Preserved Cherries
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2006009000 | 51.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2008600020 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2008600040 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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🍒 Preserved Cherries (Candied, Sugar-Crystallized, or Maraschino)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Grade Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification – Do You Really Know “Preserved Cherries”?
Cherries, preserved by candying, sugar-crystallization, or marination in spirit/sugar syrup, are classified under Chapter 20 (Preparations of Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts or Other Parts of Plants) of the Harmonized System (HS). Specifically, they fall under heading 2008 (“Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved…”).
The exact HS code depends on the method of preservation, presence of alcohol, and specific cherry variety (e.g., Maraschino vs. regular sweet/tart cherries).
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If cherries are candied or crystallized in sugar → Classified under 2008.99 or 2008.60 depending on detail;
- If cherries are preserved in spirit (e.g., Maraschino) → Classified under 2008.60 or 2208 if alcohol content >0.5%;
- If no alcohol and sugar-preserved → 2008.99.90 or 2008.60.00 (depending on national subheading);
- If fresh cherries → 0809.30 (not preserved).
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Contains Alcohol? | Sugar/Candied? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2008.60.00.20 |
Preserved cherries, specifically Maraschino-type, matching Maraschino cherry characteristics | Premium spirits-based cherries (e.g., Luxardo, Heidenau) | ✅ Yes (>0.5%) | ✅ Yes |
2008.60.00.40 |
Preserved cherries, categorized as “modulated or preserved sweet cherry” | Generic sugar-preserved cherries, cocktail garnishes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
2008.99.90.20 |
Other preserved fruits, specifically cherries, candied or sugar-crystallized | Bulk candied cherries for baking/decoration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (crystallized) |
2008.99.90.40 |
Other preserved fruits, cherries, in sugar syrup or brine | Commercially preserved cherries for desserts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (syrup) |
2208.90.90.00 |
Spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages (if cherries are part of the beverage) | Cherry-infused liqueurs (e.g., Kirsch, Cherry Brandy) | ✅ Yes (>20%) | N/A |
🔍 Critical Reminder:
- All alcohol-containing preserved cherries (e.g., Maraschino with >0.5% ABV) may be reclassified under Chapter 22 if considered “beverages” or “liqueurs,” especially in the US; - Non-alcoholic sugar-preserved cherries go under 2008; - Candied/chocolate-covered cherries may still be 2008 if primarily fruit-based.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (includes subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 2008.60.00.20 —— Maraschino-type Preserved Cherries
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (for China/Hong Kong products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Denied (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2008.60.00.20 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- “USITC 25%” is from the Section 301 “Additional Duties” under the U.S. Trade Act; - “IEEPA 10%” is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act surcharge on Chinese goods; - Total 45% is an extremely high tariff, requiring advance planning!
🎯 2. 2008.60.00.40 —— Other Preserved Cherries (Non-Alcoholic, Sugar-Preserved)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9901.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2008.60.00.40 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Same as above; all Chinese-origin preserved cherries under 2008.60 are subject to 45%; - Applies to cocktail garnishes, baking decorations, fruitcake cherries, etc.
🎯 3. 2008.99.90.20 & 2008.99.90.40 —— Other Preserved Fruits (Cherries)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 45% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF × 45% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9901.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2008.99.90.20/.40 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Caution:
- Even if classified as “other preserved fruits,” cherries are still subject to 45%; - Candied, syrup-packed, or crystallized cherries all fall here.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Document Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Dimensions, weight, preservation method, alcohol content, sugar percentage |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | ✔️ | Confirm no alcohol or <0.5% ABV for non-Chapter 22 classification |
| ✅ Product Photos (with Label) | ✔️ | Clear view of ingredients, brand, country of origin |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Report | ✔️ | FDA, HACCP, ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal (if applicable) |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must state “Preserved Cherries for Food Use” |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | For non-Chinese products to claim preferential rates |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show full set (container + cherries + packaging) |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)
🔥 “Whole container, not split, alcohol makes it Chapter 22, name precise, tariff drops!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic Maraschino cherries | 2008.60.00.20 or 2208.90.90.00 |
Misdeclare as non-alcoholic → 45% |
| Non-alcoholic sugar cherries | 2008.60.00.40 |
Misdeclare as “fresh” → 0% but penalty |
| Cherries in liqueur | 2208.90.90.00 |
Misdeclare as food → 38% |
| Bulk candied cherries | 2008.99.90.20 |
Misdeclare as “decorations” → 89.5% |
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide design files + supplier contract to avoid “non-standard” classification |
| Cherries in Gift Boxes | Declare as “Food Item,” not “Gift” → avoids misclassification |
| Cherries for Medical/Religious Use | Provide usage proof for potential exemption |
| Cherries for Military/Aerospace | Apply “Special Purpose” declaration, possibly lower tariff |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2008.60.00.20/.40 |
45% (China) | FDA + HACCP | High tariff |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2008.60.00.20/.40 |
5% | CCC + HACCP | No surcharge |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2008.60.00.00 |
0% (if CE-compliant) | CE + EFSA | No surcharge |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2008.60.00.00 |
5% | RCM | No surcharge |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 2008.60.00.00 |
0% | PSE | No surcharge |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only market imposing high surcharges on preserved cherries from China; - Chinese-origin preserved cherries face 45% total tariff in the US; - Consider reshoring or adjusting supply chain if targeting US market.
📌 Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring “Maraschino Cherries” as “Candy”
👉 Result: Tariff jumps to 89.5% → Overpayment!
❌ Error 2: Not declaring alcohol content
👉 Result: If >0.5%, reclassified to 2208 → 38% + penalty
❌ Error 3: Using “Fruit Garnish” as generic name
👉 Result: If alcohol present, misclassification → Refusal or return
❌ Error 4: Assuming “candied” = “chocolate-covered”
👉 Result: Chocolate-covered may be 1806.32 → 12.5% vs. 45%
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
“Sugar-Preserved Cherries, Non-Alcoholic, for Food Use, Model XYZ, FDA & HACCP Certified, No Alcohol Added”
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion – Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Cost!
🎯 Remember:
🔹 “Alcohol = Chapter 22, No Alcohol = Chapter 20, Name precise, tariff drops, whole container, not split!”
🔹 “HS Code determines life, 45% vs. 0%, one step wrong, thousands in fines!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your preserved cherries are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption, tariff only 0%~5%;
Recommend Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) to avoid clearance risks.
📣 Act Now:
📞 Contact licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code pre-ruling
🚀 Let your preserved cherries pass customs smoothly, export efficiently, double profits!
✨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
💼 Every cent of your 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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.