HS 200981 Juice of any other single fruit, nut or vegetable

What products does HS 200981 cover?

This subheading covers juice of any other single fruit, nut, or vegetable, not fermented and not containing added spirit, that is not specifically provided for in other subheadings of Heading 2009. This includes, for example, single-strength or concentrated juices derived solely from fruits like mango, guava, passion fruit, or lychee, as well as single vegetable juices such as carrot or beet juice, provided they are not mixtures and originate from a single botanical source. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2009 clarify that these are unfermented juices, whether or not concentrated, and whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, but without added spirit. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC align with this interpretation, classifying single juices like pomegranate or cranberry under this specific subheading.

What falls outside HS 200981?

The following products are excluded from HS 200981: fruit or vegetable juices that are mixtures of two or more fruits or vegetables, which are typically classified under HS 200990. For instance, a blend of mango and passion fruit juice, even if both are single juices, would fall outside this subheading due to the mixture rule. Furthermore, fruit or vegetable juices containing added spirit are excluded and would be classified under Heading 2208 if alcoholic beverages, or potentially other headings depending on the spirit content and nature. Nectars, which often contain added water and sugar beyond what's naturally present in the juice, are also generally excluded from Heading 2009 entirely and may fall under Heading 2202 if prepared beverages, or other headings depending on their composition. Juices of specific fruits like orange, grapefruit, pineapple, tomato, grape, or apple are also excluded as they have their own dedicated subheadings within 2009.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 200981?

A common error is misclassifying mixed fruit or vegetable juices under HS 200981. Importers sometimes overlook the "single fruit, nut or vegetable" requirement and attempt to classify blends, such as a mango-guava juice, under this subheading. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes are paramount. In this case, the specific wording "single fruit, nut or vegetable" is crucial. Another frequent mistake involves products that are technically nectars or fruit drinks rather than pure juices, which contain significant added water or other non-juice ingredients, leading to incorrect classification under Heading 2009. These products should be carefully reviewed against the definitions for juices, nectars, and beverages to ensure accurate placement, often resulting in classification outside of Heading 2009 entirely.

How should importers classify products under HS 200981?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 200981 involves a meticulous review of the product's composition and origin. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed a juice derived from a *single* fruit, nut, or vegetable, and not a mixture. This requires obtaining detailed ingredient lists and production specifications from the manufacturer. Secondly, verify that the juice is unfermented and does not contain added spirit. Thirdly, ensure that the specific single fruit, nut, or vegetable juice is not already provided for in another more specific subheading within Heading 2009 (e.g., orange juice, pineapple juice). Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2009, along with the USITC HTSUS General Notes and EU TARIC classification regulations, is essential to confirm the product meets all criteria for "juice of any other single fruit, nut or vegetable."