HS Code for Pineapple juice concentrate

Pineapple juice concentrate is classified under HS code 2009.49. This code falls under Chapter 20, which deals with preparations of vegetables, fruit, and nuts. Heading 2009 is dedicated to fruit and vegetable juices that are unfermented and free of added spirits. The specific subheading 2009.49 is used for pineapple juice that has a Brix value exceeding 20. The Brix value is a critical technical metric used in international trade to determine the concentration of sugars in a solution. A value above 20 typically indicates that the juice has undergone a concentration process, such as evaporation or freeze-concentration, to remove water content. This classification remains applicable even if the concentrate contains added sugar or other sweetening agents, provided the essential character of the product remains that of a fruit juice and no alcohol has been introduced. This code is vital for industrial users who import concentrated forms for later dilution.

Products Included

• Frozen pineapple juice concentrate
• Liquid pineapple juice concentrate with Brix > 20
• Dehydrated pineapple juice (powdered) if not further prepared
• High-density pineapple juice for industrial food manufacturing
• Concentrated pineapple juice with added sugar

Common Misclassification

Pineapple juice concentrate is frequently confused with HS code 2009.41, which is only for juice with a Brix value of 20 or less. Using the wrong code can lead to significant discrepancies in duty payments. Another common misclassification is HS code 2106.90, which covers food preparations not elsewhere specified; this occurs when the concentrate has been heavily modified with stabilizers or other additives that remove it from the "juice" category. Additionally, if the product is intended for use as a syrup with very high sugar content and added flavors, it might be pushed toward heading 2106 or 1702. Proper documentation of the Brix level is the primary defense against these errors.

FAQ

What is the HS code for pineapple juice concentrate?

The HS code for pineapple juice concentrate is 2009.49, specifically for products with a Brix value exceeding 20.

Can pineapple juice concentrate contain added sugar?

Yes, HS code 2009.49 allows for the addition of sugar or other sweetening matter, as long as the product remains unfermented and contains no added spirits.