HS 220900 Wine vinegar, in containers holding
Quick Answer: HS Code 220900 specifically covers wine vinegar, regardless of container size. This classification encompasses all vinegar derived from wine, distinguishing it from other types of vinegar (e.g., malt, spirit, or fruit vinegars). Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rate structures across major jurisdictions. For instance, the UK applies specific duties, such as £4.20 per hectoliter (hl), while the EU also uses specific duties, like €6.40 per hl. The United States, however, often applies a specific duty of 2.1¢ per proof liter, but offers duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for imports from countries like Australia, Chile, and Korea. Always verify the specific origin and applicable trade agreements to determine the precise duty liability.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2209009100 | 4.20 GBP / hl | — | — |
| 2209001100 | 5.30 GBP / hl | — | — |
| 2209001900 | 4.00 GBP / hl | — | — |
| 2209009900 | 3.20 GBP / hl | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2209001100 | 6.40 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2209001900 | 4.80 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2209009100 | 5.12 EUR / hl | — | — |
| 2209009900 | 3.84 EUR / hl | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2209000000 | 0.5¢/pf.liter | Free (17 programs) | ["pf.liters","liters"] |
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 2209.00?
Imports of Wine vinegar, in containers holding 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 for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
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 220900 cover?
This subheading covers wine vinegar, which is specifically defined as vinegar derived exclusively from wine. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2209 clarify that this includes vinegar obtained by the acetic fermentation of wine, regardless of the container size or packaging. It encompasses both red wine vinegar and white wine vinegar, provided their origin is solely from fermented grape juice. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system align with this definition, classifying all such products under 2209.00, emphasizing the singular source material for the vinegar.
What falls outside HS 220900?
The following products are excluded from HS 220900: vinegars derived from sources other than wine, such as cider vinegar (from apples), malt vinegar (from malted barley), or spirit vinegar (from distilled alcohol). These alternative vinegars are classified under other subheadings within Heading 2209, specifically 2209.00.20 for cider vinegar and 2209.00.30 for other vinegars in the HTSUS, or corresponding TARIC codes. Additionally, products that are not true vinegars, such as flavored vinegars where the flavoring significantly alters the character of the product, or balsamic vinegars that contain added grape must and do not solely rely on acetic fermentation of wine, may also fall outside this specific subheading, potentially classifying under other food preparations.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 220900?
A common error is misclassifying vinegars derived from non-wine sources as wine vinegar, or vice versa. For instance, a "red wine flavored" vinegar that is actually spirit vinegar with added flavorings should not be classified under 220900. This mistake often arises from insufficient attention to the product's ingredient list and manufacturing process, violating 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. Importers must verify the exclusive wine origin to correctly apply 220900, as other vinegars have distinct subheadings under 2209.
How should importers classify products under HS 220900?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 220900 involves a thorough review of the product's ingredients and production method. Importers and customs brokers must obtain documentation from the manufacturer confirming that the vinegar is exclusively derived from wine through acetic fermentation. This documentation could include a certificate of analysis or a detailed ingredient breakdown. Once confirmed, the product should be declared under HS 220900.00 in the HTSUS for the United States, which carries a 3.5% ad valorem duty rate for most favored nation (MFN) countries, or the corresponding 22090000 code in the EU TARIC system, which typically has a 0% ad valorem duty rate.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for wine vinegar (HS 220900) in key markets, and how is it calculated?
The MFN import duty rates for wine vinegar (HS 220900) vary by importing country or customs union and are typically assessed on a per hectoliter (hl) basis or per proof liter for certain markets. For example, the EU TARIC system may show MFN rates such as 6.40 EUR / hl or 4.80 EUR / hl, depending on specific product characteristics or origin. The UK Global Tariff might list rates like 4.20 GBP / hl or 5.30 GBP / hl. In the United States, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) may apply a duty rate such as 2.1¢/pf.liter or 0.5¢/pf.liter, where 'pf.liter' refers to proof liter, a measure of alcohol content. Importers should consult the official tariff schedule of the destination country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the precise and current MFN rate applicable to their specific product and origin.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for wine vinegar (HS 220900), and how can importers claim these benefits?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty treatment, often resulting in a 'Free' duty rate, for wine vinegar classified under HS 220900, provided the product meets the agreement's rules of origin. Examples of countries or blocs that may offer 'Free' duty rates under specific agreements include Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others. To claim these benefits, importers must ensure the wine vinegar originates from a partner country as defined by the specific Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. This typically requires a Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration from the exporter, which must be presented to customs authorities at the time of import. Importers should verify the specific origin requirements and documentation protocols for the relevant FTA or GSP program.
What are the key classification criteria for wine vinegar under HS 220900, and what distinguishes it from other vinegars?
HS 220900 specifically covers 'Wine vinegar, in containers holding'. The primary classification criterion is that the vinegar must be derived exclusively from wine. This distinguishes it from other types of vinegar, such as malt vinegar (often under HS 220900 if derived from fermented malt), spirit vinegar, or fruit vinegars (e.g., apple cider vinegar, which may fall under HS 220900 if derived from fermented fruit wine, or other headings if not). The 'containers holding' aspect of the heading description is a general qualifier and does not typically impose specific container size restrictions for classification within this heading, though specific duty rates or import regulations might vary based on container size in some jurisdictions. Customs authorities will typically look for evidence of the raw material (wine) and the fermentation process to confirm its identity as wine vinegar. The World Customs Organization's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 22 provide further guidance on the scope of this heading.
Are there any specific documentation requirements, beyond standard customs declarations, for importing wine vinegar (HS 220900)?
Beyond the standard commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of wine vinegar (HS 220900) may encounter additional documentation requirements, particularly concerning food safety, health, and origin. Depending on the importing country, these could include: 1. Health Certificates: Issued by the competent authority in the exporting country, certifying the product's fitness for human consumption and compliance with sanitary standards. 2. Certificate of Analysis: Detailing the product's composition, acidity levels, and other relevant chemical parameters. 3. Certificate of Origin: Essential for claiming preferential duty rates under FTAs or GSP schemes. 4. Ingredient List and Labeling Information: To ensure compliance with local food labeling regulations. 5. Importer Declarations: Confirming adherence to specific national food safety laws. Importers should consult the food and drug administration or equivalent regulatory bodies of the destination country, in addition to customs authorities, to ensure all necessary permits and certifications are obtained prior to shipment.