Unfit Lime Juice for Industrial Flavoring from Japan
This lime juice has a Brix value not exceeding 20, is not concentrated, and is unfit for beverage purposes due to bitterness from improper processing. It is classified under HTS 2009.31.10.20 as juice of a single citrus fruit (lime) meeting the unfermented, low Brix criteria for non-beverage use. Primarily used in food manufacturing for flavor extracts.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Obtain lab certification proving the juice is unfit for beverages (e.g
• off-flavors, contaminants) to justify this classification
• Declare exact Brix value via refractometer reading at 20°C on entry documents to confirm ≤20
• Avoid common pitfall of mislabeling as beverage juice, which shifts to higher-duty 2009.31.40