HS Code for Lime juice
Lime juice is classified under HS code 2009.31. This code is part of Chapter 20, which covers preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts, or other parts of plants. Heading 2009 specifically applies to fruit juices and vegetable juices that are unfermented and do not contain added spirit. The subheading 2009.31 is reserved for the juice of a single citrus fruit (other than orange, grapefruit, or pomelo) that has a Brix value not exceeding 20. The Brix value is a measure of the sugar content (soluble solids) in the liquid. For lime juice to fall under this specific code, it must be in its natural, single-strength state or only slightly concentrated, provided the Brix threshold is not crossed. The juice may contain added sugar or other sweetening matter, but it cannot be fermented or contain any alcohol. This classification applies to both fresh and preserved lime juice, provided the essential character of the juice remains unchanged.
Products Included
- Fresh lime juice with a Brix value of 20 or less
- Bottled or canned lime juice for culinary use
- Sweetened lime juice (without alcohol)
- Reconstituted lime juice (if Brix is <= 20)
- Unfermented lime juice used as a beverage base
Common Misclassification
The most common misclassification is with HS code 2009.39, which is used for lime juice with a Brix value exceeding 20 (typically concentrates). Another frequent error involves HS code 2202.99, which covers beverages containing lime juice that have been diluted with water or carbonated. If the product is no longer pure juice but a ready-to-drink limeade with significant added water, it moves from Chapter 20 to Chapter 22. Additionally, lime juice containing alcohol would be classified under heading 2208 as a spirituous beverage or liqueur, depending on the alcohol concentration and other ingredients.
FAQ
What is the HS code for Lime juice?
The HS code for lime juice with a Brix value of 20 or less is 2009.31.
Does lime juice with added sugar change its HS code?
No, heading 2009 allows for the addition of sugar or other sweetening matter, provided the juice remains unfermented and without added spirit.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Lime juice?
The HS code for Lime juice is 200931 (Juice; of single citrus fruit (excluding orange, grapefruit or pomelo), of a Brix value not exceeding 20, unfermented, not containing added spirit, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter).
How do I classify Lime juice for customs?
Lime juice is classified under HS code 200931 — Juice; of single citrus fruit (excluding orange, grapefruit or pomelo), of a Brix value not 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.
Is the HS code for Lime juice the same in all countries?
The base HS code 200931 for Lime juice is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.