wine hs code 2204215028
CN β USAI Analysis
π· Wine HS Code 2204.21.50.28 (Sparkling Wine of Fresh Grapes)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Sparkling Wine"?
HS Code 2204.21.50.28 specifically refers to Sparkling Wine made from fresh grapes, imported into the United States from China (or subject to US tariff schedules where this code applies).
In international trade, wine is strictly divided into three categories: 1. Still Wine (2204.21.20/2204.21.40): Non-carbonated wine. 2. Sparkling Wine (2204.21.50): Wine with significant carbon dioxide pressure (effervescence) at 20Β°C. 3. Fortified Wine/Sherry (2204.30): Wine with added alcohol.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the wine has COβ pressure > 3 bars at 20Β°C β It is Sparkling Wine (2204.21.50...).
- If it is still wine β It falls under2204.21.20or2204.21.40.
- Note: Many cheaper "sparkling" wines are actually method Charmat (tank fermentation), but as long as they meet the pressure criteria, they are classified as sparkling.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
2204.21.50.28 |
Sparkling wine of fresh grapes (Specific sub-code) | Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, domestic sparkling wines | β High COβ Pressure |
2204.21.20 |
Sparkling wine, bulk | Bulk sparkling wine shipments (not in containers < 2L) | β High COβ Pressure |
2204.21.40 |
Sparkling wine, in containers < 2L | Retail sparkling wine (bottles < 2 liters) | β High COβ Pressure |
2204.21.90 |
Other sparkling wine | Non-grape sparkling (e.g., apple cider sparkling) | β Not from grapes |
2204.21.50 |
Sparkling wine, bulk | Generic bulk sparkling classification | β High COβ Pressure |
π Important Reminder:
- The code2204.21.50.28is a U.S. HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) specific sub-code. It typically denotes Sparkling Wine, Bulk, of Fresh Grapes.
- If your wine is in bottles < 2 liters, you should likely use2204.21.40(or.50.40depending on the year's update).
- Verification: Always check if the wine is "Bulk" (tanks, large bags) vs. "Retail" (bottles). Misclassification leads to severe penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: Varies (Assuming General/China for illustrative purposes of high tariffs)
β Effective Date: 2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 2204.21.50.28 ββ Sparkling Wine, Bulk, Fresh Grapes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 12.8% ad valorem (Standard USMF rate for sparkling wine) |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% (If origin is China) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (If origin is China, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 47.8% (12.8% + 25% + 10%) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 47.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Alcoholic beverages are exempt from Section 321 de minimis for duty purposes in many contexts, but specifically, alcohol has specific excise taxes and higher scrutiny) |
| Legal Path | HTS:2204.21.50.28 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- Sparkling wine is subject to a base duty of 12.8% under HTS 2204.21.50.
- If imported from China, it is hit with the 25% Section 301 tariff (List 3/4 items).
- Additionally, the IEEPA 10% surcharge applies to Chinese alcoholic beverages.
- Total Effective Rate: ~47.8%. This is a high-cost category.
π― 2. 2204.21.40 ββ Sparkling Wine, in Containers < 2 Liters
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 12.8% ad valorem |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% (If origin is China) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (If origin is China) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 47.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 47.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
π Note:
- Retail sparkling wine (bottles) and bulk sparkling wine have the same base duty rate (12.8%) in the US HTS.
- The difference is only in the sub-code description for statistical tracking.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Mandatory for all food/beverage imports to the US. Submit via AFIA portal before arrival. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Proves origin for Section 301 tariff determination. |
| β Label Compliance | βοΈ | Must include: Alcohol content (ABV), sulfite warning, health warning, importer info, country of origin. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Sparkling Wine" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must specify "Bulk" or "Retail Bottles". |
| β TTB Permit | βοΈ | Importer must have a TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) Importer Bond. |
| β Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Entry Summary | βοΈ | TTB Form 5100.31 (Entry Summary) is required for alcohol clearance. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βBulk vs. Retail, Label is Key, TTB Bond First, FDA Notice Done!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Wine (Tanks/Bags) | HS: 2204.21.50.28 (Bulk) |
Declare as bottles β FDA rejection |
| Retail Bottles | HS: 2204.21.40 (Retail) |
Declare as bulk β Customs audit |
| Chinese Origin | Must declare Country: China | Hide origin β Seizure & Fraud charges |
| Sparkling Nature | Must confirm COβ pressure > 3 bars | Declare as still wine β Misclassification penalty |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the importer of record is the US entity with a TTB bond. Foreign brands cannot self-import without a US partner. |
| Mixed Containers (Bulk + Retail) | Split the entry! Bulk and retail have different handling requirements. Mixing causes delays. |
| Wine from Non-China Origins | If from France/Italy/Chile β Section 301 (25%) does NOT apply. Only base 12.8% + IEEPA (if applicable to general China tariffs, but IEEPA is China-specific). Check latest IEEPA scope. |
| Gift Samples | No De Minimis! Alcohol cannot use $800 de minimis exemption. Full duty and TTB clearance required. |
π V. Global Main Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2204.21.50.28 |
47.8% (12.8% base + 35% surcharges) | FDA + TTB Bond | High barrier, strict labeling |
| π¨π³ China | 2204.21.50 |
14% | N/A | Import license required |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2204.21.50 |
0% (if under TRQ) | Ecolabel + Organic (if claimed) | Strict organic certification |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2204.21.50 |
30% (GST) | ALCOM (Alcohol Label Management) | No duty, but high GST + excise |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2204.21.50 |
4.2% | Shuhai (Tax-free) Certificate | Low duty, strict age verification |
π Conclusion:
- The US is one of the most expensive markets for Chinese sparkling wine due to Section 301 + IEEPA tariffs.
- EU and Japan are more favorable for volume, but have strict organic/labeling regulations.
- Australia has no duty but high internal taxes (GST + Excise).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned from Blood and Tears)
β Mistake 1: Ignoring TTB Bond
π Consequence: Cargo detained at port until bond is posted. Demurrage charges mount daily.
β Mistake 2: Missing FDA Prior Notice
π Consequence: Automatic rejection at US border. Return to origin or destruction. Cost: $1,000+ per container.
β Mistake 3: Incorrect Alcohol Content (ABV) Label
π Consequence: TTB rejection. Fine up to $5,000 per violation.
β Mistake 4: Declaring Sparkling Wine as Still Wine
π Consequence: Misclassification. Penalties up to 3x the duty evaded.
β Mistake 5: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies
π Consequence: Alcohol is exempt from Section 321 de minimis. Full duty applies.
β Correct Practice:
βSparkling Wine, Fresh Grapes, 12.5% ABV, Bulk in Tank, FDA Prior Notice #XXXXXXXXXX, TTB Bond #XXXXXXXXXX, Origin: Franceβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Avoid Delays!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βTTB Bond First, FDA Notice Done, Label Right, Duty Paid!β
πΉ βSparkling is Special, 47.8% for China, Donβt Guess, Check the Tariff!β
π Pro Tip:
If your sparkling wine is originating from France, Italy, or Chile, you can avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff. The total duty drops to 12.8%.
Recommendation:
π Contact a US Customs Broker + TTB Specialist
π Ensure FDA Prior Notice is submitted 24-72 hours before arrival
π¦ Verify Label Compliance with TTB standards before shipping
π£ Immediate Action:
πΉ Audit your label for sulfite warnings and health warnings.
πΉ Confirm origin to determine if Section 301 applies.
πΉ Secure TTB Bond before the cargo arrives.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Every drop of wine counts, donβt let customs cost you your profit!
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.