Hop Cone Pellets for Craft Beer Brewing from China
Compressed pellets made from dried hop cones (Humulus lupulus), typically containing 10-15% alpha acids, used primarily as a bittering agent in craft beer production. Classified under HTS 1210.20.00.20 as hop cone pellets, which are ground or powdered hop cones formed into pellets, distinct from fresh cones or lupulin extract.
Duty Rate — China → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Verify pellet density and alpha acid content via lab testing for accurate classification; ensure supplier certificates confirm no lupulin extraction to avoid reclassification
• Common pitfall: mislabeling as hop extract, triggering higher duties under 1210.90