HS Code 22.04 – Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading no. 2009

HS code 2204 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading no. 2009. HS Code 2204 encompasses 'Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading no. 2009'. This vital classification covers the vast majority of the world's grape-based wines, distinguishing them from other fermented beverages and grape juices. The scope extends to still wines (red, white, rosé), sparkling wines (like Champagne, Prosecco, Cava), and fortified wines (such as Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala), where grape spirit is added to increase alcoholic strength. It also includes grape must that has undergone fermentation but is not yet fully wine, provided it's not the concentrated or unfermented must of heading 2009. The primary boundary is that the wine must be derived from fresh grapes, excluding fruit wines made from other fruits, which fall under 2206. Classification under 2204 is crucial for international trade compliance due to varying excise duties, tariffs, quotas, and specific import regulations often tied to geographical indications (GIs) and appellations of origin. Historically, wine has been a cornerstone of global trade for millennia, influencing cultures and economies. This heading is central to Chapter 22, which covers 'Beverages, spirits and vinegar,' serving as the foundational category for grape-based alcoholic drinks before further processing or flavoring might shift them to other headings like 2205 or 2208.

Red Table Wine, White Table Wine, Rosé Wine, Dry Red Wine, Sweet White Wine, Brut Sparkling Wine, Extra Dry Sparkling Wine, Semi-Sweet Rosé Wine, Fortified Port Wine, Fortified Sherry Wine, Fortified Madeira Wine, Fortified Marsala Wine, Unfermented Grape Must (not concentrated), Partially Fermented Grape Must, Ice Wine, Dessert Wine, Organic Red Wine, Biodynamic White Wine, Sulfite-Free Rosé Wine, Vintage Sparkling Wine, Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine, Ruby Port, Tawny Port, Fino Sherry, Oloroso Sherry

Common misclassifications for products under 2204 often involve confusion with other beverage categories. Traders sometimes mistakenly classify flavored grape wines, such as vermouth, under 2204 instead of the more specific 2205, which is reserved for 'Vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes, flavoured with plants or aromatic substances.' Similarly, grape juice or concentrated grape must that has not fermented, or only partially fermented but remains primarily juice, might be incorrectly placed here instead of 2009. Lastly, fruit wines made from fruits other than grapes, like apple or cherry wine, are sometimes erroneously classified under 2204, but correctly belong to 2206 ('Fermented beverages, n.e.c. in chapter 22'), as 2204 is strictly for grape wines.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2204 in UN Comtrade data were France ($12.7B, 33% of world exports), Italy ($8.8B) and Spain ($3.3B). World exports came to about $37.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2204 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.5B, 17% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($4.9B) and Germany ($3.0B). World imports came to about $38.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 2204 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (22) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.