Unfit Lime Juice for Industrial Flavoring from Mexico
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 — Mexico → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.5510%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 10% ad valorem on products of Mexico
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