Chapter 20 covers preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants, including those prepared with vinegar or acetic acid, preserved with sugar, homogenized, or preserved by other methods. This chapter does not include vegetables or fruits that have only been simply frozen, dried or temporarily preserved (classified in Chapter 7 or Chapter 8), nor does it include mixed condiments of Chapter 21. The core characteristic is deep processing that changes the original state of the raw materials. Heading 2009 specifically covers unfermented fruit juices (including grape juice) and vegetable juices, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. However, this heading does not include: fermented juices (classified in Chapter 22), juices with added alcohol (usually classified in Chapter 22), and simple mixtures of concentrated juice and water that retain the characteristics of the original juice are still classified here. The key distinguishing point is whether fermentation has occurred or alcohol has been added. The first 2 digits "20" represent Chapter 20: preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants. The 3rd-4th digits "09" represent heading 2009: unfermented fruit juices and vegetable juices, not containing added alcohol. The 5th-6th digits "50" represent subheading 200950: tomato juice. This subheading is not further subdivided; all unfermented tomato juice (including freshly squeezed juice, reconstituted concentrate, sweetened or unsweetened tomato juice) is classified under this code. Note: if tomato juice is fermented or has added alcohol, it is classified in Chapter 22. Tomato juice is the liquid obtained by pressing or extracting tomatoes, which has not undergone fermentation and has no added alcohol, meeting the definition of heading 2009 "unfermented fruit juices and vegetable juices." Tomatoes belong to vegetables (HS Chapter 7), and their juice is vegetable juice, so it is classified under 2009 rather than 2008 (fruit preparations) or 2202 (flavored beverages). The difference from 200990 (mixed juices) adjacent to 200950 lies in whether it contains other fruit juices or vegetable juices.

Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be clearly stated as "tomato juice," avoiding vague expressions such as "tomato beverage." Production Method: Describe the processing technique of the tomato juice, such as pressing, concentration, reconstitution, sterilization, etc., and whether it is fermented. Ingredient Content: List the main ingredients and their proportions, including tomato juice content, water, sugar, salt, additives, etc. Packaging Specifications: Indicate the packaging type and net weight, such as "250ml/can, 24 cans/carton," which affects tax rates and regulatory conditions. Brand: Declare the brand name (in Chinese or foreign language); if there is no brand, indicate "unbranded." Production Date: Fill in the specific production date or batch number for traceability and shelf-life verification. Storage Method: Describe the storage conditions, such as room temperature, refrigeration, and whether sterilized. Product Name: Tomato Juice; Production Method: Tomatoes washed, pressed, filtered, sterilized, filled, unfermented; Ingredient Content: Tomato juice 98%, salt 1.5%, vitamin C 0.5%; Packaging Specifications: 250ml/can, 24 cans/carton, net weight 6kg/carton; Brand: XX; Production Date: 2025-03-01; Storage Method: Store at room temperature away from light. Mistakenly classifying fermented tomato juice (such as tomato vinegar) under 200950, when it should actually be classified under 2209. Tomato juice with added alcohol should be classified under 2206 or 2208, not 200950. Confusing tomato juice with tomato sauce (2002), the latter being a condiment rather than pure juice.

Core classification basis: 1) The product must be unfermented tomato juice; 2) No alcohol may be added; 3) Sugar, salt or other sweetening matter may be added, but the basic character as juice must not be changed; 4) If it is concentrated juice, it must still retain tomato juice characteristics after reconstitution; 5) If mixed with other vegetable juices, it is classified under 200990. Customs will examine the processing technique, ingredient proportions, and whether fermentation has occurred. 200290 Other tomato preparations: 200290 includes tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato sauce, etc., which are concentrated or seasoned preparations, not juice. 200950 refers only to unfermented tomato juice. 200990 Mixtures of fruit juices or vegetable juices: 200990 covers mixtures of two or more fruit juices or vegetable juices, while 200950 refers only to pure tomato juice without admixture of other juices. 220210 Flavored sweetened water: 220210 includes tomato-flavored beverages, which typically have high water content, low tomato juice content, and may be carbonated, while 200950 is pure tomato juice. 220900 Vinegar and vinegar substitutes: 220900 is vinegar produced by fermentation, including tomato vinegar, while 200950 is unfermented tomato juice. 070200 Fresh or chilled tomatoes: 070200 is unprocessed fresh tomatoes, while 200950 is processed tomato juice; the degree of processing differs. Confirm whether the product has undergone fermentation? Has alcohol been added? Does it contain other fruit juices or vegetable juices? Is the tomato juice content more than 50%? Is the processing method only non-fermentation processes such as pressing and concentration?

How do I check the tax rate for HS code 200950? You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." Note that tax rates are subject to policy adjustments; it is recommended to refer to the latest version. You also need to confirm the country of origin and trade agreements to apply the applicable agreement rate. What is the difference in HS codes between tomato juice and tomato sauce? Tomato juice is classified under 200950 and is an unfermented liquid; tomato sauce is classified under 200290 and is a concentrated, seasoned paste product. The processing techniques and forms differ, and strict distinction is required during classification. If a small amount of sugar is added to tomato juice, does it affect classification? It does not. Heading 2009 allows added sugar or other sweetening matter, and as long as the basic characteristics of tomato juice are maintained, it is still classified under 200950. However, if after adding sugar it becomes syrup or a beverage, it may be classified under 2202. Which code should concentrated tomato juice be classified under? If concentrated tomato juice is unfermented and has no added alcohol, it is still classified under 200950. However, if after concentration it is reconstituted with water and retains tomato juice characteristics, it is also classified here. If the concentrated juice is used for further processing, it should be classified according to its actual state. In the declaration elements for tomato juice, how should ingredient content be filled in? The percentages of tomato juice, water, sugar, salt, additives, etc. should be listed in detail. If it is pure tomato juice, indicate 100%. Avoid filling in "tomato juice" generically to prevent customs questioning. What regulatory conditions are required for importing tomato juice? Typically, an official health certificate from the exporting country, certificate of origin, Chinese label, etc. are required. The specific regulatory conditions depend on the country of origin and product status. You can check the General Administration of Customs' "Registration List of Overseas Production Enterprises of Imported Food" and "Catalog of Foods from Countries or Regions with Traditional Trade That Meet Assessment and Review Requirements for Export to China." If tomato juice has fermented, which code should it be classified under? Fermented tomato juice (such as tomato vinegar) should be classified under 2209 (vinegar and vinegar substitutes). If fermentation produces alcohol, it is classified in Chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar). For cross-border e-commerce retail import of tomato juice, is the HS code the same? Yes, 200950 is still used. However, cross-border e-commerce has a separate positive list and tax policies. You need to confirm whether the product is on the list and comply with relevant quotas and declaration requirements.