HS Code: 200949
Other pineapple juice
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 20 covers preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants, including plant products preserved by vinegar, sugar, salting, cooking, freezing, etc. This chapter excludes primary agricultural products that have only been simply refrigerated, frozen or temporarily preserved (classified under Chapters 7 and 8), and also excludes foods prepared by other methods (e.g., bakery products classified under Chapter 19). The core of Chapter 20 is plant products that have undergone substantial processing, beyond simple preservation but not reaching the complexity of miscellaneous edible preparations of Chapter 21.
Heading
Heading 2009 specifically refers to fruit juices (including grape must) and vegetable juices, unfermented and not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. This heading covers juices obtained from fresh fruits or vegetables by physical methods such as pressing, extraction, etc., as well as reconstituted juices made by concentration, dilution, blending, etc. The key feature is that the product retains the essential character of the juice, has not undergone fermentation, and usually has an alcoholic strength not exceeding 0.5% by volume. If the juice is fermented to make wine or alcoholic beverages, it is classified under Chapter 22.
Digit Breakdown
Code 200949 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '20' represent Chapter 20 (preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants); digits 3-4 '09' represent heading 2009 (unfermented fruit and vegetable juices); digits 5-6 '49' represent subheading 200949, specifically other pineapple juice. Under heading 2009, pineapple juice is first divided according to whether it contains added sugar or sweetening matter into 200941 (Brix value ≤ 20) and 200949 (other), so 200949 covers pineapple juice with a Brix value > 20, or pineapple juice without added sugar but with a Brix value > 20, and pineapple juice that may have added non-sugar sweeteners but has not changed its essential character.
Classification Basis
The product is pineapple juice, unfermented and not containing added spirit, meeting the basic definition of heading 2009. Under 2009, the subheadings for pineapple juice are primarily based on Brix value: 200941 is for pineapple juice with a Brix value ≤ 20, while 200949 is for pineapple juice with a Brix value > 20, or other pineapple juice not elsewhere specified. Therefore, if the pineapple juice has a Brix value exceeding 20, or is not sweetened but has a high concentration, it should be classified under 200949 rather than 200941. At the same time, care must be taken to distinguish it from other subheadings of 2009 (such as 2009.61 apple juice, 2009.71 grape juice) to avoid misclassification due to fruit type.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect its attributes, such as 'pineapple juice' or 'concentrated pineapple juice'.
⚠️ Only writing 'juice' or 'beverage' without specifying the fruit type.
Ingredient Content
List the main ingredients and their proportions, such as pineapple juice content, water, sugar, food additives, etc.
⚠️ Omitting sugar content or additive information, leading to classification disputes.
Brix Value
Declare the Brix value of the juice, which is the key indicator for distinguishing 200941 and 200949.
⚠️ Failing to provide the Brix value or providing an incorrect value.
Processing Method
Explain the processing technique of the juice, such as pressing, concentration, reconstitution, sterilization, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'processed' without distinguishing between concentration and reconstitution.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging form and net weight, such as '200-liter aseptic bag' or '1-liter carton'.
⚠️ Not indicating net weight or packaging unit, affecting statistics.
Brand
Declare the brand of the commodity (if any); if no brand, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting it.
Production Date
Declare the production date or batch number for traceability.
⚠️ Non-standard format, such as only writing '2024'.
Example:
Product Name: Concentrated pineapple juice; Ingredient Content: Pineapple juice 100% (Brix value 65 after reconstitution); Brix Value: 65; Processing Method: Pressing, concentration, sterilization; Packaging Specifications: 200-liter aseptic bag, net weight 250 kg/bag; Brand: None; Production Date: 2024-05-10.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System'. First, confirm that the product is pineapple juice, unfermented and not containing added spirit, meeting heading 2009. Second, according to the subheading structure, pineapple juice is divided by Brix value: Brix value ≤ 20 is classified under 200941, others under 200949. Therefore, the Brix value is the key determining indicator. If the Brix value > 20, or unsweetened but with high concentration, it is classified under 200949. At the same time, it is necessary to exclude confusion with other subheadings of 2009 (such as other fruit juices), and exclude juices that have been fermented or have excessive alcohol content (Chapter 22).
Confused Codes:
200941 - Pineapple juice with a Brix value ≤ 20
Brix value is the key distinguishing factor. 200941 only applies to pineapple juice with a Brix value ≤ 20, while 200949 applies to pineapple juice with a Brix value > 20. Incorrect declaration will lead to classification errors.
200961 - Grape juice with a Brix value ≤ 20
Different fruit type. 200961 is grape juice, 200949 is pineapple juice. Mistakenly classifying pineapple juice under grape juice code will lead to differences in tariffs and regulatory conditions.
200971 - Apple juice with a Brix value ≤ 20
Different fruit type. 200971 is apple juice, 200949 is pineapple juice. Accurate classification based on actual fruit content is required.
220299 - Other non-alcoholic beverages
220299 is non-alcoholic beverages, which may contain juice but with lower juice content, and may have added water, sugar, flavorings, etc., having lost the essential character of juice. 200949 is pure juice or concentrated juice.
200989 - Other unfermented fruit juices
200989 is other fruit or vegetable juices, not including pineapple juice. Pineapple juice has dedicated subheadings 200941 and 200949, which should be given priority.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How is the Brix value of pineapple juice determined?
A: The Brix value is usually measured using a refractometer or densitometer, expressed as the mass percentage of sucrose solution at 20°C. For concentrated pineapple juice, the Brix value after reconstitution should be declared. If sugar has been added, the total Brix value after addition should be measured. Accurate measurement is key to classification.
Q: If sugar is added to pineapple juice but the Brix value is still ≤ 20, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the Brix value after adding sugar is still ≤ 20, it is classified under 200941. However, note that if a large amount of sugar is added, it may change the essential character of the product, and consideration should be given to whether it should be classified under other headings. Usually, adding a small amount of sugar to adjust taste still classifies as pineapple juice.
Q: If concentrated pineapple juice is diluted and the Brix value decreases, how should it be declared?
A: It should be declared according to the actual state of the commodity. If imported as concentrated juice, declare according to the Brix value of the concentrated juice; if already diluted, declare according to the Brix value after dilution. Do not arbitrarily declare based on the reconstituted value unless the commodity itself is reconstituted juice.
Q: How to distinguish pineapple juice from pineapple beverage?
A: Pineapple juice (2009) is pure juice or concentrated juice with high juice content, without large amounts of water or additives. Pineapple beverage (2202) usually has lower juice content, with added water, sugar, acidulants, etc., having lost the essential character of juice. Judgment is based on juice content and product standards.
Q: Which code should fermented pineapple juice be classified under?
A: If fermented pineapple juice has an alcohol content exceeding 0.5%, it is classified under Chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). If the alcohol content does not exceed the limit but it has undergone fermentation, it may still be classified under 2009, but it is necessary to confirm that the essential character of the product has not changed. Usually, fermented fruit juices are classified under 2206 or 2202.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing pineapple juice under 200949?
A: Regulatory documents depend on the country of origin, trade mode, etc. Usually, a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, etc., are required. For details, consult the 'Registration List of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food' and the 'Import and Export Tariff' published by the General Administration of Customs. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: How to query the tariff rate for 200949?
A: Tariff rates may change. They can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China International Trade Single Window, or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. Note the applicable conditions for MFN rate, agreement rate, general rate, etc. It is recommended to use the rate at the time of actual declaration.
Q: In the declaration elements for pineapple juice, what unit should be filled in for the Brix value?
A: The Brix value is expressed in 'Brix'. Usually, just fill in the numerical value, such as '65'. No unit is required, but ensure the value is accurate. If it is concentrated juice, indicate 'concentrated' and the reconstitution factor.
⚠️ 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.