White Distilled Vinegar
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2103909091 | 23.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2103908000 | 41.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2815120000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2815110000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2209000000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π· White Distilled Vinegar (Pure Acetic Acid-Based Vinegar)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Pro-Level Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "White Distilled Vinegar"?
White distilled vinegar is a clear, acidic liquid made by fermenting grain alcohol (usually from corn, wheat, or barley) into acetic acid, then diluting it with water. It's widely used in food processing, pickling, cleaning, and industrial applications.
In international trade, it's classified under 2209.00.00.00 β a specific subheading that captures vinegar and vinegar substitutes derived from acetic acid, regardless of concentration or intended use.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it's pure acetic acid-based vinegar (even if used for cleaning or industrial purposes) β 2209.00.00.00
- If it's not derived from acetic acid (e.g., fermented fruit vinegar) β different HS Code
- If it's vinegar with added flavorings, sugars, or preservatives β may fall under 2103.90.90.91 (mixed condiments)
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Updated Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Use Case | Origin Type | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2209.00.00.00 |
Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid | Food-grade, cleaning, industrial, pharmaceutical | All origins | β 0% base + 0% additional |
2103.90.90.91 |
Sauces and preparations; mixed condiments; mustard flour and meal; prepared mustard: Other: Other: Other Other | Flavored vinegars, mixed sauces, condiments | China, Vietnam, etc. | β 0% base + 0% additional |
2103.90.80.00 |
Mixed condiments and mixed seasonings: Other | Blended seasonings containing vinegar | China, India, etc. | β 0% base + 0% additional |
π Key Insight:
- Pure white distilled vinegar (from acetic acid) must be declared under 2209.00.00.00 β not under condiment codes like 2103.90.90.91, even if used in cooking.
- Only flavored, sweetened, or mixed vinegar products (e.g., rice vinegar with sugar, balsamic-style blends) fall under 2103.90.90.91.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policy Triggers)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN), Vietnam (VN), India (IN), Mexico (MX), etc.
β Effective Date: January 1, 2025 (updated tariff schedule)
π― 1. 2209.00.00.00 β Pure White Distilled Vinegar (Acetic Acid-Based)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Duty (USITC 301) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes (5% de minimis applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | 2209.00.00.00 β No footnote β Noιε η¨ |
π Explanation:
- Despite being produced in China, white distilled vinegar is NOT subject to any additional tariffs under the USITC 301 or IEEPA programs.
- It is exempt from all trade war tariffs, making it one of the few agricultural/food-grade products unaffected by U.S. China trade restrictions.
- No anti-dumping or countervailing duties apply β this is a clean, duty-free product.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Real-World Tips)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "White Distilled Vinegar, Acetic Acid Based, 5% Acidity, 100% Pure" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include net weight, container number, batch ID |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If claiming preferential treatment (e.g., USMCA, ASEAN) |
| β FDA Food Facility Registration (if food-grade) | βοΈ | Required for human consumption |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | If used in industrial cleaning or manufacturing |
| β Lab Test Report (Acidity Level) | βοΈ | Confirm acetic acid content (e.g., 5%β8%) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear image of bottle, label, and batch number |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Proη³ζ₯ Tips)
π₯ "Label Right, Code Right, Duty Zero!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Pure white vinegar (5% acidity, clear liquid) | 2209.00.00.00 |
Misreported as 2103.90.90.91 (condiment) β higher scrutiny |
| Vinegar with sugar, herbs, or flavorings | 2103.90.90.91 |
Incorrectly declared as 2209.00.00.00 β risk of penalties |
| Industrial-grade vinegar (cleaning, production) | 2209.00.00.00 |
Not subject to extra tariffs β still 0% |
| Bulk shipments (drum-packed, 1000L) | 2209.00.00.00 |
Must declare "for industrial use" if not for food |
π Pro Tip:
Always use the exact product name:
β "White Distilled Vinegar, 5% Acetic Acid, Food Grade, Bulk, For Pickling and Cleaning"
β Avoid vague terms like "vinegar solution" or "cleaning acid" β they trigger audits.
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Vinegar used in food manufacturing (e.g., pickles, sauces) | Declare under 2209.00.00.00 β 0% duty |
| Vinegar for cleaning in factories (e.g., HVAC, dairy plants) | Still 2209.00.00.00 β no extra tax |
| Mixed vinegar blends (e.g., apple cider + white vinegar) | Must be declared as 2103.90.90.91 β 0% duty, but not eligible for 0% under 2209 |
| Vinegar exported from China to U.S. | No tariffs β 0% total β no need to worry about trade war |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 2209.00.00.00 |
0% | FDA, MSDS | No 301/IEEPA tariffs |
| π¨π³ China | 2209.00.00.00 |
5% | CCC, QS | Domestic use only |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 2209.00.00.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No additional duties |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2209.00.00.00 |
0% | RCM, Food Standards | No extra tax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2209.00.00.00 |
0% | PSE, JIS | Duty-free for food-grade |
π Conclusion:
- White distilled vinegar is one of the few food-grade liquids fully exempt from U.S. trade war tariffs.
- No need to worry about 25% or 10% surcharges β 0% is the real rate.
π Six, Common Mistakes & Risk Avoidance (Real-World Pitfalls)
β Mistake 1: Declaring pure vinegar as 2103.90.90.91 (mixed condiments)
π Result: Risk of CBP audit, reclassification, delayed release, penalties
β Mistake 2: Using "cleaning vinegar" in labeling without specifying acetic acid content
π Result: Customs may suspect non-food-grade acid β inspection or rejection
β Mistake 3: Not providing acidity test report
π Result: CBP may require lab testing β costs $500β$2,000, delays 2β4 weeks
β Mistake 4: Shipping vinegar in non-food-grade containers (e.g., plastic drums not FDA-approved)
π Result: Detention at port, refusal of entry, re-export required
β Correct Practice:
βWhite Distilled Vinegar, 5% Acetic Acid, Food-Grade, 100% Pure, 5L Bottles, FDA Registered, MSDS Attached, For Pickling and Cleaningβ
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Zero Tariff, Zero Risk β If You Do It Right!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Pure vinegar β 2209.00.00.00 β 0% duty"
πΉ "Mixed or flavored β 2103.90.90.91 β 0% duty"
πΉ "No 301, no IEEPA, no extra tax β it's a clean product!"
π Pro Tip:
If your vinegar is produced in Vietnam, India, or Mexico, you may qualify for USMCA or ASEAN trade benefits β even better, 0% duty with proper CO.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a licensed U.S. Customs Broker + Submit product photos + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your white distilled vinegar clears customs in under 48 hours β zero tariff, zero hassle!
β¨ Smart Importing Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your savings begin with the right HS Code β not guesswork!
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.