Candied Cherries

🍒 Candied Cherries: HS Code Classification & 2026 US Customs Duty Guide

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition: Are Your Cherries Really "Candied"?

Candied cherries are preserved fruit products where sugar acts as the primary preservative. In international trade, the precise processing method and final form dictate the HS Code. Misclassification can lead to severe underpayment of duties, especially with current US trade policies.

There are three distinct categories for Candied Cherries under US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS):

1. Cherries in Sugar Syrup (Chopped/Whole): Classed under 2006.00. These are typically maraschino-style cherrels, often chopped or whole, preserved in sugar.
2. Cherries, N.E.S. (Not Elsewhere Specified): Classed under 2006.00 (other subheading). This is a catch-all for sugar-preserved fruits that don’t fit specific descriptions.
3. Prepared Cherries (Sweetened/Consisted): Classed under 2008.60. This includes cherries that are "prepared" or "consisted," often with added flavorings, colors, or specific textures (like Maraschino characteristics) that move them from simple preservation to "prepared food."

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is simply "cherries preserved in sugar" without complex preparation → Chapter 2006.
- If the product has specific Maraschino characteristics or is "prepared/sweetened" in a way that alters its basic state → Chapter 2008.
- Maraschino Cherries specifically often fall under 2008.60 due to their specific preparation and flavoring profile.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)

🔍 Key Insight:
- 2006 vs. 2008: The line is thin. 2006 is for "candied/glacé" (simple sugar immersion). 2008 is for "prepared/consisted" (often involving more processing, specific flavor profiles like Maraschino).
- Maraschino is the key keyword here. If your product is explicitly Maraschino, it leans heavily toward 2008.60.00.20.

💰 III. 2026 US Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on context of additional tariffs)
✅ Effective Date: Current US Trade Policy (Post-2024 Adjustments)

🎯 1. HS Code 2006.00.20.00 – Candied Cherries (Sugar Preserved)

📌 Explanation:
- This is the most common classification for standard candied cherrels.
- The 9.9¢/kg is a specific duty based on weight.
- The 6.4% is the base ad valorem rate.
- 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods.
- 10% is the Section 122 tariff (often applied to agricultural products under certain trade conditions).
- Total Burden: High due to compound duties.

🎯 2. HS Code 2006.00.90.00 – Other Candied Fruits

📌 Explanation:
- This is a higher risk classification if misapplied. It applies to other sugar-preserved fruits not specifically listed.
- No specific duty per kg, only ad valorem.
- Total Rate: 51% is significantly higher than 2006.00.20 for low-weight/high-value items.
- Avoid unless your product genuinely does not fit the "Cherries" specific description.

🎯 3. HS Code 2008.60.00.20 – Maraschino Cherries

📌 Explanation:
- Lower Base Rate than 2006.00.20!
- 6.9¢/kg is cheaper than 9.9¢/kg.
- 4.5% base is lower than 6.4%.
- Why? Maraschino cherries are considered a "prepared food" with higher value-add, sometimes benefiting from different base rates, but still subject to 301 and 122.
- Best Option? If your product is genuinely Maraschino, this HS Code offers the lowest total duty burden.

🎯 4. HS Code 2008.60.00.40 – Sweetened/Prepared Cherries

📌 Explanation:
- Identical tax treatment to 2008.60.00.20.
- Applies to other prepared cherries that don’t fit the "Maraschino" specific description but are still "prepared/consisted."
- Key Takeaway: Any "Prepared/Consisted" cherry (Chapter 2008) enjoys the lower base duty of 6.9¢/kg + 4.5%, compared to "Candied" (Chapter 2006) at 9.9¢/kg + 6.4%.

🛠️ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (The "Golden Rule")

🔥 “Prepared > Candied: Use 2008 for Maraschino, Save Money!”

⚠️ Warning:
- Do not classify Maraschino cherries as 2006.00.20.00 if they meet the definition of 2008.60.00.20. While 2006 might seem similar, 2008 offers a lower base rate.
- However, if you misclassify 2008 as 2006, you might be under-declaring if the base rate is higher, or over-declaring if the base rate is lower.
- Best Practice: Use 2008.60.00.20 for Maraschino-style cherries to minimize base duty.

✅ 3. Special Considerations

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- US Market: HS Code 2008.60.00.20 is the cost-effective choice for Maraschino cherries.
- Avoid 2006.00.90.00 due to the flat 51% rate.
- Always verify if your product qualifies as "Prepared" (2008) vs. "Candied" (2006).

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Calling all sugar-preserved cherries "Candied" and using 2006.00.20.00.
👉 Result: Overpaying base duty if the product is Maraschino (2008).
Fix: Use 2008.60.00.20 for Maraschino.

❌ Error 2: Using 2006.00.90.00 for specific cherries.
👉 Result: 51% duty. Unnecessarily high.
Fix: Use specific subheadings (.20 or .20 in 2008).

❌ Error 3: Ignoring Section 122.
👉 Result: Underpayment of 10%. Penalties and interest.
Fix: Always add 10% for Section 122 on agricultural products from China.

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

"Maraschino Cherries, Pre-packaged, Dyed Red, Almond Flavor, Net Wt. 1kg, HS 2008.60.00.20"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!

🎯 Key Takeaway:

🔹 "Maraschino = 2008.60.00.20 = Lower Base Duty!"
🔹 "Candied = 2006.00.20.00 = Higher Base Duty!"
🔹 "Always add 25% (301) + 10% (122) for China Origin!"

📌 Pro Tip:
If your product is Maraschino, always use 2008.60.00.20. It saves you 3.0¢/kg and 1.9% in base duty compared to 2006.00.20.00. On large volumes, this adds up to significant savings.

📣 Action Step:

📞 Verify with Customs Broker: Confirm if your specific product meets the "Maraschino" definition for 2008.60.00.20.
📄 Prepare Documentation: Include ingredient lists and photos to support the classification.
💰 Calculate Landed Cost: Use the 2008.60.00.20 rate for accurate profit margins.

✨ Clear Customs, Optimize Duties, Maximize Profits!
💼 Every Cent Counts in International Trade!