Product classification
HS code for Lime juice concentrate: 2009.39
Juice, of single citrus fruit (excluding orange, grapefruit or pomelo), of a Brix value exceeding 20, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
Classification of lime juice concentrate under HS 2009.39
Lime juice concentrate is classified under HS code 2009.39. This classification is situated within Chapter 20, covering preparations of fruits and vegetables. Heading 2009 is dedicated to fruit and vegetable juices that are unfermented and lack added spirits. The distinction between 2009.31 and 2009.39 is based entirely on the Brix value, which measures the percentage of soluble solids (primarily sugars) in the liquid. Lime juice concentrate, by definition, has had a significant portion of its water content removed through evaporation or freezing, resulting in a Brix value that exceeds 20. This high concentration of solids makes it a \"concentrate.\" The product remains under this heading even if it contains added sugar, preservatives, or citric acid, as long as it has not been fermented and does not contain alcohol. The classification is consistent globally under the Harmonized System for industrial and commercial bulk concentrates.
- Covers
- Frozen lime juice concentrate
- High-Brix lime juice (Brix > 20)
- Evaporated lime juice for industrial food manufacturing
- Concentrated lime juice with added sugar or preservatives
- Dehydrated lime juice in a thick liquid or paste form
- Also under 2009.39
- Sunkist Lemon Juice Concentrate (industrial)
- various bulk lime juice concentrates for food service
- private label concentrated mandarin juice
Codes often confused with 2009.39
Common mistake. Lime juice concentrate is often confused with HS code 2106.90, which covers food preparations and flavored syrups. However, if the product consists of fruit juice that has simply been concentrated, it must remain in heading 2009. It only moves to 2106 if it is highly modified with artificial flavors, colors, and thickeners to the point where it loses the character of a fruit juice. Another misclassification is 2009.31, which is only for lime juice with a Brix value of 20 or less. Importers must ensure they have accurate Brix testing results to distinguish between these two subheadings, as the duty rates can vary significantly between single-strength juice and concentrates.
Top exporters and importers of HS 200939 (the code used for lime juice concentrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200939 (the code used for lime juice concentrate) in UN Comtrade data was Argentina, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 200939, not only lime juice concentrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Argentina $132M 23% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $80M 14% of world exports
- 3 Italy $58M 10% of world exports
World total: $584M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $96M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $86M 13% of world imports
- 3 Japan $73M 12% of world imports
World total: $636M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for lime juice concentrate
Brazil classifies lime juice concentrate under NCM 2009.39.00: HS 2009.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lime juice concentrate
What is the HS code for Lime juice concentrate?
The HS code for Lime juice concentrate is 200939 (Juice; of single citrus fruit (excluding orange, grapefruit or pomelo), of a Brix value exceeding 20, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter). The HS code for lime juice concentrate with a Brix value exceeding 20 is 2009.39.
How do I classify Lime juice concentrate for customs?
Lime juice concentrate is classified under HS code 200939 — Juice; of single citrus fruit (excluding orange, grapefruit or pomelo), of a Brix value exceeding 20, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the Brix value determined for classification?
The Brix value is typically measured using a refractometer at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, representing the percentage by weight of sugar in the juice.
Which countries are the top exporters of lime juice concentrate (HS 200939)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200939 (the code used for lime juice concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were Argentina ($132M, 23% of world exports), the Netherlands ($80M) and Italy ($58M). World exports came to about $584M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of lime juice concentrate (HS 200939)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 200939 (the code used for lime juice concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($96M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($86M) and Japan ($73M). World imports came to about $636M, 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.
Is the HS code for Lime juice concentrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 200939 for Lime juice concentrate is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for lime juice concentrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, lime juice concentrate (HS 200939) is classified under NCM 2009.39.00.