Chapter 22 covers beverages, spirits and vinegar, and is an important chapter under the food and beverage category in the HS classification. This chapter includes water, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, etc.) and vinegar. Its core feature is that the goods are for human consumption, and alcohol content and raw materials are the key factors distinguishing tariff lines. This chapter does not include alcohol products intended for non-drinking purposes (such as industrial alcohol) or medicinal alcohol preparations. Heading 2204 specifically covers wine made from fresh grapes, including ordinary wine, fortified wine and grape must (unfermented or with fermentation not completely stopped). Its scope is limited to liquids obtained from fresh grapes through complete or partial alcoholic fermentation. It does not include other fruit wines (classified under 2206) or beverages with added alcohol (classified under 2208). The first 2 digits 22 = Chapter 22 Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar; digits 3-4 04 = wine made from fresh grapes; digits 5-6 29 = large packaging (usually referring to wine in containers with a capacity exceeding 2 liters but not exceeding 10 liters, subject specifically to subheading notes). The complete code 220429 means: large-packaging wine under heading 04 of Chapter 22, distinguished from 220421 (small packaging, ≤2 liters) and 220422 (medium packaging, >2 liters but ≤10 liters). The product is made from grapes and the container capacity is greater than 2 liters but not exceeding 10 liters, which conforms to the definition of subheading 220429. If the capacity is ≤2 liters, it should be classified under 220421; if the capacity exceeds 10 liters, should it be classified under 220429? In fact, 220429 covers all packaging >2 liters, but note whether 220422 has been abolished or applies to a specific region? According to HS2022, 220421 is ≤2 liters, 220422 is >2 liters but ≤10 liters, and 220429 is >10 liters? This needs verification. Standard HS2022: 2204.21 is ≤2 liters, 2204.22 is >2 liters but ≤10 liters, and 2204.29 is >10 liters. Therefore, large-packaging wine usually refers to >10 liters and is classified under 220429.
Chapter
Chapter 22 covers beverages, spirits and vinegar, and is an important chapter under the food and beverage category in the HS classification. This chapter includes water, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, etc.) and vinegar. Its core feature is that the goods are for human consumption, and alcohol content and raw materials are the key factors distinguishing tariff lines. This chapter does not include alcohol products intended for non-drinking purposes (such as industrial alcohol) or medicinal alcohol preparations.
Heading
Heading 2204 specifically covers wine made from fresh grapes, including ordinary wine, fortified wine and grape must (unfermented or with fermentation not completely stopped). Its scope is limited to liquids obtained from fresh grapes through complete or partial alcoholic fermentation. It does not include other fruit wines (classified under 2206) or beverages with added alcohol (classified under 2208).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 22 = Chapter 22 Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar; digits 3-4 04 = wine made from fresh grapes; digits 5-6 29 = large packaging (usually referring to wine in containers with a capacity exceeding 2 liters but not exceeding 10 liters, subject specifically to subheading notes). The complete code 220429 means: large-packaging wine under heading 04 of Chapter 22, distinguished from 220421 (small packaging, ≤2 liters) and 220422 (medium packaging, >2 liters but ≤10 liters).
Classification Basis
The product is made from grapes and the container capacity is greater than 2 liters but not exceeding 10 liters, which conforms to the definition of subheading 220429. If the capacity is ≤2 liters, it should be classified under 220421; if the capacity exceeds 10 liters, should it be classified under 220429? In fact, 220429 covers all packaging >2 liters, but note whether 220422 has been abolished or applies to a specific region? According to HS2022, 220421 is ≤2 liters, 220422 is >2 liters but ≤10 liters, and 220429 is >10 liters? This needs verification. Standard HS2022: 2204.21 is ≤2 liters, 2204.22 is >2 liters but ≤10 liters, and 2204.29 is >10 liters. Therefore, large-packaging wine usually refers to >10 liters and is classified under 220429.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "red wine" or "white wine", which must be consistent with the actual goods and avoid using the general term "wine". Brand: The trademark name used by the manufacturer or exporter; if there is no brand, it must be stated as "no brand". Packaging specifications: Container type and capacity, such as "plastic bag, 10 liters/bag" or "wooden barrel, 225 liters/barrel"; the capacity must be specified to determine the subheading. Alcohol concentration: Alcohol percentage by volume, such as "12%vol", which must be consistent with the actual test report. Grape variety: The grape variety used for brewing, such as "Cabernet Sauvignon" or "Chardonnay"; single varieties or blended varieties must be listed. Region of origin: The geographical region where the grapes are grown and the wine is made, such as "Bordeaux, France", which affects classification and origin. Vintage: The year the grapes were harvested, such as "2019"; non-vintage wine may be filled in as "non-vintage". Manufacturer: The name of the actual production enterprise, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract. Customs declaration example: Product name: Red wine; Brand: CHATEAU X; Packaging specifications: wooden barrel, 225 liters/barrel; Alcohol concentration: 13.5%vol; Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon; Region of origin: Bordeaux, France; Vintage: 2018; Manufacturer: CHATEAU X WINERY. Note: Large packaging, for domestic repackaging. Failure to provide specific capacity and writing only "large packaging", resulting in inability to determine the subheading. Incorrect alcohol concentration, such as writing 12%vol as 12 degrees. Confusing the manufacturer with the exporter, affecting origin determination.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "red wine" or "white wine", which must be consistent with the actual goods and avoid using the general term "wine".
⚠️ Writing only "wine" without indicating color or type.
Brand
The trademark name used by the manufacturer or exporter; if there is no brand, it must be stated as "no brand".
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting it and causing classification disputes.
Packaging specifications
Container type and capacity, such as "plastic bag, 10 liters/bag" or "wooden barrel, 225 liters/barrel"; the capacity must be specified to determine the subheading.
⚠️ Writing only "large packaging" without providing the specific number of liters.
Alcohol concentration
Alcohol percentage by volume, such as "12%vol", which must be consistent with the actual test report.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in mass percentage or omitting alcohol content.
Grape variety
The grape variety used for brewing, such as "Cabernet Sauvignon" or "Chardonnay"; single varieties or blended varieties must be listed.
⚠️ Filling in non-specific varieties such as "red grape".
Region of origin
The geographical region where the grapes are grown and the wine is made, such as "Bordeaux, France", which affects classification and origin.
⚠️ Writing only the country name without specifying the region.
Vintage
The year the grapes were harvested, such as "2019"; non-vintage wine may be filled in as "non-vintage".
⚠️ Mistaking the bottling year for the harvest year.
Manufacturer
The name of the actual production enterprise, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract.
⚠️ Filling in the exporter instead of the manufacturer.
Example: Customs declaration example: Product name: Red wine; Brand: CHATEAU X; Packaging specifications: wooden barrel, 225 liters/barrel; Alcohol concentration: 13.5%vol; Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon; Region of origin: Bordeaux, France; Vintage: 2018; Manufacturer: CHATEAU X WINERY. Note: Large packaging, for domestic repackaging.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to provide specific capacity and writing only "large packaging", resulting in inability to determine the subheading.
Incorrect alcohol concentration, such as writing 12%vol as 12 degrees.
Confusing the manufacturer with the exporter, affecting origin determination.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the raw material must be fresh grapes; 2) it has undergone complete or partial alcoholic fermentation; 3) the container capacity exceeds 10 liters (according to HS2022, 220429 is >10 liters). If the capacity is ≤2 liters, classify under 220421; if >2 liters but ≤10 liters, classify under 220422. At the same time, wine with added alcohol (2208) and grape juice (2009) must be excluded. 220421 Small-packaging wine: Container capacity ≤2 liters, usually retail packaging, whereas 220429 is large packaging >10 liters. 220422 Medium-packaging wine: Container capacity >2 liters but ≤10 liters, such as bag-in-box, whereas 220429 is >10 liters. 220600 Other fermented beverages: Includes cider, perry, mead, etc., not made from grapes, whereas 2204 specifically refers to grape-based wine. 220820 Grape distillate: Such as brandy, produced by distillation with high alcohol concentration, whereas 2204 is fermented wine that has not been distilled. 200961 Grape juice: Unfermented or with fermentation not completely stopped, with very low alcohol concentration, whereas 2204 is fully fermented wine. Is the raw material fresh grapes? Has it undergone alcoholic fermentation? Does the container capacity exceed 10 liters? Is the alcohol concentration within a reasonable range (usually 7%-24%)? Has alcohol been added or has it been distilled?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the raw material must be fresh grapes; 2) it has undergone complete or partial alcoholic fermentation; 3) the container capacity exceeds 10 liters (according to HS2022, 220429 is >10 liters). If the capacity is ≤2 liters, classify under 220421; if >2 liters but ≤10 liters, classify under 220422. At the same time, wine with added alcohol (2208) and grape juice (2009) must be excluded.
Confused Codes:
220421 - Small-packaging wine
Container capacity ≤2 liters, usually retail packaging, whereas 220429 is large packaging >10 liters.
220422 - Medium-packaging wine
Container capacity >2 liters but ≤10 liters, such as bag-in-box, whereas 220429 is >10 liters.
220600 - Other fermented beverages
Includes cider, perry, mead, etc., not made from grapes, whereas 2204 specifically refers to grape-based wine.
220820 - Grape distillate
Such as brandy, produced by distillation with high alcohol concentration, whereas 2204 is fermented wine that has not been distilled.
200961 - Grape juice
Unfermented or with fermentation not completely stopped, with very low alcohol concentration, whereas 2204 is fully fermented wine.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the raw material fresh grapes?
✓ Has it undergone alcoholic fermentation?
✓ Does the container capacity exceed 10 liters?
✓ Is the alcohol concentration within a reasonable range (usually 7%-24%)?
✓ Has alcohol been added or has it been distilled?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for 220429? You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates are affected by free trade agreements, origin and other factors. It is recommended to use the HS code to search official databases and pay attention to annual adjustments. What licenses are required to import large-packaging wine? Generally, a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, Chinese label filing, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs and market regulatory authorities; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance. What is the main difference between 220429 and 220421? The main difference is container capacity: 220421 is ≤2 liters, and 220429 is >10 liters. Capacity directly affects classification and tariff rates, so packaging specifications must be accurately provided at declaration. If the wine capacity is 5 liters, which code should it be classified under? According to HS2022, 5 liters is >2 liters but ≤10 liters and should be classified under 220422, not 220429. 220429 applies only to packaging >10 liters. Can large-packaging wine be repackaged and then sold? Yes, but the repackaged small-packaging wine must be declared under 220421, and the repackaging process must comply with domestic food production licensing and labeling regulations. What are the consequences of writing the alcohol concentration incorrectly during declaration? It may lead to incorrect classification, improper application of tariff rates, or even be determined by customs as false declaration, resulting in tax recovery, fines or administrative penalties. It must be consistent with the test report. How can I determine whether wine belongs under 2204 rather than 2206? The key is the raw material: 2204 must be made from fresh grapes, while 2206 is made from other fruits (such as apples and pears). If fruits are mixed, classify according to the main raw material. Does wine under 220429 need a Chinese label? Yes. Imported wine must have a Chinese label conforming to Chinese standards affixed, including product name, alcohol content, country of origin, production date and other information; otherwise it may not be sold on the market.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 220429?
A: You can check the latest tariff rate through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates are affected by free trade agreements, origin and other factors. It is recommended to use the HS code to search official databases and pay attention to annual adjustments.
Q: What licenses are required to import large-packaging wine?
A: Generally, a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, Chinese label filing, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs and market regulatory authorities; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance.
Q: What is the main difference between 220429 and 220421?
A: The main difference is container capacity: 220421 is ≤2 liters, and 220429 is >10 liters. Capacity directly affects classification and tariff rates, so packaging specifications must be accurately provided at declaration.
Q: If the wine capacity is 5 liters, which code should it be classified under?
A: According to HS2022, 5 liters is >2 liters but ≤10 liters and should be classified under 220422, not 220429. 220429 applies only to packaging >10 liters.
Q: Can large-packaging wine be repackaged and then sold?
A: Yes, but the repackaged small-packaging wine must be declared under 220421, and the repackaging process must comply with domestic food production licensing and labeling regulations.
Q: What are the consequences of writing the alcohol concentration incorrectly during declaration?
A: It may lead to incorrect classification, improper application of tariff rates, or even be determined by customs as false declaration, resulting in tax recovery, fines or administrative penalties. It must be consistent with the test report.
Q: How can I determine whether wine belongs under 2204 rather than 2206?
A: The key is the raw material: 2204 must be made from fresh grapes, while 2206 is made from other fruits (such as apples and pears). If fruits are mixed, classify according to the main raw material.
Q: Does wine under 220429 need a Chinese label?
A: Yes. Imported wine must have a Chinese label conforming to Chinese standards affixed, including product name, alcohol content, country of origin, production date and other information; otherwise it may not be sold on the market.
⚠️ 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.