Soy Sauce
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2309909500 | 36.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2309901050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302199140 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302194140 | 18.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2103100000 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2103902000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΆ Soy Sauce (Sauce and Condiment)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Soy Sauce"?
Soy sauce is a liquid condiment derived from the fermentation of soybeans (and sometimes wheat), used globally to enhance the flavor of dishes. In international trade, its classification hinges on its ingredient base and source:
1. Traditional Soy Sauce (Fermented Soybean/Wheat):
- The standard, dark, salty condiment used in Asian and Western cuisine.
- Key Classification: Must fall under 2103.10.00.00.
2. Fish-Derived Sauces:
- Sauces made primarily from fermented fish (e.g., Fish Sauce/Anchovy Sauce), often confused with soy sauce due to similar usage, but legally distinct.
- Key Classification: Falls under 2103.90.20.00.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Soy-based products (even with wheat) β 2103.10.00.00
- Fish-based products β 2103.90.20.00
- Vegetable extracts (e.g., ginseng extracts used as sauces) β 1302.19.41.40 (Tax-free potential!)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the exact classifications for relevant soy-related and similar condiment products:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2103.10.00.00 | Soy sauce (Sauces and preparations therefore; mixed condiments; mustard) | Traditional fermented soy sauce (liquid condiment) | 28.0% |
| 2103.90.20.00 | Sauces derived or prepared from fish | Fish sauce, anchovy paste, seafood-based condiments | 7.5% |
| 1302.19.41.40 | Vegetable saps and extracts: Ginseng; therapeutic properties | Ginseng extract sauces, health-tonic condiments | 0.0% |
| 1302.19.91.40 | Vegetable saps and extracts: Other other | Other plant-based extracts, mucilages, thickeners | 7.5% |
| 2309.90.10.50 | Mixed feeds or mixed feed ingredients | Animal feed blends containing soy byproducts | 25.0% |
| 2309.90.95.00 | Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding: Other | Unspecified animal feed preparations | 26.4% |
π Key Insight:
- Soy Sauce (2103.10.00.00) is the primary classification for human consumption.
- Fish Sauce (2103.90.20.00) is a separate category with significantly lower tariffs.
- Ginseng Extracts (1302.19.41.40) are duty-free, offering a strategic alternative for health-focused condiments.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current (2026 Context)
π― 1. 2103.10.00.00 β Soy Sauce (Human Consumption)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.0% (Standard Most-Favored-Nation rate) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Trade Action against China) |
| Total Effective Rate | 28.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Over $800 threshold, but subject to Section 301) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:2103.10.00.00 β Section 301: List 3/4 |
π Explanation:
- The 3.0% base rate is the standard WTO/MFN rate for soy sauce.
- The 25.0% surcharge is imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 due to US-China trade tensions.
- Total 28.0% applies to all standard soy sauces from China.
π― 2. 2103.90.20.00 β Fish-Derived Sauces
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Free entry) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% (Specific to fish products) |
| Total Effective Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:2103.90.20.00 β Section 301: List 3 |
π Note:
- Fish sauces enjoy a much lower tariff burden (7.5%) compared to soy sauce.
- Misclassifying fish sauce as soy sauce will result in paying 28% instead of 7.5% (a massive error).
π― 3. 1302.19.41.40 β Ginseng Extracts / Therapeutic Vegetable Saps
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% (Exempt) |
| Total Effective Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | N/A (Free entry) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:1302.19.41.40 |
π Strategic Advantage:
- If your product is a ginseng-based sauce or extract with therapeutic properties, it qualifies for 0% duty.
- This is the most cost-effective classification for functional sauces.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Strategy)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient List | βοΈ | Proves if it's soy, fish, or ginseng-based. |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Confirms country of origin (China vs. non-China). |
| Product Label (English) | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Soy Sauce" or "Fish Sauce". |
| Recipe/Formula | βοΈ | Essential for determining the "nature" of the sauce. |
| Third-Party Analysis Report | βοΈ | FDA/USDA compliance for food safety. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match HS Code description exactly. |
| Packaging Photos | βοΈ | Show label, batch number, and origin. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Critical Tips)
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Soy = 28%, Fish = 7.5%, Ginseng = 0%. Get it wrong, and you pay 3x more!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Soy Sauce | 2103.10.00.00 |
If declared as "Fish Sauce" β Seizure + Fraud Penalty |
| Fish Sauce | 2103.90.20.00 |
If declared as "Soy Sauce" β Overpay 20.5% |
| Ginseng Sauce | 1302.19.41.40 |
If declared as "Soy Sauce" β Overpay 28% |
| Animal Feed (Soy Byproduct) | 2309.90.10.50 |
If declared as "Human Food" β FDA Refusal |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce + Fish Sauce Blend | Declare based on dominant ingredient (>50%). |
| "Soy Sauce" but made with Fish | Must be declared as Fish Sauce (2103.90.20.00) to avoid penalties. |
| Ginseng Sauce (Therapeutic) | Highlight "therapeutic properties" to claim 0% tax. |
| Export to Non-China Origin | Check for free trade agreements (e.g., ASEAN, CPTPP) for lower rates. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2103.10.00.00 |
28.0% | FDA + Section 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 2103.10.00.00 |
5.0% (Base only) | CCC + Quality Cert |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2103.10.00.00 |
0.0% (If organic) | CE + EFSA |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2103.10.00.00 |
0.0% (if organic) | JAS + JGMP |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2103.10.00.00 |
5.0% | FSANZ + AFSIS |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for soy sauce due to Section 301 tariffs.
- Ginseng-based sauces offer zero duty in the US, making them a strategic product for high-margin exports.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Learn from Errors)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Fish Sauce as Soy Sauce
π Consequence: Overpay 20.5% ($20.50 per $100 value) + Risk of FDA Refusal.
β Mistake 2: Declaring Ginseng Sauce as Soy Sauce
π Consequence: Overpay 28% ($28 per $100 value) + Miss 0% Tax Advantage.
β Mistake 3: Mixing Soy Sauce with Fish Sauce without clear labeling
π Consequence: Customs Seizure + Penalty for misclassification.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring Animal Feed classification for soy byproducts
π Consequence: FDA Refusal if declared as human food.
β Correct Approach:
"Soy Sauce, Fermented, 100% Soybeans, 2026 Batch, FDA Registered, Origin: China"
"Fish Sauce, Anchovy-Based, 100% Fish, 2026 Batch, FDA Registered"
"Ginseng Extract Sauce, Therapeutic, 100% Ginseng, 2026 Batch, FDA Registered"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification = Profit Protection
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Soy = 28%, Fish = 7.5%, Ginseng = 0%. Wrong code = 3x cost!"
πΉ "Sauce Type is Everything, HS Code is the Gatekeeper."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a Ginseng-based sauce or Fish Sauce, apply for Pre-Ruling with US Customs (CBP) to secure 0% or 7.5% duty before shipping.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Submit Ingredient Analysis + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Avoid 28% Tariff, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Classification, Secure Clearance, Maximize Returns!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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.