Chapter 20 covers preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants, including foods processed by pickling in vinegar, preserving with sugar, cooking, freezing, etc. This chapter does not include goods that have undergone only simple preservation treatment (e.g., chilled fruit falls under Chapter 8), nor does it include baked pastries (Chapter 19) or beverages (Chapter 22). The key point is whether the goods have undergone substantial processing that changes their essential character. Heading 2009 covers unfermented and non-alcoholic fruit juices and vegetable juices (including grape juice, apple juice, cranberry juice, etc.), as well as concentrated juices and reconstituted juices. It does not include fermented beverages (Chapter 22) or fruit juice drinks with added alcohol. The key distinguishing point is whether the basic character of the fruit juice is maintained and whether it has not undergone fermentation. First 2 digits 20: Chapter 20, preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants. Digits 3-4, 09: Heading 2009, specifically unfermented fruit juices and vegetable juices. Digits 5-6, 71: Subheading 200971, referring to apple juice with a Brix value not exceeding 20. Brix is a measure of sugar content; ≤20 indicates low-concentration apple juice, typically directly pressed natural juice or lightly concentrated reconstituted juice. Apple juice is classified under 200971 because it is juice extracted from apples by pressing, unfermented and without added alcohol, with a Brix value ≤20. It is distinguished from 200979 (apple juice with a Brix value >20, i.e., highly concentrated juice), as well as from 200990 (mixed fruit juice) or 2202 (beverages with added sugar or water). The key lies in the Brix value and the single-juice characteristic.

Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be stated as apple juice, and indicate whether it is concentrated and whether it is reconstituted. Ingredient Content: List the percentages of apple juice content, water, sugar, additives, and other ingredients, ensuring that apple juice is the basic ingredient. Brix Value: Provide the actually measured Brix value, accurate to one decimal place, used to determine the subheading. Processing Method: State whether it is pressed, concentrated, reconstituted, or processed by other means, and whether it has undergone fermentation. Packaging Specifications: Indicate the packaging type (e.g., bottled, canned, aseptic bag) and net weight, which affect classification and declaration. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, state 'none'. Production Date and Shelf Life: Provide the production date and shelf life for customs inspection and food safety supervision. Product Name: Apple juice (not from concentrate); Ingredient Content: Apple juice 100%; Brix: 11.5; Processing Method: Pressed, pasteurized, unfermented; Packaging Specifications: 1L aseptic carton, net weight 1kg; Brand: XX; Production Date: 2025-01-01; Shelf Life: 12 months. Brix value not accurately measured or declared, leading to confusion between subheadings 200971 and 200979. Declaring under 2009 after adding sugar or water, when it should actually be classified under 2202 (beverages). Failing to indicate the reconstitution process for concentrated apple juice after reconstitution, which may be mistaken for non-concentrated juice. Fermented apple juice (such as cider) incorrectly classified under 2009, when it should actually be classified under 2206.

The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the commodity is apple juice, and is unfermented and without added alcohol; 2) whether the Brix value is ≤20; 3) whether the basic character of the juice is maintained, without excessive added sugar or water. If the Brix value is >20, it is classified under 200979; if sugar or water is added to reduce the juice content, it may be classified under 2202. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether it has been concentrated and reconstituted, but reconstituted juice is still classified under 2009. 200979 Other apple juice: Apple juice with a Brix value >20, typically highly concentrated juice, whereas 200971 is ≤20. 200990 Mixed fruit juice: Made from a mixture of multiple fruit or vegetable juices, where apple juice is not the sole ingredient. 2202 Flavored and sweetened beverages: With added sugar, water, or flavorings, where the juice content is below the prescribed standard and the basic character of the juice has been lost. 2206 Fermented beverages: Apple juice fermented to make cider, etc., containing alcohol, classified under Chapter 22. 2008 Fruit preparations: Apples processed by other methods (such as preserving with sugar, roasting), not in juice form. Has it been confirmed that apple juice is the sole ingredient? Is the Brix value ≤20? Is it free of added alcohol or fermentation? Is it free of excessive added sugar or water? Does the packaging affect classification?

How do I look up the HS code for apple juice? First confirm that the commodity is unfermented apple juice, then measure the Brix value. If ≤20, classify under 200971; if >20, classify under 200979. You may refer to the General Administration of Customs' 'Import and Export Tariff' or use an HS code lookup tool, entering the keyword 'apple juice' and the Brix value. Under which code should concentrated apple juice be declared after reconstitution? If the reconstituted apple juice has a Brix value ≤20, it is still classified under 200971. However, it is necessary to indicate 'reconstituted juice' in the declaration elements and provide the Brix value of the original concentrated juice and the reconstitution ratio, so that customs can confirm. Does adding vitamin C to apple juice affect classification? Adding vitamin C as an antioxidant does not change the basic character of apple juice and it remains classified under 2009. However, if the amount added changes the juice composition or is used as a nutritional fortifier, a specific analysis is required, though it usually does not affect classification. How is Brix measured? Measured using a refractometer or saccharometer, with 20°C as the reference. Calibration is required before measurement, and a homogeneous sample should be taken. The result should be accurate to 0.1. Enterprises may measure it themselves, but customs may re-verify, so it is recommended to retain test reports. How do you distinguish apple juice from apple beverages? Apple juice refers to pure juice or reconstituted juice with 100% juice content; apple beverages have added water, sugar, flavorings, etc., with lower juice content, and are typically classified under 2202. The key is whether the juice content maintains the basic character. What special documents are required for importing apple juice? In addition to the regular customs declaration, invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report (including Brix value), and production date certificate are required. If it is pre-packaged, Chinese label registration is also required. How do I look up the tariff rate for apple juice? Tariff rates vary depending on the country of origin and trade agreements. You may refer to the General Administration of Customs' 'Import and Export Tariff' or use the 'China Customs Import and Export Tariff' inquiry system, entering HS code 200971 and the country of origin to obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. Which regulatory method applies to cross-border e-commerce retail apple juice? Cross-border e-commerce retail imported apple juice typically applies the 9610 or 1210 regulatory method, requiring declaration through a cross-border e-commerce platform and payment of the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive tax. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs announcements.