HS Code for Wine lees

Wine lees and argol are classified under HS code 2307.00. This classification falls within Chapter 23, which covers residues and waste from the food industries, as well as prepared animal fodder. Heading 2307 is a specific heading that encompasses both wine lees and argol. Wine lees are the sediment that settles at the bottom of a container of wine after fermentation, consisting of dead yeast cells, grape fragments, and other insoluble materials. Argol, also known as crude tartar, is the crystalline crust that forms on the sides of wine vats. These products are classified here because they are by-products of the vinification process and are often used as raw materials for the extraction of tartaric acid or as components in animal feed. The classification is straightforward as the heading specifically names these substances, leaving little room for ambiguity provided the product is in its crude or residual state. Under the Harmonized System, products that are residues of the food industry are generally grouped in Chapter 23 unless they have been processed to the point of becoming a chemical of Chapter 28 or 29. Since wine lees and argol are typically traded in their raw, residual form, 2307.00 is the appropriate code. This classification applies regardless of the grape variety or the type of wine from which the lees were derived.

Products Included

• Crude wine lees
• Argol (crude tartar)
• Potassium bitartrate deposits from wine vats
• Sedimentary residues from fermentation

Common Misclassification

Wine lees are sometimes confused with HS code 2204, which covers wine itself. If the lees contain a significant amount of liquid wine, they might be misdeclared. Additionally, they are confused with 2918.12 (Potassium tartrate) if the argol has been refined into a pure chemical substance rather than remaining in its crude state.

FAQ

What is the HS code for wine lees?

The HS code for wine lees and argol is 2307.00.

Is cream of tartar classified under this code?

No, refined cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) is classified as a chemical under HS code 2918.12.