Chapter 22 covers beverages, spirits and vinegar, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, spirits, liqueurs, vinegar and substitutes. This chapter is an important chapter for food and beverage commodities, involving regulatory conditions such as excise tax, tariffs and import licensing. The first two digits of the HS code are 22, which means it belongs to this chapter. Heading 2205 covers absinthe and other wine beverages flavored with aromatic plant substances. Specifically, it includes beverages obtained by steeping or distilling wine or grape must with plants (such as absinthe, anise, etc.), usually with high alcohol content. This heading is divided into two subheadings: 220510 (absinthe) and 220590 (other). Code 220510 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "22" represent Chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar); digits 3-4 "05" represent heading 2205 (absinthe and other wine beverages flavored with aromatic plant substances); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 220510, specifically referring to absinthe. Under this subheading there are usually more detailed statistical codes (such as 8-digit, 10-digit), but the international standard is 6-digit. Absinthe is a high-alcohol distilled spirit made from absinthe, anise, fennel, etc., usually green or transparent, with an anise flavor. This commodity is classified under 220510 rather than 2204 (wine) or 2208 (spirits) because it uses wine or grape must as the base liquor and has added aromatic plant substances such as absinthe, which conforms to the description of heading 2205. If it were pure spirits (such as whiskey, vodka), it would be classified under 2208; if it were ordinary wine, it would be classified under 2204.
Chapter
Chapter 22 covers beverages, spirits and vinegar, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, spirits, liqueurs, vinegar and substitutes. This chapter is an important chapter for food and beverage commodities, involving regulatory conditions such as excise tax, tariffs and import licensing. The first two digits of the HS code are 22, which means it belongs to this chapter.
Heading
Heading 2205 covers absinthe and other wine beverages flavored with aromatic plant substances. Specifically, it includes beverages obtained by steeping or distilling wine or grape must with plants (such as absinthe, anise, etc.), usually with high alcohol content. This heading is divided into two subheadings: 220510 (absinthe) and 220590 (other).
Digit Breakdown
Code 220510 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "22" represent Chapter 22 (beverages, spirits and vinegar); digits 3-4 "05" represent heading 2205 (absinthe and other wine beverages flavored with aromatic plant substances); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 220510, specifically referring to absinthe. Under this subheading there are usually more detailed statistical codes (such as 8-digit, 10-digit), but the international standard is 6-digit. Absinthe is a high-alcohol distilled spirit made from absinthe, anise, fennel, etc., usually green or transparent, with an anise flavor.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 220510 rather than 2204 (wine) or 2208 (spirits) because it uses wine or grape must as the base liquor and has added aromatic plant substances such as absinthe, which conforms to the description of heading 2205. If it were pure spirits (such as whiskey, vodka), it would be classified under 2208; if it were ordinary wine, it would be classified under 2204.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "Absinthe", must be consistent with the contract and invoice. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "XX brand"; if no brand, fill in "no brand". Processing Method: Indicate whether it is distilled or steeped, such as "distilled" or "steeped"; absinthe is usually distilled. Alcohol Content: Fill in by volume percentage, such as "45%vol", must be consistent with the test report. Packaging Specifications: Fill in the unit packaging capacity, such as "750ml/bottle", and the number of bottles per carton. Ingredients: List the main ingredients, such as "wine, absinthe, anise", must reflect added plant components. Country of Origin: Fill in the country of production, such as "France", affecting tariffs and trade agreements. Production Date: Fill in the specific production date or batch, in year-month-day format. Product Name: Absinthe; Brand: Green Fairy; Processing Method: Distilled; Alcohol Content: 55%vol; Packaging Specifications: 750ml/bottle, 6 bottles/carton; Ingredients: wine, absinthe, anise, fennel; Country of Origin: France; Production Date: 2023-05-10. Incorrectly classifying absinthe under 2208 (spirits), ignoring its wine base and plant addition characteristics. Incorrect declaration of alcohol content, such as reporting 55%vol as 55 degrees, resulting in unit mismatch. Failure to provide proof of plant ingredients, unable to meet the classification requirements of 2205.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "Absinthe", must be consistent with the contract and invoice.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "liqueur" or "spirits", leading to classification errors.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "XX brand"; if no brand, fill in "no brand".
⚠️ Missing or incomplete brand, affecting customs valuation.
Processing Method
Indicate whether it is distilled or steeped, such as "distilled" or "steeped"; absinthe is usually distilled.
⚠️ Confusing processing methods, incorrectly reporting as "fermented".
Alcohol Content
Fill in by volume percentage, such as "45%vol", must be consistent with the test report.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in mass percentage or omitting units.
Packaging Specifications
Fill in the unit packaging capacity, such as "750ml/bottle", and the number of bottles per carton.
⚠️ Only filling in "bottle" without capacity, leading to incorrect measurement units.
Ingredients
List the main ingredients, such as "wine, absinthe, anise", must reflect added plant components.
⚠️ Not listing plant components, unable to prove classification under 2205.
Country of Origin
Fill in the country of production, such as "France", affecting tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in the exporting country instead of the country of origin.
Production Date
Fill in the specific production date or batch, in year-month-day format.
⚠️ Only filling in the year, unable to trace.
Example： Product Name: Absinthe; Brand: Green Fairy; Processing Method: Distilled; Alcohol Content: 55%vol; Packaging Specifications: 750ml/bottle, 6 bottles/carton; Ingredients: wine, absinthe, anise, fennel; Country of Origin: France; Production Date: 2023-05-10.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying absinthe under 2208 (spirits), ignoring its wine base and plant addition characteristics.
Incorrect declaration of alcohol content, such as reporting 55%vol as 55 degrees, resulting in unit mismatch.
Failure to provide proof of plant ingredients, unable to meet the classification requirements of 2205.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) The base liquor is wine or grape must; 2) Added aromatic plant substances such as absinthe; 3) Usually distilled or steeped; 4) High alcohol content but not pure spirits. Also refer to the "Import and Export Tariff" and customs classification decisions to ensure conformity with the description of heading 2205. 2204 Wine: 2204 is pure wine (made from fresh grapes), without added aromatic plant substances; 220510 has added absinthe, etc., and may be distilled. 2208 Spirits: 2208 is distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, not based on wine; 220510 is based on wine and has added plants. 2206 Other fermented beverages: 2206 is other fermented beverages (such as cider), not containing wine base; 220510 must contain wine components. 220590 Other wine beverages flavored with aromatic plant substances: 220590 is similar beverages other than absinthe, such as vermouth; 220510 specifically refers to absinthe. Is the base liquor wine or grape must? Have aromatic plant substances such as absinthe been added? Is the processing method distillation or steeping? Is the alcohol content within the typical range for absinthe (45%-75%)? Is it distinguished from adjacent codes such as 2204 and 2208?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The base liquor is wine or grape must; 2) Added aromatic plant substances such as absinthe; 3) Usually distilled or steeped; 4) High alcohol content but not pure spirits. Also refer to the "Import and Export Tariff" and customs classification decisions to ensure conformity with the description of heading 2205.
Confused Codes：
2204 - Wine
2204 is pure wine (made from fresh grapes), without added aromatic plant substances; 220510 has added absinthe, etc., and may be distilled.
2208 - Spirits
2208 is distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, not based on wine; 220510 is based on wine and has added plants.
2206 - Other fermented beverages
2206 is other fermented beverages (such as cider), not containing wine base; 220510 must contain wine components.
220590 - Other wine beverages flavored with aromatic plant substances
220590 is similar beverages other than absinthe, such as vermouth; 220510 specifically refers to absinthe.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the base liquor wine or grape must?
✓ Have aromatic plant substances such as absinthe been added?
✓ Is the processing method distillation or steeping?
✓ Is the alcohol content within the typical range for absinthe (45%-75%)?
✓ Is it distinguished from adjacent codes such as 2204 and 2208?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between absinthe and vermouth? Absinthe is classified under 220510, vermouth under 220590. Both use wine as the base liquor and have added plants, but absinthe is characterized mainly by absinthe and usually has higher alcohol content (above 45%), while vermouth has lower alcohol content (15%-22%) and different plant types are added. How to inquire about the specific tariff rate for absinthe? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest "Import and Export Tariff" through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the "Single Window". Usually, attention should be paid to the MFN rate, general rate, and whether free trade agreement rates apply. Also note excise tax and VAT. What regulatory documents are required for importing absinthe? Generally, a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, Chinese label filing, etc. are required. Some countries may require exporters to provide a free sale certificate. Specific requirements are subject to customs and market regulatory authorities. How to fill in the alcohol content when declaring absinthe? Fill in by volume percentage, such as "55%vol", must be consistent with the test report. Do not fill in "55 degrees" or mass percentage to avoid customs rejection or inspection. If absinthe has added other spirits, can it still be classified under 220510? If the base liquor is still wine and plants are added, it is usually still classified under 220510. However, if a large amount of spirits is added to change the essence, it may be classified under 2208. It is recommended to provide formula and process description, and apply for pre-classification if necessary. For cross-border e-commerce retail imports of absinthe, is the HS code the same? Yes, cross-border e-commerce retail imports also use the same HS code. However, attention should be paid to the positive list and value limits for cross-border e-commerce, and electronic information such as orders, payment, and logistics must be provided during declaration. What special requirements are there for the Chinese label of absinthe? It must comply with standards such as GB 7718 and GB 15109, and indicate product name, ingredients, alcohol content, net content, production date, shelf life, country of origin, importer, etc. Absinthe, due to its absinthe content, may have additional warning requirements in some countries. How to avoid misclassification of absinthe? Focus on confirming that the base liquor is wine, added aromatic plant substances, and the processing method is distillation or steeping. Keep formula, process documents and test reports. If uncertain, apply to customs for pre-classification, or refer to published classification decisions.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between absinthe and vermouth?
A: Absinthe is classified under 220510, vermouth under 220590. Both use wine as the base liquor and have added plants, but absinthe is characterized mainly by absinthe and usually has higher alcohol content (above 45%), while vermouth has lower alcohol content (15%-22%) and different plant types are added.
Q: How to inquire about the specific tariff rate for absinthe?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest "Import and Export Tariff" through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the "Single Window". Usually, attention should be paid to the MFN rate, general rate, and whether free trade agreement rates apply. Also note excise tax and VAT.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing absinthe?
A: Generally, a certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, Chinese label filing, etc. are required. Some countries may require exporters to provide a free sale certificate. Specific requirements are subject to customs and market regulatory authorities.
Q: How to fill in the alcohol content when declaring absinthe?
A: Fill in by volume percentage, such as "55%vol", must be consistent with the test report. Do not fill in "55 degrees" or mass percentage to avoid customs rejection or inspection.
Q: If absinthe has added other spirits, can it still be classified under 220510?
A: If the base liquor is still wine and plants are added, it is usually still classified under 220510. However, if a large amount of spirits is added to change the essence, it may be classified under 2208. It is recommended to provide formula and process description, and apply for pre-classification if necessary.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail imports of absinthe, is the HS code the same?
A: Yes, cross-border e-commerce retail imports also use the same HS code. However, attention should be paid to the positive list and value limits for cross-border e-commerce, and electronic information such as orders, payment, and logistics must be provided during declaration.
Q: What special requirements are there for the Chinese label of absinthe?
A: It must comply with standards such as GB 7718 and GB 15109, and indicate product name, ingredients, alcohol content, net content, production date, shelf life, country of origin, importer, etc. Absinthe, due to its absinthe content, may have additional warning requirements in some countries.
Q: How to avoid misclassification of absinthe?
A: Focus on confirming that the base liquor is wine, added aromatic plant substances, and the processing method is distillation or steeping. Keep formula, process documents and test reports. If uncertain, apply to customs for pre-classification, or refer to published classification decisions.
⚠️ 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.