Wheat Flour Soup Base
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2106905850 | 22.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106909973 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1001990000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1001990097 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Wheat Flour Soup Base (Flavoring Preparations)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Soup Base"?
"Wheat Flour Soup Base" is a complex food product. In international trade, it is not classified under Chapter 10 (Wheat/Cereals) or Chapter 19 (Preparations of Cereals) because it is primarily a seasoning/flavoring preparation rather than a food staple.
Key Distinction:
- Primary Flavor Carrier: If the product is a mixture designed to flavor broth/soup (containing salts, spices, yeast extracts, hydrolyzed proteins, and potentially wheat flour as a thickener/stabilizer), it falls under Chapter 21 ("Miscellaneous Edible Preparations").
- Not "Wheat Flour": Even if "Wheat Flour" is an ingredient, it is not the essential character of the good when mixed with strong flavoring agents. Therefore, HS Code 1001 is incorrect.
- Not "Beverage Prep": If it is a dry mix for soup, it is not for beverages (coffee/tea/soy milk), so it does not fall under 2106.90.99.73.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is a soup base/broth concentrate (powder, paste, or liquid) used for seasoning βε½ε ₯ 2106.90 (Miscellaneous edible preparations).
- Specifically,2106.90.58.50applies if it contains gelatin and is put up for retail sale.
- Specifically,2106.90.99.73applies if it is a "preparation for the manufacture of beverages" (unlikely for soup) or "other" if it doesn't fit other specific subheadings.
- Warning: The provided DATA shows2106.90.58.50with a tax of 12.3%, while2106.90.99.73has 0.0%. The classification depends on the specific composition (e.g., presence of gelatin) and packaging (retail vs. industrial).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided DATA)
The provided data contains four HS Codes. We must filter out the irrelevant ones and explain the relevant ones.
β Irrelevant HS Codes (Do Not Use)
| HS Code | Description | Reason for Exclusion |
|---|---|---|
1001.99.00.00 |
Wheat and meslin: Other: Seed | Wrong Chapter. This is for planting wheat seeds. Soup base is a processed food. Tax info unavailable/errored. |
1001.99.00.97 |
Wheat and meslin: Other: Other | Wrong Chapter. This is for raw wheat grains other than seed. Soup base is not raw wheat. Tax: 0.0% (misleading if applied incorrectly). |
2106.90.99.73 |
Food preparations... Other: Other Preparations for the manufacture of beverages | Wrong End-Use. This is for beverage preparations (e.g., instant coffee, tea mixes). Unless your "soup base" is explicitly marketed as a beverage ingredient, this is likely incorrect. Tax: 0.0%. |
β Relevant HS Codes (Likely Candidates)
| HS Code | Description | Applicability to "Wheat Flour Soup Base" | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2106.90.58.50 |
Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Other: Of gelatin Put up for retail sale: Other | Highly Likely if: The soup base contains gelatin (common in bone broth bases) and is packaged for retail sale (e.g., small sachets, jars). | 12.3% (Base 4.8% + Additional 7.5%) |
2106.90.99.73 |
Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other: Other Preparations for the manufacture of beverages: Other | Possible if: The product is technically classified as a "beverage preparation" (e.g., clear consommΓ© mix) or falls under the "other" residual category if not retail gelatin-based. Note: Description says "beverages," so use with caution. | 0.0% (Base 0.0% + Additional 0.0%) |
π Key Decision Matrix:
1. Does it contain gelatin?
- Yes + Retail Pack β2106.90.58.50(12.3%)
- No + Retail Pack β Likely falls under2106.90.99series, but data only specifies2106.90.99.73(Beverage Prep) which may not fit. Check if2106.90.99.10(Other food preps) exists in full tariff, but based on provided DATA,2106.90.99.73is the only "other" option listed, which is risky if misused.
2. Is it for Beverages?
- If yes β2106.90.99.73(0.0%)
- If no β Avoid2106.90.99.73unless authorized by customs ruling.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Based on Provided DATA)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from "Additional Tax" language typical of US-China trade)
β Effective Time: 2025+ (Based on tax details)
π― 1. 2106.90.58.50 ββ Gelatin-based Soup Base (Retail)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 12.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Generally, Section 301 items are not exempt under de minimis if value exceeds threshold, and food items often have specific restrictions). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:2106.90.58.50 β USITC:Section301 β Footnote:7.5% |
π Explanation:
- The 12.3% total rate consists of a standard MFN base rate (4.8%) plus a significant additional duty (7.5%) imposed under trade remediation measures.
- This is a moderate-to-high tariff for food products.
- Gelatin content is critical: If your soup base does not contain gelatin, this HS code may be rejected by customs, leading to misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 2106.90.99.73 ββ Beverage Prep / Other (Low Tariff)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Possible (If under $800, may enter duty-free, but verify if it's a "beverage prep"). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:2106.90.99.73 |
π Caution:
- Using this code for a soup base is risky because the description explicitly says "Preparations for the manufacture of beverages".
- If customs determines your product is not for beverages, they will reclassify it to a higher tax category (like2106.90.58.50or other 2106.99 subheadings with non-zero rates).
- Do not use this code unless your product is explicitly a beverage mix (e.g., instant hot soup powder sold as a drink alternative).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | Must clearly state if Gelatin is present. If yes β 2106.90.58.50. |
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Describe as "Soup Base," "Broth Mix," or "Flavoring Preparation." Do not describe as "Wheat Flour." |
| β Packaging Photo | βοΈ | Show if it is "Put up for retail sale" (small packets) or "Industrial bulk." |
| β FDA Registration | βοΈ | Food imports require FDA prior notice. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Food Preparation, Not Elsewhere Specified" (NES) |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | To prove composition (e.g., gelatin content <1% vs >1%). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Critical)
π₯ "Gelatin Determines the Rate!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Soup base contains gelatin + Retail Pack | 2106.90.58.50 |
Matches DATA description exactly. Tax: 12.3%. |
| Soup base NO gelatin + Retail Pack | Check Full Tariff | DATA does not provide a non-gelatin retail food code. May fall under 2106.90.99 (Other). Risk: May be subject to higher duty than 0%. |
| Soup base is Beverage Mix (e.g., clear broth drink) | 2106.90.99.73 |
Matches "beverage prep" description. Tax: 0.0%. |
| Product is Raw Wheat Flour with spices mixed in (not a preparation) | Unlikely | If spices are >10-15%, it becomes a "preparation" under Ch 21. If <5%, might be Ch 10, but DATA 1001 is for seed, not food. Avoid. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
- Avoid "Wheat Flour" in Name: Using "Wheat Flour Soup Base" in the invoice description may trigger customs to look at Chapter 10. Since
1001codes are for seed or raw grain, this is a misclassification. Use "Soup Base" or "Seasoning Preparation." - Gelatin Declaration: If your product uses vegetarian gelatin alternatives (agar, carrageenan), state this clearly.
2106.90.58.50specifies "Of gelatin". If no animal gelatin, this code may be rejected. You may need a different2106.90code (not fully provided in DATA, but likely different tax). - De Minimis Warning: If shipping under $800 (Section 321),
2106.90.58.50might still incur duties if not exempt. Check current US CBP de minimis rules for Section 301 items.
π V. Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Likely HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2106.90.58.50 |
12.3% | High duty if gelatin. 2106.90.99.73 is 0% but risky for soup. |
| π¨π³ China | 2106.90 |
~10-15% | VAT 13% + Tariff. Similar classification logic. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2106.90 |
0-9% | Varies by country. No Section 301 style tariffs. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2106.90 |
0-9% | Free trade agreements may reduce to 0%. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most costly market for gelatin-based soup bases (12.3%).
- No duty (0%) is only available if classified as "beverage preparation" or non-gelatin non-retail (if such code existed in data).
- Misclassification Risk: High. Using1001codes is wrong. Using2106.90.99.73for soup is risky.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Classifying as 1001.99.00.00 (Wheat Seed)
π Consequence: Customs rejects because it's food, not seed. Shipment detained.
β Mistake 2: Using 2106.90.99.73 for a non-beverage soup base
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 2106.90.58.50 or higher, charging 12.3% + penalties.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Gelatin Content
π Consequence: If gelatin is present but not declared, and you use a non-gelatin code, it's fraud. If no gelatin but you use 2106.90.58.50, you overpay.
β Correct Action:
"Soup Base, Powder, Retail Pack, Contains Beef Gelatin, Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Salt, Yeast Extract, Gelatin."
π― VII. Conclusion: Strategic Classification for Cost Saving
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Soup Base is Ch 21, not Ch 10!"
πΉ "Gelatin = 12.3% Duty (US)."
πΉ "Beverage Prep = 0% Duty, but only if it's actually for drinks."
π Pro Tip:
If your soup base is gelatin-free and not a beverage, check the full HS Tariff for 2106.90.99.90 (Other) which may have a 0% or low base rate without the 7.5% additional duty if not subject to Section 301. However, based strictly on the provided DATA, 2106.90.58.50 (12.3%) is the only safe, accurate match for gelatin-based retail soup base.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm Gelatin Content with your supplier.
π Define End-Use: Beverage or Food?
π Apply for Pre-Ruling if value is high.
β¨ Precision Classification Saves Money!
πΌ Don't let "Wheat Flour" mislead you to the wrong chapter!
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.