HS-2 · Chapter 22
HS chapter 22: Beverages, spirits and vinegar
Section III — Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes
Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System covers a wide range of beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as well as vinegar. This chapter is essential for importers and exporters dealing with drinks, as it provides the necessary classifications for various types of beverages. Understanding this chapter helps traders navigate the complexities of international trade regulations related to beverages.
Within this chapter, you will find headings that categorize products based on their composition and characteristics. For example, HS-4 headings range from natural mineral waters to different types of alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. Each heading is further divided into more specific codes (HS-6), allowing for precise classification and compliance with customs requirements.
To determine the appropriate classification for your product, start by identifying the HS-4 heading that best describes your beverage. From there, you can drill down to the HS-6 code for more detailed categorization. This process is crucial for ensuring accurate tariff application and regulatory compliance. If you're unsure about which code applies, consulting with a customs broker or trade expert can provide clarity.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
beverages classification · HS chapter 22 · alcoholic beverages · non-alcoholic drinks · vinegar classification · customs codes for beverages · import export beverages · HS-4 headings · HS-6 codes · trade regulations beverages · spirits and liqueurs · natural mineral waters · flavored beverages · beer classification · wine and fortified wine · cider and mead · ethyl alcohol
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify beverages in the Harmonized System
- understanding HS chapter 22 for trade
- importing flavored non-alcoholic beverages
- exporting wine and spirits regulations
- determining HS-4 headings for beverages
- customs codes for vinegar and substitutes
- navigating beverage classifications for trade
- what to do if unsure about HS-6 codes
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Natural mineral water without added sugar or flavoring (HS-2201)
- Flavored non-alcoholic beverages with added sugar (HS-2202)
- Malt beer (HS-2203)
- Fortified wine from fresh grapes (HS-2204)
- Vermouth flavored with aromatic substances (HS-2205)
- Cider and mead (HS-2206)
- Undenatured ethyl alcohol with 80% or higher strength (HS-2207)
- Liqueurs with less than 80% ethyl alcohol (HS-2208)
- Vinegar made from acetic acid (HS-2209)
Common classification questions
- What are the HS codes for alcoholic beverages?
- How do I classify my beverage for import?
- What is the difference between HS-2201 and HS-2202?
- Are flavored waters considered non-alcoholic beverages?
- What HS code applies to my wine shipment?
- How to find the right HS-6 code for spirits?
- What are the customs requirements for importing vinegar?
- Can I use HS-2206 for my cider?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of beverages are included in HS Chapter 22?
- HS Chapter 22 includes a variety of beverages such as mineral waters, flavored drinks, beer, wine, spirits, and vinegar.
- How do I find the correct HS code for my beverage?
- Start by identifying the HS-4 heading that best matches your product, then drill down to the HS-6 code for more specific classification.
- Are there special regulations for importing alcoholic beverages?
- Yes, importing alcoholic beverages often requires compliance with specific regulations, including age restrictions and licensing.
- What is the difference between undenatured and denatured ethyl alcohol?
- Undenatured ethyl alcohol is suitable for consumption, while denatured ethyl alcohol has been treated to make it unfit for drinking.
- Can I use the same HS code for different types of beverages?
- No, each type of beverage has a specific HS code, so it's important to classify them accurately based on their characteristics.
- What should I do if I'm unsure about the classification of my product?
- Consulting with a customs broker or trade expert can help clarify the proper classification and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Is vinegar classified under the same chapter as alcoholic beverages?
- Yes, vinegar is included in Chapter 22, but it has its own specific heading (HS-2209) separate from alcoholic beverages.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 22 (9)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 2201 | Waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured; ice and snow | |
| 2202 | Waters, including mineral and aerated waters, containing added sugar or sweetening matter, flavoured; other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009 | |
| 2203 | Beer made from malt | |
| 2204 | Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must other than that of heading no. 2009 | |
| 2205 | Vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes, flavoured with plants or aromatic substances | |
| 2206 | Fermented beverages, n.e.c. in chapter 22; (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake) | |
| 2207 | Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength | |
| 2208 | Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages | |
| 2209 | Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid |
Browse first heading (HS-4 2201)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (2201). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.