plain kefir drink
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2202992800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2202991000 | 34.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 040310 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 220299 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π₯ Plain Kefir Drink (Fermented Milk Beverage)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Plain Kefir Drink"?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink made by the fermentation of milk with kefir grains (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts). In international trade, classification hinges on whether it is treated as a dairy product or a non-alcoholic beverage.
Key Distinction: * Fermented Dairy (Heading 0403): If the product is primarily defined by its fermentation process and milk base, it typically falls under Chapter 4. * Non-Alcoholic Beverage (Heading 2202): If it is heavily processed, flavored, sweetened, or defined more as a "drink" than a dairy staple, it may fall under Chapter 22.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- "Plain" (Unflavored, Unsweetened): Typically classified as a fermented dairy product under 0403.90 (Other fermented milk).
- Sweetened/Flavored: Often pushed into 2202.99 (Non-alcoholic beverages) if added sugar exceeds certain thresholds or if the product structure changes significantly.
- Liquid Milk-Based Drinks: If not classified as cheese/yogurt/kefir proper but as a "milk-based drink," it may fall under 2202.99.28.00 or 2202.99.10.00 depending on specific composition.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS codes are derived directly from the provided dataset. Note that some entries show retrieval errors, indicating complex or variable classification criteria.
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
0403.10 |
Buttermilk, yogurt and kephir, flavoured or not flavoured or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or fruit or cocoa | β Error (Failed to retrieve tax information) | Primary Candidate for Plain Kefir. Traditionally, plain kefir falls here. However, tax data is unavailable in this dataset. |
2202.99.28.00 |
Waters, including mineral waters... and other non-alcoholic beverages... Milk-based drinks: Other: Other | β 0.0% | Base Tariff: 0.0%, Additional: 0.0%. Lowest Risk. Suitable for unflavored/un-sweetened milk drinks if not classified as Chapter 4. |
2202.99.10.00 |
Waters... and other non-alcoholic beverages... Milk-based drinks: Chocolate milk drink | β οΈ 24.5% | Base Tariff: 17.0%, Additional: 7.5%. Only for Chocolate Kefir. Do NOT use for Plain Kefir. |
2202.99 |
Other non-alcoholic beverages (if not classified in chapter 4 as a dairy product) | β Error (Failed to retrieve tax information) | General fallback for non-dairy classified beverages. |
π Classification Strategy:
- Plain Kefir is traditionally 0403.10. Since tax data is missing, consult local customs or use the 2202.99.28.00 option if customs accepts it as a "milk-based drink" under Chapter 22.
- Sweetened/Flavored Kefir may be forced into 2202.99.28.00 or 2202.99, depending on sugar content and processing.
- Chocolate Kefir is explicitly 2202.99.10.00 with a 24.5% tariff.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (From Provided Data)
π― 1. 2202.99.28.00 ββ Milk-based drinks (Other/Plain/Unflavored)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Milk-based drinks (Other) |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 0.0%" |
| Applicability | β Suitable for Plain Kefir if classified under Chapter 22 as a "milk-based drink." |
π Why This Matters:
- This is the most favorable tariff rate in the provided dataset.
- If customs accepts Plain Kefir as a "milk-based drink" under 2202.99.28.00 (rather than 0403.10), you pay zero tariffs.
- Risk: Customs may reject this classification if they insist on Chapter 4 for fermented dairy.
π― 2. 2202.99.10.00 ββ Chocolate Milk Drink
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Chocolate milk drink |
| Base Tariff | 17.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 24.5% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 17.0%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 7.5%" |
| Applicability | β NOT for Plain Kefir. Only for chocolate-flavored milk drinks. |
π Warning:
- Misclassifying Plain Kefir as "Chocolate Milk Drink" is incorrect and may lead to penalties.
- Misclassifying Chocolate Kefir under 2202.99.28.00 (0% tariff) is fraudulent and high-risk.
π― 3. 0403.10 ββ Buttermilk, Yogurt, and Kephilr (Fermented Dairy)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Kefir (Flavored or Not Flavored) |
| Tax Status | β Error (Failed to retrieve tax information) |
| Implication | Uncertainty. If customs enforces Chapter 4, tax rates may vary by country (e.g., EU 0%, US ~6-10%). Check local tariffs separately. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Label | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plain Kefir," "Unsweetened," "Unflavored." |
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | Proves no added sugar/flavorings. Critical for avoiding 2202.99.10.00. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Shows fermentation process, microbial content, pH level. |
| β Processing Description | βοΈ | Explain if it's fresh, pasteurized, or UHT. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Plain Kefir Beverage, Milk-Based, Unsweetened." |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To determine if preferential tariffs apply (if any). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ "Plain = Low Tax, Chocolate = High Tax, Dairy = Uncertain Tax!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Kefir (Unflavored, Unsweetened) | 2202.99.28.00 |
π’ Low | Best Option. 0% tariff. Justify as "milk-based drink." |
| Plain Kefir (If Chapter 4 enforced) | 0403.10 |
π‘ Medium | Tax data missing. Verify local rates. |
| Chocolate Kefir | 2202.99.10.00 |
π’ Low | Clear classification. 24.5% tariff. |
| Flavored/Sweetened Kefir | 2202.99.28.00 or 2202.99 |
π‘ Medium | Depends on sugar content. May be 0% or Error. |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Customs Challenges Classification | Provide COA and ingredient list. Argue that it is a "beverage" (2202) not a "dairy product" (0403) if it has low milk solid content or is heavily processed. |
| Chocolate Kefir | Do NOT under-declare. Use 2202.99.10.00 and pay 24.5%. |
| Plain Kefir | If 0403.10 has high local tariffs, try to argue for 2202.99.28.00 (0% tariff). |
| Mixed Flavors | Declare each flavor separately. Plain goes to 2202.99.28.00; Chocolate goes to 2202.99.10.00. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (From Provided Data)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provided Dataset (Likely US/China) | 2202.99.28.00 |
0.0% | Best for Plain Kefir. |
| Provided Dataset (Chocolate) | 2202.99.10.00 |
24.5% | Only for Chocolate. |
| Chapter 4 (Global Standard) | 0403.10 |
Varies | Tax data missing. Check local rates. |
π Conclusion:
- Plain Kefir has a 0% tariff if classified as2202.99.28.00.
- Chocolate Kefir has a 24.5% tariff under2202.99.10.00.
- Plain Kefir under0403.10is uncertain due to missing tax data.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Plain Kefir as 2202.99.10.00 (Chocolate)
π Result: Overpaying 24.5% tariff.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Chocolate Kefir as 2202.99.28.00 (Plain)
π Result: Underpaying 24.5% tariff. High risk of penalties.
β Mistake 3: Assuming 0403.10 has the same tax as 2202.99.28.00
π Result: Tax data is missing. Must verify locally.
β Correct Approach:
"Plain Kefir, Unflavored, Unsweetened, 1L Bottle" β
2202.99.28.00(0% tariff)
"Chocolate Kefir, Sweetened, 1L Bottle" β2202.99.10.00(24.5% tariff)
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Plain is 0%, Chocolate is 24.5%, Dairy is Uncertain!"
πΉ "Document your ingredients! Prove it's plain!"
π Tips:
- If customs insists on 0403.10, consult a local customs broker to determine the exact tax rate.
- For Plain Kefir, strive for 2202.99.28.00 to enjoy 0% tariff.
- For Chocolate Kefir, accept the 24.5% tariff under 2202.99.10.00.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact customs broker + Provide ingredient list + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Clear customs smoothly, minimize costs, maximize profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tax saved is a cent of profit 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.