HS 220600 Piquette
Quick Answer: HS Code 220600 covers "Piquette," a beverage derived from grape pomace, often fermented with water and sugar. It's distinct from wine and typically has a lower alcohol content. Importers and customs brokers should note the varied duty rate structures. For the UK, rates can be complex, including specific duties like 1.00 GBP per % vol/hl or 16.00 GBP per hl. The EU also applies specific duties, such as 7.70 EUR per hl or 1.30 EUR per % vol/hl with a minimum of 7.20 EUR per hl. In the US, duties are generally lower, often expressed in cents per liter (e.g., 1.3¢/liter), with many countries enjoying duty-free status under various trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR). Accurate classification is crucial to avoid misdeclaration, especially given the specific volumetric and alcoholic strength-based duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2206001000 | 1.00 GBP / % vol/hl | — | — |
| 2206003100 | 16.00 GBP / hl | — | — |
| 2206008900 | 4.80 GBP / hl | — | — |
| 2206003900 | 16.00 GBP / hl | — | — |
| 2206005100 | 6.40 GBP / hl | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2206005900 | 7.70 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2206008100 | 5.76 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2206001000 | 1.30 EUR / % vol/hl MIN 7.20 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2206003100 | 19.20 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2206003900 | 19.20 EUR / hl | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2206001510 | — | — | ["liters"] |
| 2206009015 | — | — | ["liters"] |
| 2206009030 | — | — | ["liters"] |
| 2206009025 | — | — | ["liters"] |
| 22060015 | 0.4¢/liter | Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)0.1¢/liter (1 programs) | — |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2206.00?
Imports of Piquette may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)1.8¢/liter for US-Jordan FTA
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 220600 cover?
This subheading covers piquette, which is an alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of marc (grape pomace) to which water has been added. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2206 clarify that piquette is distinct from wine, typically having a lower alcohol content and being made from the secondary extraction of residual sugars from pressed grapes. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, classifying piquette under 2206.00.00, encompassing all such fermented beverages not elsewhere specified or included in Heading 2204 (wine) or 2205 (vermouth).
What falls outside HS 220600?
The following products are excluded from HS 220600: grape wines (fermented from fresh grapes) which are classified under Heading 2204, even if they have a low alcohol content. Vermouth and other wines of fresh grapes flavored with plants or aromatic substances fall under Heading 2205. Furthermore, other fermented beverages (e.g., cider, perry, mead) are also classified under Heading 2206 but in different subheadings, such as 2206.00.20 for cider and perry, or 2206.00.40 for mead. Alcoholic beverages obtained by distillation, such as grape marc spirit (grappa), are classified under Heading 2208, as they undergo a different production process.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 220600?
A common error is misclassifying piquette as wine under Heading 2204. This mistake often arises from a lack of understanding regarding the specific production method and raw materials used. Piquette is derived from fermented grape marc with added water, whereas wine is exclusively from the fermentation of fresh grapes or grape must. Importers might also incorrectly classify piquette as other fermented beverages if they do not precisely identify the grape marc origin. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 220600?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 220600 involves a thorough review of the product's manufacturing process and ingredients. Importers and customs brokers should obtain detailed documentation from the producer, specifically confirming that the beverage is obtained by the fermentation of grape marc to which water has been added, rather than directly from fresh grape must. Verification of the alcohol content is also important, as piquette typically has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to traditional wines. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2206 and cross-referencing with national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC for specific duty rates (e.g., 3.5% ad valorem for certain piquette in the US) will ensure accurate classification and compliance.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is 'Piquette' under HS code 220600 and how is it classified?
Piquette, classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 2206.00, refers to fermented beverages other than grape wine or vermouth, and other fermented beverages (for example, cider, perry, mead, saké); mixtures of fermented beverages and mixtures of fermented beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, not elsewhere specified or included. Specifically, 'piquette' is a beverage made by fermenting pomace (the solid remains of grapes, olives, or other fruit after pressing for juice or oil) with added water and sugar. The key classification criteria under HS 2206.00 are that it is a fermented beverage not falling under more specific headings like grape wine (HS 2204) or beer (HS 2203), and typically has a lower alcohol content than traditional wine. Importers should ensure their product's manufacturing process and alcohol by volume (ABV) align with this definition to avoid misclassification.
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for Piquette (HS 220600) in major markets, and how do preferential rates apply?
MFN duty rates for HS 2206.00 vary significantly by importing country. For example, the UK Trade Tariff applies specific duties such as '1.00 GBP / % vol/hl' or '16.00 GBP / hl' depending on the specific product characteristics and alcohol content. The EU TARIC system may show rates like '7.70 EUR / hl' or '1.30 EUR / % vol/hl MIN 7.20 EUR / hl'. In the United States, the MFN duty rate for certain products under 2206.00.20 (e.g., Cider, perry, and mead) is '1.3¢/liter', while others under 2206.00.90 (e.g., other fermented beverages) may be '0.4¢/liter'.
Preferential duty rates are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, imports into the US from countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) may qualify for 'Free' duty under respective FTAs, provided all rules of origin are met. Imports from Jordan (JO) may be subject to a reduced rate of '0.1¢/liter'. Importers should consult the specific FTA text and provide a valid certificate of origin to claim preferential treatment.
What specific documentation is required for importing Piquette (HS 220600) into the EU or UK?
When importing Piquette (HS 2206.00) into the EU or UK, several key documents are typically required. These include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA). For alcoholic beverages, additional specific documentation is often mandatory. This may include a 'VI-1 document' for certain wine products, though for 'other fermented beverages' like Piquette, specific health and phytosanitary certificates might be required depending on the ingredients and manufacturing process. Furthermore, excise duty declarations are compulsory in both the EU and UK, requiring detailed information on alcohol content and volume. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications, including ABV and ingredient lists, to customs authorities to ensure correct classification and duty assessment. It is advisable to check the latest specific requirements on the EU TARIC database or the UK Trade Tariff for any product-specific import licenses or health certifications.
How do trade agreements like the USMCA or EU-Japan EPA impact the import of Piquette (HS 220600)?
Trade agreements significantly impact the import of Piquette (HS 2206.00) by potentially reducing or eliminating tariffs, provided the product meets the agreement's rules of origin. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Piquette originating from Mexico or Canada and imported into the US would generally qualify for duty-free treatment, replacing the previous NAFTA provisions. Importers must ensure the product satisfies the specific origin criteria outlined in the USMCA text and provide a valid certification of origin.
Similarly, the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) can offer preferential tariff rates for Piquette originating in Japan and imported into the EU, or vice-versa. While the general MFN rate for HS 2206.00 in the EU might be '7.70 EUR / hl', a product originating from Japan and meeting the EPA's rules of origin could benefit from a reduced or zero duty rate. Importers and customs brokers must verify the specific tariff commitments for HS 2206.00 within each agreement and ensure all origin requirements are strictly adhered to for successful claims of preferential treatment.