Sugar containing Iced Tea
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2106909973 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2202100055 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2202100075 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106909972 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2202100055 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π΅ Sugar-Containing Iced Tea
π HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Updated Customs Classification | Professional Import Strategy
π One-Stop Reference for Sugar-Containing Iced Tea β Accurate HS Code, Tax Breakdown & Clearance Tips
π¦ δΈγProduct Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Sugar-Containing Iced Tea"?
Sugar-containing iced tea is a non-alcoholic, sweetened beverage made by blending tea (black, green, or herbal) with added sugar, typically served cold. It may include flavorings, citric acid, or natural extracts, but does not contain alcohol or high-intensity artificial sweeteners.
In international trade, it is classified under non-carbonated, non-fruit juice, sweetened non-alcoholic beverages.
β οΈ Key Classification Clue:
- Contains added sugar β qualifies as "sweetened beverage"
- Not a juice β excluded from fruit juice categories
- Non-alcoholic & non-carbonated β ruled out from carbonated drink tariffs
- No intense sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose) β not subject to sweetener-specific rules
π δΊγHS Code Classification Summary (2026 Updated Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Type | Total Tax Rate | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2106.90.99.72 |
Other food preparations, containing sugar, used as beverage base | 16.4% | 16.4% | Sugar-based, non-alcoholic, non-carbonated |
2202.10.00.55 |
Non-alcoholic beverages, containing added sugar, not from fruit juice | 0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% |
0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% | Per-liter + ad valorem, high tariff |
2106.90.99.73 |
Other food preparations, sugar-containing, used in beverage manufacturing | 16.4% | 16.4% | Similar to 2106.90.99.72 |
2202.10.00.75 |
Non-alcoholic beverages, sweetened, non-carbonated, non-juice | 0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% |
0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% | Most common for iced tea |
2202.10.00.75 |
Non-alcoholic beverages, sweetened, non-carbonated, non-juice | 0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% |
0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% | Same as above, repeated for emphasis |
β Note:
-2106.90.99.72and2106.90.99.73are food preparation codes β used when the product is a concentrate or mix for making tea.
-2202.10.00.55and2202.10.00.75are finished beverage codes β used when the product is ready-to-drink (RTD).
π° δΈγ2026 Tariff Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clause Analysis)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (with ongoing tariff enforcement)
π― 1. 2106.90.99.72 β Sugar-Containing Beverage Base (Concentrate/Mix)
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.4% | Standard ad valorem tariff for food preparations |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% | Not subject to USITC 301 tariffs (no "China-specific" add-on) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Under U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) |
| Total Tax | 16.4% | 6.4% + 10% = 16.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 16.4% | Based on value, no per-liter charge |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not available | No de minimis relief under IEEPA |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 2106.90.99.72 |
π Key Insight:
- This code applies to tea mixes, concentrates, or syrups used to make iced tea at point of sale (e.g., restaurants, cafes).
- No per-liter fee, but 10% IEEPA tariff applies due to China origin.
π― 2. 2202.10.00.55 β Ready-to-Drink Sweetened Non-Alcoholic Beverage (Non-Juice)
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.2Β’/liter | Per-liter fixed charge (e.g., $0.20 per liter) |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 25.0% | From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (China-specific tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | IEEPA tariff on China-origin goods |
| Total Tax | 0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% | 25% + 10% = 35% ad valorem + per-liter fee |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Γ 35%) + (0.2Β’ Γ liters) | High cost for large volumes |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not available | IEEPA + 301 tariffs override de minimis |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9903.88.01 β 2202.10.00.55 |
π Critical Note:
- This is the most common code for ready-to-drink iced tea (e.g., bottled, canned, carton).
- Double penalty: 25% USITC + 10% IEEPA = 35% ad valorem, plus 0.2Β’/liter.
- Example: 100 liters of iced tea β $20 (per-liter) + $350 (35% of $1,000 CIF) = $370 total tax!
π― 3. 2106.90.99.73 β Sugar-Containing Food Preparation for Beverage Use
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.4% | Standard for food preparations |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% | Not targeted under 301 |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | IEEPA applies due to China origin |
| Total Tax | 16.4% | 6.4% + 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 16.4% | No per-liter fee |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not available | |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 2106.90.99.73 |
π Use Case:
- Tea concentrate, syrup, or powder used to mix with water at retail or restaurant.
- Not ready-to-drink β not subject to per-liter charge.
π― 4. 2202.10.00.75 β Sweetened Non-Alcoholic Beverage (Non-Carbonated, Non-Juice)
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.2Β’/liter | Fixed per-liter charge |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 25.0% | USITC 301 tariff on China-origin goods |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | IEEPA tariff |
| Total Tax | 0.2Β’/liter + 35.0% | Same as 2202.10.00.55 |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Γ 35%) + (0.2Β’ Γ liters) | Same as above |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not available | |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9903.88.01 β 2202.10.00.75 |
π Why Two Codes?
-2202.10.00.55and2202.10.00.75are functionally identical for iced tea.
- The difference is administrative β both apply the same tariff.
π οΈ εγCustoms Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Ready-to-Drink Iced Tea, Sugar-Containing, Non-Alcoholic" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Volume in liters, packaging type (bottle/can/carton) |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Sugar content (%), ingredients, pH, preservatives |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Prove origin (China, Vietnam, etc.) |
| β FDA/USDA Compliance (if applicable) | βοΈ | For food safety |
| β Third-Party Lab Report | βοΈ | Confirm sugar content, no alcohol, no prohibited sweeteners |
| β Label Sample | βοΈ | Show "Contains Sugar", "Non-Alcoholic", "Not a Juice" |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌη³ζ₯ε£θ―οΌ
π₯ "Ready-to-Drink? Use 2202.10.00.75.
Concentrate? Use 2106.90.99.73.
No sugar? No tariff.
Sugar + China? 35% + 0.2Β’/liter!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottled iced tea (ready to drink) | 2202.10.00.75 |
2106.90.99.72 |
Higher tax, incorrect |
| Tea syrup for mixing | 2106.90.99.73 |
2202.10.00.75 |
Per-liter fee applied β overcharged |
| Iced tea with stevia (high-intensity sweetener) | β Not covered here | β Not applicable | Must be reclassified |
| Non-sweetened iced tea | 2202.10.00.00 |
2202.10.00.75 |
Tax savings, but must prove no sugar |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low sugar content (<5%) | May qualify as "non-sweetened" β use 2202.10.00.00 (0% tariff) |
| Produced in Vietnam/Mexico | Apply for IEEPA exemption β tariff drops to 0% |
| Small shipment (<$1,000) | Still no de minimis due to IEEPA/301 tariffs |
| Private label or OEM | Provide customer branding proof to avoid "unauthorized" classification |
π δΊγGlobal Market Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2202.10.00.75 |
0.2Β’/liter + 35% |
FDA, USDA | High cost |
| π¨π³ China | 2202.10.00.75 |
5% | CCC, GB | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2202.10.00.00 |
0% | CE, EU Food Safety | No IEEPA/301 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2202.10.00.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra fees |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2202.10.00.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional tariffs |
π Takeaway:
- USA has the highest tariffs on sugar-containing iced tea.
- China-origin products face 35% ad valorem + per-liter fee.
- Vietnam/Mexico-origin goods may qualify for 0% under IEEPA exemption.
π ε γCommon Mistakes & Risk Warnings (Avoid These!)
β Mistake 1: Using 2106.90.99.72 for ready-to-drink iced tea
π Result: Missed per-liter fee β underpaid tax, audit risk
β Mistake 2: Not declaring sugar content
π Result: Customs may reclassify as "non-sweetened" β higher risk of rejection
β Mistake 3: Shipping from China without IEEPA exemption proof
π Result: 45% effective tax (35% + 10% IEEPA), no de minimis
β Mistake 4: Using "tea drink" as product name without sugar disclosure
π Result: Misleading classification β delay, fines, or seizure
β Correct Labeling Example:
"Sugar-Containing Iced Tea, Ready-to-Drink, Non-Alcoholic, Not a Juice, 10% Sugar, 500ml Bottle"
π― δΈγFinal Verdict: Smart Import Strategy for 2026
πΉ If you're shipping ready-to-drink iced tea from China β expect
0.2Β’/liter + 35%
πΉ If you're shipping concentrate β use2106.90.99.73β 16.4%
πΉ If you're sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico β apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% tariff
πΉ Always verify sugar content and labeling β itβs the key to correct classification
π Pro Tip:
β Apply for an Advance Ruling (Pre-Clearance) before shipment to lock in HS Code and tariff.
β Use a U.S.-based customs broker with experience in food & beverage imports.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a specialized customs broker + provide product specs + request HS Code pre-ruling
π Avoid surprises, reduce risk, and save thousands in tariffs
β¨ Precision Classification = Profit Protection!
πΌ Your productβs tax rate starts with the right HS Code.
β
Get it right the first time β every time.
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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.