wine hs code 2204296100

🍷 Wine (Packaged, Alcoholic by Fermentation, Other than Sparkling) — HS Code 2204.29.61.00

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition: What Exactly Is HS Code 2204.29.61.00?

HS Code 2204.29.61.00 falls under Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System (HS), specifically covering "Wines of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading 20.09."

More specifically, this code typically refers to: - Wine of fresh grapes (not sparkling, not sparkling wine with added spirits); - Packaged in containers ≤ 2 liters (commonly bottles up to 750ml, 1L, 1.5L); - Alcoholic by fermentation (natural alcohol from grape fermentation); - Other than sparkling (still wine).

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the wine is sparkling → It belongs to 2204.10.xx;
- If the wine is in containers > 2 liters (e.g., large formats or casks) → It may fall under 2204.29.90.xx or similar;
- If it’s fortified wine (with added spirits) → It may still fall under 2204.29, but some countries differentiate based on alcohol content and fortification method.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)

🔍 Critical Reminder:
- Sparkling wines are classified separately under 2204.10;
- Wine containers > 2 liters may have different duty rates in some countries;
- Fortified wines (e.g., Port, Sherry) often fall under 2204.29 but may require additional documentation.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 2204.29.61.00 —— Still Wine, Packaged ≤ 2 Liters

📌 Explanation:
- The 25% USITC tariff is part of Section 301 duties on Chinese goods;
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is an additional levy on Chinese-origin wine under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act;
- Total 47% is very high, making China-origin still wine highly competitive disadvantage in the US market.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Tips)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Declaration Best Practices

🔥 Golden Rule:
“Specify ‘Still Wine, ≤2L’, not just ‘Wine’; clarify ABV; prove origin.”

✅ 3. Special Cases

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective duty on Chinese wine due to Section 301 + IEEPA;
- EU, China, Australia have more favorable rates;
- Consider origin shifting (e.g., produce in Vietnam, Chile, Mexico) to reduce US duty.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring wine as “Beverage” instead of “Wine”
👉 Consequence: Incorrect HS code → Duty under/overpaid → Penalties

❌ Mistake 2: Not specifying container size
👉 Consequence: If >2L, duty may change → Audit risk

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice
👉 Consequence: Cargo held at port → Delays + Storage Fees

❌ Mistake 4: Using “Sparkling” label for still wine
👉 Consequence: Customs rejects → Return/Rejection

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

“Still Red Wine, 750ml Glass Bottle, 13.5% ABV, Packaged ≤2L, Origin: China, FDA Prior Notice Filed”

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Clearance, Lower Costs, Faster Release

🎯 Key Takeaways:

🔹 “Specify ‘Still Wine, ≤2L’ – not just ‘Wine’”
🔹 “China origin = 47% duty in US – consider alternative origins”
🔹 “Always file FDA Prior Notice for wine imports”
🔹 “Get Certificate of Origin to prove origin for tariff purposes”

📌 Pro Tip:
If your wine is originated in Chile, Australia, Mexico, or Vietnam, you may qualify for lower or zero IEEPA tariffs in the US. Consider repackaging or sourcing from these regions to optimize costs.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Hire a licensed customs broker
📄 Prepare FDA documentation
🗺️ Evaluate origin strategies
🚀 Ensure smooth, compliant clearance

✨ Precision in Classification = Savings in Duty
💼 Every percentage point matters in global trade!