HS 230800 Grape marc

Quick Answer: HS code 230800 covers "Grape marc," also known as grape pomace or grape skins and seeds, which are the solid remains left after pressing grapes for wine production. This includes both fresh and dried marc, used primarily for animal feed, fertilizer, or the extraction of grapeseed oil and other by-products. Duty rates for grape marc vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific product form. The UK Trade Tariff generally applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty. The EU TARIC system shows rates ranging from 0.00% ad valorem to specific duties like 1.62 EUR/kg/tot/alc, particularly for products with residual alcohol content. The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) exhibits a broader range, from Free to 20% ad valorem, with some lines at 10% ad valorem, depending on the specific product description and end-use. Importers and customs brokers must verify the precise classification and duty rate based on the product's exact composition and intended use to ensure compliance and accurate cost assessment.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2308001900 0.00 % — —
2308004010 0.00 % — —
2308009000 0.00 % — —
2308001100 0.00 % — —
2308004000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2308001100 0.00 % — —
2308001900 1.62 EUR / kg/tot/alc — —
2308004000 0.00 % — —
2308004010 0.00 % — —
2308004090 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2308009820 — — ["t"]
230800 — — —
2308009300 Free — ["kg"]
23080098 1.4% Free (17 programs) —
2308009890 — — ["kg"]

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 2308.00?

Imports of Grape marc 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 15 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 230800 cover?

This subheading covers grape marc, which consists of the solid residue remaining after grapes have been pressed for wine production. It typically includes skins, seeds, and stalks. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2308 clarify that this heading encompasses various types of vegetable materials and waste, residues, and by-products, whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC both specify "Grape marc" under 2308.00.00, confirming its scope as the spent material from winemaking, primarily used for animal feed or other industrial purposes.

What falls outside HS 230800?

The following products are excluded from HS 230800: fresh grapes (classified in Chapter 8), dried grapes or raisins (also Chapter 8), and grape seed oil (classified in Chapter 15). Furthermore, grape juice, whether concentrated or not, falls under Chapter 20. Products derived from grape marc but processed to a point where they are no longer merely "marc" in its raw or simply processed form, such as tartrates extracted from marc, would be classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 29. Similarly, if the grape marc has undergone significant processing to extract specific chemical components, those components would be classified according to their chemical identity.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 230800?

A common error is misclassifying grape marc that has undergone minimal processing, such as drying or grinding, as a more refined product. Importers sometimes mistakenly believe that any processing beyond the initial pressing removes it from 230800. However, as per General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, the legal text of the heading and relevant section/chapter notes are paramount. The WCO Explanatory Notes confirm that products of this heading may be in the form of pellets, indicating that some processing is permissible. Another mistake is confusing grape marc with other fruit pomace or residues, which are classified under different subheadings within 2308 or other headings entirely, requiring careful attention to the specific fruit source.

How should importers classify products under HS 230800?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 230800 involves first verifying that the product is indeed the solid residue from grape pressing for wine production, consisting primarily of skins, seeds, and stalks. Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2308 to confirm the scope and acceptable forms (e.g., pellets). Next, they should cross-reference with the specific national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to ensure alignment with national interpretations. If there's any doubt regarding the level of processing, obtaining a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs authorities in the EU) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 230700 HS 220820 HS 230310 HS 230330 HS 230320 HS 230110

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is 'Grape Marc' under HS code 230800, and what are its primary uses?

HS code 230800 specifically covers 'Other animal feed preparations; products of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included.' Grape marc, also known as grape pomace, refers to the solid residue remaining after grapes have been pressed for wine production. It consists of grape skins, seeds, and stems. Its primary uses, particularly when classified under 230800, are as an ingredient in animal feed, a source for tartaric acid, or for the distillation of spirits (like grappa). For classification under 230800, the product must be identifiable as a preparation for animal feeding or a product of a kind used in animal feeding, not merely raw grape waste.

What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for importing grape marc (HS 230800) into major markets, and are there significant variations?

The MFN duty rates for HS 230800 can vary significantly by importing country or customs union. For example:

  • United States (USITC): The MFN (Normal Trade Relations) duty rate for HS 2308.00.00 is 0.0% ad valorem.
  • European Union (TARIC): The MFN duty rate for 2308 00 00 can be complex, often 'Free' for certain forms, but specific preparations might incur duties such as '1.62 EUR / kg/tot/alc' if it contains alcohol and is intended for certain uses, or '0.00 %' ad valorem for other forms. Importers should consult the EU TARIC system for the exact classification and duty based on the specific product description and end-use.
  • United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff): The MFN duty rate for 2308 00 00 00 is typically 0.0% ad valorem.
  • Other Markets: Rates can range from 'Free' (0.0%) to '10%' or even '20%' ad valorem in some jurisdictions. Importers must verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country using the official customs tariff database for that country, as rates are subject to change and can depend on the precise nature of the 'grape marc' preparation.
Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreements that commonly impact the import of grape marc (HS 230800)?

Yes, preferential duty rates often apply to HS 230800 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs. For instance:

  • NAFTA/USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement): Imports of grape marc originating from Mexico or Canada into the U.S. are typically duty-free.
  • EU FTAs: The EU has numerous FTAs (e.g., with Mercosur, Canada, Japan, etc.) that could grant preferential duty-free access or reduced rates for grape marc originating from partner countries.
  • UK FTAs: Similar to the EU, the UK's independent FTAs (e.g., with Australia, Japan) may offer preferential treatment. To claim preferential rates, importers must ensure the product meets the Rules of Origin requirements of the specific agreement and possess the necessary origin documentation (e.g., a certificate of origin or origin declaration). Customs brokers can provide guidance on specific agreement eligibility.
What documentation is typically required for the customs clearance of grape marc (HS 230800)?

For the customs clearance of grape marc under HS 230800, standard import documentation is required, which generally includes:

  1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods, value, and parties involved.
  2. Packing List: Itemizing the contents of each package.
  3. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: The transport document.
  4. Certificate of Origin: If claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA or GSP program. This is crucial for obtaining 'Free' or reduced duties.
  5. Phytosanitary Certificate: Depending on the importing country's regulations and the intended use (e.g., for animal feed), a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's plant health authority may be required to attest to the product's freedom from pests and diseases.
  6. Ingredient List/Product Specification: Especially if the grape marc is a 'preparation' for animal feed, customs may request detailed specifications to confirm its classification under 230800 and ensure compliance with feed safety regulations. Importers should consult the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs and agricultural authorities prior to shipment.