🌿 Pelletized Hop Extract (啤酒花粉末/颗粒提取物)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Hop Powder"?

Pelletized Hop Extract is the concentrated form of hops, widely used in the brewing industry to impart bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer. In international trade, it is primarily classified based on its physical form and processing level.

The core distinction lies in whether it is considered: 1. Crushed/Milled Whole Hops: Simple physical processing of the hop cone. 2. Primary Plant Extract: A chemical/physical extraction where active compounds (alpha acids) are concentrated. 3. Other Plant Extracts: Falls into broader categories if it doesn't fit specific extract definitions.

⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is merely ground or powdered whole hop cones → It may fall under 1210.20.00.40 (Hop Powder).
- If it is a concentrated extract (higher alpha acid content, processed to remove plant matter) → It falls under 1302.13.00.00 (Extracts of Hops).
- If it is a general plant extract not specifically defined as hop extract → It may fall under 1302.19.91.40.

📦 二、HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- "Hop Powder" (1210.20.00.40) refers to crushed or milled hop cones. It is the primary form of hops before extraction.
- "Hop Extract" (1302.13.00.00) refers to extracts obtained by physical or chemical means. If the product is labeled "Extract" or has high concentration, it must be classified here.
- "Other Plant Extract" (1302.19.91.40) is a fallback category if the product does not fit the specific hop extract definition but is still an extract.

💰 三、2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)

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

🎯 1. 1210.20.00.40 —— Hop Powder (Crushed/Milled Hops)

📌 Explanation:
- Base Duty: Specific duty of 13.2 cents per kilogram applies to hop powder.
- USITC Surcharge: 7.5% is added under Section 301 tariffs.
- IEEPA Surcharge: An additional 10% is applied to Chinese-origin products.
- Total Impact: The combination of specific and ad valorem duties, plus surcharges, results in a significant cost.

🎯 2. 1302.13.00.00 —— Extracts of Hops

📌 Note:
- Base Duty: Specific duty of 89 cents per kilogram applies to hop extracts.
- Surcharges: Same 17.5% total surcharge (7.5% + 10%) as above.
- Comparison: This tariff is significantly higher than hop powder due to the specific duty (89¢ vs. 13.2¢).
- Classification: If the product is indeed an "extract" (concentrated), this is the correct code, but be prepared for higher costs.

🎯 3. 1302.19.91.40 —— Extracts of Other Plants

📌 Note:
- Base Duty: No base duty (0%) for this category.
- Surcharges: Still subject to 17.5% total surcharge.
- Strategy: This code may be used if the product is considered a "general plant extract" rather than a specific hop extract. However, misclassification can lead to penalties.

🛠️ 四、Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All are Mandatory)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)

🔥 "Correct Classification Saves Money: Powder vs. Extract Matters!"

✅ 3. Special Case Handling

🌍 五、Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for hop extracts due to specific duties and surcharges.
- Classification accuracy is critical: Misclassifying extract as powder can lead to severe penalties.
- China-origin products face 17.5% surcharges regardless of the base duty.

📌 六、Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Hop Extract" as "Hop Powder" to avoid higher specific duties.
👉 Consequence: Customs audit reveals high alpha acid content → Penalties + Back Taxes!

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Specific Duty" component.
👉 Consequence: Underestimating costs for 1302.13.00.00 (89¢/kg) vs. 1210.20.00.40 (13.2¢/kg).

❌ Mistake 3: Assuming De Minimis applies.
👉 Consequence: All shipments from China are subject to full tariffs, even for small samples.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Hop Extract, Pelletized, Alpha Acid 10%, HS Code 1302.13.00.00, Country of Origin: China"

🎯 七、Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!

🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:

🔹 "Powder is 13.2¢, Extract is 89¢, Add 17.5% Surcharge, Get it Right!"
🔹 "HS Code Determines Tax, Error Costs Thousands, Declare Accurately!"

📌 Tips:
- If your hops are sourced from New Zealand, Germany, or USA, tariffs may be lower.
- Apply for an Advance Ruling to confirm the correct HS Code before shipment.
- Consult a licensed customs broker for complex classifications.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure Smooth Clearance, Maximize Profit!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Cent of Cost Deserves Precision!