Natural Mineral Water
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2201100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2201900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ Natural Mineral Water & Mineral Waters (Classification Guide)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly is "Natural Mineral Water"?
In international trade, Natural Mineral Water and Aerated Waters fall under Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System. However, the customs classification hinges entirely on two critical factors: 1. Flavoring/Sweetening: Is sugar, flavor, or sweetener added? 2. Origin/Nature: Is it natural mineral water, aerated (sparkling), or other types of water (like purified or tap water)?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the water is Natural Mineral or Aerated AND Unflavored/Unsweetened β HS 2201.10.00.00
- If it is Other Water (e.g., purified, tap, bottled drinking water) OR contains additives β HS 2201.90.00.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Sweetener/Flavor Added? |
|---|---|---|---|
2201.10.00.00 |
Mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavored | Natural mineral springs, sparkling water (plain), mineral water with CO2 but no additives | β No |
2201.90.00.00 |
Other waters (including natural/artificial mineral waters, aerated waters) | Purified drinking water, tap water bottled, flavored mineral water, sweetened water, or water not meeting the "mineral/aerated" strict definition | β Yes OR No (but not mineral/aerated) |
π Focus Reminder:
- Pure Mineral/Aerated Water: Must be classified under 2201.10.00.00. This category has a 0% total tax rate. - Other Waters: Any bottled water that is not strictly "mineral" or "aerated" as defined by customs, OR any water with additives, falls under 2201.90.00.00. This category faces a 25% total tax rate (due to Section 301 tariffs).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 2201.10.00.00 ββ Mineral Waters and Aerated Waters (Unflavored/Unsweetened)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | N/A (Usually applicable for small packages, but full declaration required for commercial goods) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule HTSUS 2201.10.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- This is the sweet spot for traders. Natural mineral water and plain sparkling water (aerated) enjoy zero tariffs. - Crucial Condition: The water must NOT contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavors. Even a hint of lemon flavor pushes it to the 25% bracket.
π― 2. 2201.90.00.00 ββ Other Waters (Purified, Flavored, or Non-Mineral)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Duty | 0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable for Section 301 goods |
| Legal Basis | USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule HTSUS 2201.90.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Trap Alert: If your "Mineral Water" has any added flavor (e.g., lemon, berry) or sweetener, it is classified here. - Also Applies To: Purified bottled water (Aquafina/Dasani style) or tap water packaged for sale. These are NOT considered "Natural Mineral Waters" by US Customs and thus face the 25% penalty. - Total Cost Impact: A $10,000 shipment incurs $2,500 in duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Natural Mineral Water, Unflavored, Unsweetened" |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Proof of origin (China) to apply correct tariff |
| β Product Label/Packaging Photo | βοΈ | Must show ingredient list confirming NO added sugar/flavor |
| β Composition Analysis | βοΈ | Proof that mineral content meets natural standards (if challenged) |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Standard shipping document |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Plain Water is Free, Flavored Water Pays Fee! Check Ingredients!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Error Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Spring Water (Plain) | 2201.10.00.00 |
0% Duty |
| Sparkling Water (Plain) | 2201.10.00.00 |
0% Duty |
| Lemon-Flavored Mineral Water | 2201.90.00.00 |
25% Duty (Misclassification) |
| Purified Drinking Water | 2201.90.00.00 |
25% Duty (Misclassification) |
| Artificial Mineral Water | 2201.90.00.00 |
25% Duty (Not "Natural") |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Natural" vs. "Artificial" Mineral Water | Only Natural mineral water can be 2201.10.00.00. If minerals are added to tap water, it falls under 2201.90.00.00. |
| Flavoring Threshold | Even trace flavors count. If the label says "With Lemon Flavor," it is 2201.90.00.00. |
| Packaging Type | Bottles, cans, or bulk containers do not change the HS Code. Focus on content, not packaging. |
| Ice and Snow | Also classified under Chapter 22. Plain ice/snow is 2201.10.00.00. Flavored ice/snow is 2201.90.00.00. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2201.10.00.00 |
0% | Unflavored, Unsweetened | Avoid 2201.90.00.00 (25%) |
| π¨π³ China | 2201.10.00.00 |
0% | GB Standard Compliance | No extra surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2201.10.00.00 |
0% | EU Regulation on Mineral Water | Strict definition of "Natural" |
| π¬π§ UK | 2201.10.00.00 |
0% | UKCA Marking | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2201.10.00.00 |
5% | FSANZ Standards | No Section 301 surcharge |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with a punitive 25% tariff for "Other Waters" (2201.90.00.00). - Strategy: If exporting to the US, ensure your product is strictly "Natural Mineral Water" or "Plain Aerated Water" with zero additives. - Purified Water is a high-risk category for the US market due to the 25% tariff. Consider alternative markets or supply chain adjustments.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Calling "Purified Water" as "Mineral Water"
π Consequence: Classified as 2201.90.00.00 β 25% Duty + Penalties.
β Mistake 2: Adding "Natural Flavors" to Mineral Water
π Consequence: Even 0.1% flavor shifts it to 2201.90.00.00 β 25% Duty.
β Mistake 3: Mislabeling "Artificially Mineralized" as "Natural"
π Consequence: Customs rejects 2201.10.00.00 β 25% Duty + Audit.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Ingredient Lists
π Consequence: If any sweetener (even Stevia) is listed, it is NOT "Unsweetened" β 25% Duty.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"NATURAL MINERAL WATER, UNFLAVORED, UNSWEETENED, BOTTLED, NO ADDITIVES, BRAND XYZ, ORIGIN: CHINA"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Saving!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plain is Free, Flavored is Fee!"
πΉ "Check the Label: No Sugar, No Flavor, No Additives = 0% Duty!"
πΉ "Purified Water is NOT Mineral Water in US Customs Eyes!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your product has any doubt about being "Natural Mineral" or "Unflavored," consult a customs broker before shipping.
- For Purified Water exports to the US, calculate the 25% duty impact into your pricing model.
- Consider exporting flavored/mineral blends to markets like the EU or Asia where tariffs are lower or zero.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Customs Broker + Verify Ingredient List + Apply for Advance Ruling (if unsure)
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Avoid 25% Penalty, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved on Duty is Pure Profit!
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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.