Product classification
HS code for Lime juice: 2009.31
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.
Classification of lime juice under HS 2009.31
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 2009.31
- ReaLemon Lemon Juice
- Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice
- various Asian brand yuzu juices
Codes often confused with 2009.31
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 200931 (the code used for lime juice), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 200931 (the code used for lime juice) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 200931, not only lime juice.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $150M 26% of world exports
- 2 Italy $127M 22% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $52M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $575M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $135M 22% of world imports
- 2 France $94M 15% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $43M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $626M 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
Brazil classifies lime juice under NCM 2009.31.00: HS 2009.31 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
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). The HS code for lime juice with a Brix value of 20 or less is 2009.31.
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.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of lime juice (HS 200931)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 200931 (the code used for lime juice) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($150M, 26% of world exports), Italy ($127M) and Mexico ($52M). World exports came to about $575M, 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 (HS 200931)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 200931 (the code used for lime juice) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($135M, 22% of world imports), France ($94M) and South Korea ($43M). World imports came to about $626M, 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 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.
What is the NCM code for lime juice in Brazil?
In Brazil, lime juice (HS 200931) is classified under NCM 2009.31.00.