HS 200979 Other

What products does HS 200979 cover?

This subheading covers other mixtures of fruit or nut juices, unfermented and not containing added spirit, not elsewhere specified or included within subheading 2009.7. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2009 clarify that this includes various combinations of juices from fruits or nuts, provided they are unfermented and do not have added alcohol. Specifically, 2009.79 encompasses those mixtures where the predominant ingredient is cherry juice, but the specific mixture does not meet the criteria for other more specific subheadings under 2009.7. For instance, a blend of 60% cherry juice and 40% apple juice would fall here if it's not concentrated and meets the other criteria.

What falls outside HS 200979?

The following products are excluded from HS 200979: single fruit or nut juices, which are classified under their respective specific subheadings within Heading 2009 (e.g., pure cherry juice under 2009.8). Juices that are fermented or contain added spirit are excluded and typically fall under Chapter 22, specifically Heading 2204, 2205, or 2206, depending on the alcoholic content and type. Furthermore, fruit or nut purees, even if intended for beverage use, are generally classified under Heading 2007 or 2008, as they retain a thicker consistency and are not considered "juice" in the context of Heading 2009. Concentrated juices, even mixtures, are classified under their specific concentration subheadings within 2009.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 200979?

A common error is misclassifying single fruit juices as mixtures, or vice versa, particularly when a product is predominantly one juice but contains a minor amount of another. Importers sometimes overlook the "unfermented and not containing added spirit" criterion, leading to incorrect classification of alcoholic beverages. Another frequent mistake involves confusing concentrated juice mixtures with ready-to-drink mixtures; concentrated products have specific subheadings within 2009. Applying General Interpretive Rule (GRI) 1, the legal text of Heading 2009 and subheading 2009.79 must be strictly followed. GRI 6 further dictates that classification at the subheading level is determined according to the terms of those subheadings and any related subheading notes, mutatis mutandis, to the GRIs.

How should importers classify products under HS 200979?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 200979 involves a multi-step process. First, verify that the product is indeed a mixture of fruit or nut juices. Second, confirm that the mixture is unfermented and contains no added spirit. Third, ascertain that the predominant juice in the mixture is cherry juice, and that the mixture does not fit a more specific subheading under 2009.7 (e.g., concentrated). Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review the product's ingredients list, manufacturing process, and intended use. Consulting official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) General Notes and Explanatory Notes, or the EU TARIC system, is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties or delays at customs.