Chapter 21 is the "Miscellaneous Edible Preparations" category in the HS classification system, covering food preparations not included in other chapters. It mainly includes: extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea, and maté, and preparations thereof; yeasts and baking powders; sauces and preparations therefor; soups and broths and preparations therefor; homogenized composite food preparations; ice cream and other edible ice; and food preparations not elsewhere specified. Goods under this chapter are mostly mixed food products that have undergone complex processing and usually do not correspond directly to a single agricultural product, but instead appear in the form of seasonings, table condiments, or convenience foods. Heading 2103 covers "Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings; mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard." It specifically includes: soy sauce, tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces, mustard flour and mustard paste, and various mixed condiments. These products are typically used to add flavor, accompany meals, or for cooking, and their common feature is that they are blended and processed rather than being a single raw material. Products under this heading must possess the essential character of condiments, rather than serving as a staple food or dish. HS code 210320 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "21" represent Chapter 21 "Miscellaneous Edible Preparations," indicating that the goods belong to the food preparations category rather than primary agricultural products or beverages. The 3rd-4th digits "03" represent heading 2103 "Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings; mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard," indicating that the goods are condiments rather than other foods. The 5th-6th digits "20" are the subheading, specifically referring to "Tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces," i.e., sauces based on tomatoes, distinguished from soy sauce (210310) and mustard (210330). Therefore, 210320 fully points to a sauce with tomato as the main ingredient. Tomato ketchup is classified under 210320 because it is a sauce made from tomato as the base, through concentration and seasoning, conforming to the description of heading 2103 "sauces and preparations therefor." It does not belong to Chapter 20 tomato products (such as 2002) because 2002 refers to tomatoes preserved by methods other than vinegar or acetic acid, rather than a sauce. Nor does it belong to Chapter 7 fresh tomatoes, as it has been deeply processed. The difference from 210390 (other sauces and mixed condiments) is that 210320 specifically refers to tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces, while 210390 covers other sauces and mixed condiments not elsewhere specified.

Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as "Tomato Ketchup" or "Tomato Sauce," which must be consistent with the commercial invoice. Ingredient Content: List the main ingredients and their percentages, such as tomato concentrate, sugar, vinegar, salt, spices, etc., which must accurately reflect the formula. Packaging Specifications: State the packaging form (such as bottled, canned, bagged) and net content, e.g., "340g/bottle, 24 bottles/carton." Brand: Declare the brand of the goods, such as "Heinz," "McCormick," etc. If there is no brand, indicate "No Brand." Processing Method: Briefly describe the processing technique, such as "tomatoes washed, crushed, concentrated, blended, sterilized, filled." Use: State the main use, such as "table seasoning," "cooking seasoning," etc. Production Date/Shelf Life: Provide the production date and shelf life to ensure compliance with food safety requirements. Country (Region) of Origin: Declare the country or region of origin of the goods, such as "United States," "Italy." Customs declaration example: Product Name: Tomato Ketchup Ingredient Content: Tomato concentrate 70%, sugar 15%, vinegar 10%, salt 3%, spices 2% Packaging Specifications: 340g/bottle, 24 bottles/carton, net weight 8.16kg/carton Brand: Heinz Processing Method: Tomatoes washed, crushed, concentrated, blended, sterilized, filled Use: Table seasoning Production Date: 2025-01-15, Shelf Life: 24 months Country of Origin: United States HS Code: 2103200000 Confusing tomato ketchup with tomato sauce, the latter of which may be classified under 2002, requiring judgment based on ingredients and degree of processing. Incomplete declaration of ingredient content, failing to prove that tomato is the main ingredient, possibly leading to classification under 210390. Neglecting brand declaration, resulting in inability to verify during customs intellectual property inspection, creating risk of goods detention.

Core classification criteria: First, confirm whether the product is a sauce. Tomato ketchup is typically made by blending tomato concentrate, sugar, vinegar, salt, spices, etc., and has a seasoning function, conforming to the description of heading 2103. Second, exclude Chapter 20: Chapter 20 tomato products (such as 2002) are tomatoes preserved by methods other than vinegar or acetic acid, but typically do not have large amounts of seasoning added and are not in sauce form. Finally, distinguish 210320 from 210390: 210320 specifically refers to tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces, while 210390 covers other sauces and mixed condiments. If the tomato content in the product is low, or the main characteristic is not tomato, it may be classified under 210390. 200290 Other tomato preparations: 200290 refers to preserved tomatoes, such as canned tomatoes, tomato puree, which typically have no or very little seasoning added and do not have the characteristics of a sauce; whereas 210320 is a sauce with tomato as the base and seasoning ingredients added. 210310 Soy sauce: 210310 is a sauce made by fermenting soybeans, wheat, etc., and does not contain tomato ingredients; 210320 uses tomato as the main raw material, and the two are completely different in raw materials and flavor. 210330 Mustard flour and prepared mustard: 210330 uses mustard as the base and has a pungent taste; 210320 uses tomato as the base and has a sweet and sour taste, with different uses and ingredients. 210390 Other sauces and mixed condiments: 210390 is a residual subheading covering sauces and mixed condiments not elsewhere specified, such as mayonnaise and salad dressing; if the tomato characteristics of the product are not obvious, it is classified under this code. 200950 Tomato juice: 200950 is tomato juice, belonging to beverages, typically without added seasoning or only with salt added, consumed directly; 210320 is a sauce used for table seasoning or cooking, with a thick texture. Is the product mainly composed of tomato and in the form of a sauce? Have seasoning ingredients such as sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices been added? Does the processing method go beyond simple preservation, involving blending and concentration? Is the packaging directly aimed at consumers, sold as a condiment? Is it clearly inconsistent with the definitions of 2002 and other subheadings of 2103?

How do I look up the HS code for tomato ketchup? You can use the General Administration of Customs website, HS code query platforms, or professional databases, and enter the keyword "tomato ketchup" or "Ketchup," and the system will display candidate codes. Usually 210320 is the first choice, but you need to verify the product ingredients and processing technique to ensure it conforms to the subheading description. It is recommended to confirm in conjunction with the "Import and Export Tariff" and its notes. What is the difference in HS codes between tomato ketchup and tomato sauce? Tomato Sauce typically refers to a sauce made with tomato as the base and seasoning added. If it conforms to the characteristics of a sauce, it is also classified under 210320. However, some tomato sauces may have a low tomato content or a large amount of other ingredients added, and may be classified under 210390. The key is whether tomato is the base and whether it has a seasoning function. How should ingredient content be filled in when declaring tomato ketchup? All main ingredients and their percentages must be listed, such as tomato concentrate, sugar, vinegar, salt, spices, etc. The percentages should accurately reflect the formula so that customs can determine whether it belongs to 210320. If the tomato content is below 50%, it may be classified under 210390. It is recommended to provide a detailed formula table as an attachment. Does the packaging specification of tomato ketchup affect classification? The packaging specification itself does not affect classification, but it can assist in determining the use. Retail-packaged tomato ketchup is typically used as a condiment and classified under 210320; large-packaged products for the food industry, if still a sauce, are also classified under 210320. However, if it is an industrial raw material, other chapters may need to be considered. What declaration elements are required for importing tomato ketchup? Generally, product name, ingredient content, packaging specifications, brand, processing method, use, production date, shelf life, country of origin, etc. need to be declared. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. It is recommended to consult the "Standard Declaration Catalog" in advance and consult a customs broker. What are the considerations for the HS code of tomato ketchup in cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to accurately declare the HS code to avoid customs clearance delays or fines due to classification errors. They should also pay attention to the market access requirements of the target market, such as US FDA and EU food safety standards. It is recommended to use formal customs clearance services and retain product ingredient and processing certificates. How is tomato ketchup classified if other vegetable ingredients are added? If the added other vegetable ingredients do not change the basic characteristics of tomato ketchup, it is still classified under 210320. If the other ingredients become the main characteristic, or the product becomes a mixed condiment, it may be classified under 210390. Judgment should be based on the main ingredients and overall characteristics. How can classification errors for tomato ketchup be avoided? Recommendations: 1. Keep detailed records of product formulas and processes; 2. Check against the "Tariff" and its notes item by item; 3. Refer to customs classification decisions and advance rulings; 4. Apply for advance classification when necessary; 5. Cooperate with professional customs brokers or consultants.