Chapter 20 covers preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants, including products preserved by vinegar, sugar, heating, freezing, etc., but excludes fresh products of Chapter 7 or Chapter 8 or headings that are only simply refrigerated. This chapter mainly targets plant products that have undergone deep processing and changed their basic characteristics, such as canned goods, jams, fruit juices, seasonings, etc. Heading 2009 covers unfermented and non-alcoholic fruit juices and vegetable juices (including grape juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, etc.), as well as mixtures of these juices. However, it excludes beverages that have been fermented after adding water, sugar or sweeteners, and also excludes products that remain concentrated after reconstitution of concentrated juice. Under this heading, it is further subdivided by fruit type and whether it is concentrated. First 2 digits 20: indicates Chapter 20, i.e., preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants. Digits 3-4 09: indicates heading 2009, i.e., unfermented and non-alcoholic fruit juices and vegetable juices. Digits 5-6 12: indicates subheading 200912, specifically non-frozen orange juice, i.e., orange juice that has not undergone freezing treatment, usually referring to not-from-concentrate orange juice (NFC) or directly squeezed fresh orange juice, but attention must be paid to its difference from frozen orange juice (200911) and concentrated orange juice (200919). This product is non-frozen orange juice, has not undergone fermentation or added alcohol, and has not undergone freezing treatment, so it is classified under 2009.12. If it had undergone freezing treatment, it would be classified under 2009.11; if it were concentrated orange juice, it would be classified under 2009.19. In addition, if the orange juice is only simply refrigerated without changing its basic characteristics, it may be classified under Chapter 8 fresh fruit, but this code targets orange juice products that have already been squeezed.
Chapter
Chapter 20 covers preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants, including products preserved by vinegar, sugar, heating, freezing, etc., but excludes fresh products of Chapter 7 or Chapter 8 or headings that are only simply refrigerated. This chapter mainly targets plant products that have undergone deep processing and changed their basic characteristics, such as canned goods, jams, fruit juices, seasonings, etc.
Heading
Heading 2009 covers unfermented and non-alcoholic fruit juices and vegetable juices (including grape juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, etc.), as well as mixtures of these juices. However, it excludes beverages that have been fermented after adding water, sugar or sweeteners, and also excludes products that remain concentrated after reconstitution of concentrated juice. Under this heading, it is further subdivided by fruit type and whether it is concentrated.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 20: indicates Chapter 20, i.e., preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants. Digits 3-4 09: indicates heading 2009, i.e., unfermented and non-alcoholic fruit juices and vegetable juices. Digits 5-6 12: indicates subheading 200912, specifically non-frozen orange juice, i.e., orange juice that has not undergone freezing treatment, usually referring to not-from-concentrate orange juice (NFC) or directly squeezed fresh orange juice, but attention must be paid to its difference from frozen orange juice (200911) and concentrated orange juice (200919).
Classification Basis
This product is non-frozen orange juice, has not undergone fermentation or added alcohol, and has not undergone freezing treatment, so it is classified under 2009.12. If it had undergone freezing treatment, it would be classified under 2009.11; if it were concentrated orange juice, it would be classified under 2009.19. In addition, if the orange juice is only simply refrigerated without changing its basic characteristics, it may be classified under Chapter 8 fresh fruit, but this code targets orange juice products that have already been squeezed.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "non-frozen orange juice" or "not-from-concentrate orange juice", which must be consistent with the actual goods. Ingredient content: Indicate the orange juice content, whether sugar, water, preservatives, etc. have been added, and the soluble solids content (Brix value). Processing method: Explain whether concentration, freezing, sterilization, etc. have been carried out, such as "not concentrated, not frozen, pasteurized". Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging type and net weight, such as "carton, 1 liter/box" or "plastic bottle, 500 ml/bottle". Brand: Declare the brand of the commodity, such as "NFC", "Sunkist", etc.; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand". Production date: Declare the specific production date or batch number to facilitate traceability and shelf-life verification. Country of origin: Declare the country of origin of the orange juice, which affects the application of tariffs and trade agreements. Product name: not-from-concentrate orange juice; Ingredient content: orange juice 100%, soluble solids 11.5%, no added sugar; Processing method: not concentrated, not frozen, pasteurized; Packaging specifications: carton, 1 liter/box, 12 boxes/carton; Brand: NFC; Production date: 2025-03-15; Country of origin: Brazil. Mistakenly classifying non-frozen orange juice under 2009.11 (frozen orange juice), ignoring the key difference of freezing treatment. Failure to accurately declare the Brix value, leading to confusion with concentrated orange juice (2009.19). Ignoring the declaration of added ingredients, such as added sugar or water, which may change the classification.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "non-frozen orange juice" or "not-from-concentrate orange juice", which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Incorrectly written as "fresh orange juice" or "frozen orange juice", leading to classification errors.
Ingredient content
Indicate the orange juice content, whether sugar, water, preservatives, etc. have been added, and the soluble solids content (Brix value).
⚠️ Failure to indicate the Brix value or added ingredients, affecting classification determination.
Processing method
Explain whether concentration, freezing, sterilization, etc. have been carried out, such as "not concentrated, not frozen, pasteurized".
⚠️ Omission of key processing steps, such as failure to state whether freezing was carried out.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging type and net weight, such as "carton, 1 liter/box" or "plastic bottle, 500 ml/bottle".
⚠️ Packaging specifications inconsistent with the actual goods, affecting customs inspection.
Brand
Declare the brand of the commodity, such as "NFC", "Sunkist", etc.; if there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ False or omitted brand declaration, leading to intellectual property issues.
Production date
Declare the specific production date or batch number to facilitate traceability and shelf-life verification.
⚠️ Non-standard date format or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Country of origin
Declare the country of origin of the orange juice, which affects the application of tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ Incorrect declaration of the country of origin, such as mistakenly reporting the processing country as the country of origin.
Example： Product name: not-from-concentrate orange juice; Ingredient content: orange juice 100%, soluble solids 11.5%, no added sugar; Processing method: not concentrated, not frozen, pasteurized; Packaging specifications: carton, 1 liter/box, 12 boxes/carton; Brand: NFC; Production date: 2025-03-15; Country of origin: Brazil.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying non-frozen orange juice under 2009.11 (frozen orange juice), ignoring the key difference of freezing treatment.
Failure to accurately declare the Brix value, leading to confusion with concentrated orange juice (2009.19).
Ignoring the declaration of added ingredients, such as added sugar or water, which may change the classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1. whether the commodity is orange juice; 2. whether it has undergone freezing treatment; 3. whether it has undergone concentration treatment. Non-frozen orange juice (2009.12) must simultaneously satisfy the conditions of being non-frozen and non-concentrated; if frozen, it is classified under 2009.11, and if concentrated, it is classified under 2009.19. In addition, if the orange juice is only simply refrigerated without changing its basic characteristics, it may be classified under Chapter 8. 200911 Frozen orange juice: 200911 is frozen orange juice, i.e., orange juice that has undergone freezing treatment, while 200912 is non-frozen orange juice. The core difference lies in whether freezing treatment has been carried out. 200919 Other orange juice: 200919 is other orange juice, usually referring to concentrated orange juice or orange juice not otherwise specified, while 200912 specifically refers to non-frozen non-concentrated orange juice. The core difference lies in whether it is concentrated. 200990 Mixed fruit juice: 200990 is mixed fruit juice, i.e., a mixture of multiple fruit juices, while 200912 is pure orange juice. The core difference lies in whether other fruit juices are mixed in. 080510 Fresh oranges: 080510 is fresh or dried oranges, belonging to Chapter 8 fruit, while 200912 is orange juice that has already been squeezed. The core difference lies in whether juice extraction processing has been carried out. Has it been confirmed that the commodity is orange juice rather than other fruit juice? Has it been confirmed that the commodity has not undergone freezing treatment? Has it been confirmed that the commodity has not undergone concentration treatment? Have the Brix value and added ingredients been accurately declared? Have the country of origin and brand information been verified?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1. whether the commodity is orange juice; 2. whether it has undergone freezing treatment; 3. whether it has undergone concentration treatment. Non-frozen orange juice (2009.12) must simultaneously satisfy the conditions of being non-frozen and non-concentrated; if frozen, it is classified under 2009.11, and if concentrated, it is classified under 2009.19. In addition, if the orange juice is only simply refrigerated without changing its basic characteristics, it may be classified under Chapter 8.
Confused Codes：
200911 - Frozen orange juice
200911 is frozen orange juice, i.e., orange juice that has undergone freezing treatment, while 200912 is non-frozen orange juice. The core difference lies in whether freezing treatment has been carried out.
200919 - Other orange juice
200919 is other orange juice, usually referring to concentrated orange juice or orange juice not otherwise specified, while 200912 specifically refers to non-frozen non-concentrated orange juice. The core difference lies in whether it is concentrated.
200990 - Mixed fruit juice
200990 is mixed fruit juice, i.e., a mixture of multiple fruit juices, while 200912 is pure orange juice. The core difference lies in whether other fruit juices are mixed in.
080510 - Fresh oranges
080510 is fresh or dried oranges, belonging to Chapter 8 fruit, while 200912 is orange juice that has already been squeezed. The core difference lies in whether juice extraction processing has been carried out.
Self-Check：
✓ Has it been confirmed that the commodity is orange juice rather than other fruit juice?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the commodity has not undergone freezing treatment?
✓ Has it been confirmed that the commodity has not undergone concentration treatment?
✓ Have the Brix value and added ingredients been accurately declared?
✓ Have the country of origin and brand information been verified?
❓ FAQ
How can non-frozen orange juice and frozen orange juice be distinguished? Non-frozen orange juice (2009.12) has not undergone freezing treatment and is usually transported under refrigeration or at room temperature; frozen orange juice (2009.11) has undergone freezing treatment and is in a frozen state. When declaring, a description of the processing method must be provided, such as "non-frozen" or "frozen". What is the difference in classification between non-concentrated orange juice and concentrated orange juice? Non-concentrated orange juice (2009.12) has not been concentrated and remains in its original juice state; concentrated orange juice (2009.19) has undergone concentration treatment and usually needs to be reconstituted before drinking. When classifying, the Brix value must be declared; the Brix value of concentrated orange juice is usually higher. If sugar is added to orange juice, is it still classified under 2009.12? If sugar is added only to maintain sweetness and does not change the basic characteristics, it may still be classified under 2009.12, but the added ingredients must be declared. If the addition of sugar causes the product to become a beverage or to ferment, it may be classified under Chapter 22. In the declaration elements for non-frozen orange juice, how should the Brix value be filled in? The Brix value refers to the soluble solids content and must be filled in according to actual test results, such as "11.5%". The Brix value of non-concentrated orange juice is usually between 10-12%, while that of concentrated orange juice is higher. What special documents are required for importing non-frozen orange juice? Usually a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, production date certificate, etc. are required. The specific document requirements depend on customs and inspection and quarantine regulations; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance. How can the tariff rate for non-frozen orange juice be checked? Tariff rates may change. The latest rates can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China Free Trade Area Service Network, or by consulting a customs broker. At the same time, attention should be paid to preferential tariff rates under trade agreements, if applicable. If the orange juice has undergone pasteurization, does it affect classification? Pasteurization is a heat treatment, but it does not change the basic characteristics of orange juice, so it is still classified under 2009.12. The key to classification is whether it is frozen or concentrated, not the sterilization method. For cross-border e-commerce sales of non-frozen orange juice, how should the HS code be declared? Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual commodity. If it is non-frozen non-concentrated orange juice, use 2009.12. Attention must be paid to the difference between declaration of personal items and goods, and compliance with cross-border e-commerce retail import policies.
Q: How can non-frozen orange juice and frozen orange juice be distinguished?
A: Non-frozen orange juice (2009.12) has not undergone freezing treatment and is usually transported under refrigeration or at room temperature; frozen orange juice (2009.11) has undergone freezing treatment and is in a frozen state. When declaring, a description of the processing method must be provided, such as "non-frozen" or "frozen".
Q: What is the difference in classification between non-concentrated orange juice and concentrated orange juice?
A: Non-concentrated orange juice (2009.12) has not been concentrated and remains in its original juice state; concentrated orange juice (2009.19) has undergone concentration treatment and usually needs to be reconstituted before drinking. When classifying, the Brix value must be declared; the Brix value of concentrated orange juice is usually higher.
Q: If sugar is added to orange juice, is it still classified under 2009.12?
A: If sugar is added only to maintain sweetness and does not change the basic characteristics, it may still be classified under 2009.12, but the added ingredients must be declared. If the addition of sugar causes the product to become a beverage or to ferment, it may be classified under Chapter 22.
Q: In the declaration elements for non-frozen orange juice, how should the Brix value be filled in?
A: The Brix value refers to the soluble solids content and must be filled in according to actual test results, such as "11.5%". The Brix value of non-concentrated orange juice is usually between 10-12%, while that of concentrated orange juice is higher.
Q: What special documents are required for importing non-frozen orange juice?
A: Usually a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, production date certificate, etc. are required. The specific document requirements depend on customs and inspection and quarantine regulations; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance.
Q: How can the tariff rate for non-frozen orange juice be checked?
A: Tariff rates may change. The latest rates can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China Free Trade Area Service Network, or by consulting a customs broker. At the same time, attention should be paid to preferential tariff rates under trade agreements, if applicable.
Q: If the orange juice has undergone pasteurization, does it affect classification?
A: Pasteurization is a heat treatment, but it does not change the basic characteristics of orange juice, so it is still classified under 2009.12. The key to classification is whether it is frozen or concentrated, not the sterilization method.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of non-frozen orange juice, how should the HS code be declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual commodity. If it is non-frozen non-concentrated orange juice, use 2009.12. Attention must be paid to the difference between declaration of personal items and goods, and compliance with cross-border e-commerce retail import policies.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.