Unnecessary 24.5% tax |
| Pre-packaged βLatteβ drink with sugar & flavor | 2202.99.10.00 or 2202.99.28.00 |
2202.99.00.00 (general) |
Misclassification β delay or seizure |
β Pro Tip:
Use exact product names like:"Vanilla Flavored Milk Beverage, Ready-to-Drink, 250ml Bottle, No Chocolate, Sugar-Added, Non-Alcoholic"
β 3. Special Cases & Workarounds
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Importing from Vietnam/Mexico/Thailand | Can apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% tariff on 2202.99.28.00 |
| Small shipments (<$800) | Use de minimis rule β No tax on 2202.99.28.00 |
| Exporting to EU or Japan | No additional tariffs β 0% duty in most cases |
| Using "Latte" in product name | Do NOT use βLatte Artβ in description β itβs not a product |
π Five: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2202.99.10.00 or 2202.99.28.00 |
24.5% or 0% | FDA, FLSA | Chocolate = high tax |
| π¨π³ China | 2202.99.10.00 |
5% | CCC, QS | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2202.99.10.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE, HACCP | No 301 tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2202.99.28.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra tax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2202.99.28.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional tariffs |
π Takeaway:
- USA is the only market with high tariffs on chocolate-based drinks.
- Non-chocolate milk-based beverages are tax-free β perfect for export strategy.
π Six: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Errors!)
β Mistake 1: Labeling a vanilla milk drink as "Chocolate Latte"
π Result: Wrong HS Code β 24.5% tax on 0% duty item β huge overpayment
β Mistake 2: Not checking ingredient list before declaring
π Result: Misclassification β delay, seizure, or refund claims
β Mistake 3: Using "Latte Art" in product name or description
π Result: Confusion with service vs. product β rejected by customs
β Mistake 4: Assuming all milk-based drinks are taxed
π Result: Paying 24.5% on a non-chocolate drink β wasted money
β Correct Approach:
Use precise, factual language:
"Flavored Milk Beverage, Vanilla, Sugar-Added, Non-Alcoholic, Ready-to-Drink, 250ml Bottle, Made in China"
π― Seven: Conclusion β Precision in Classification, Savings in Every Bottle!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Chocolate = 24.5% Tax. Vanilla = 0%. Label Matters. Declare Right."
πΉ "Latte Art is beautiful β but itβs not a product. Your declaration must be."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is non-chocolate, milk-based, flavored, and originates from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% tariff and faster clearance.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a customs broker with food/beverage expertise
π Get an HS Code pre-ruling before shipping
πΌ Avoid fines, delays, and overpayment β your beverage deserves a smooth journey!
β¨ Professional Customs Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved begins with the right HS Code.
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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.