Artisanal Sakè

Japanese rice wine produced by fermenting polished rice with koji mold and yeast, typically pasteurized and filtered, ABV 15-20%. Under HTS 2206.00.15.20 as 'other' fermented beverages (explicitly including sakè). It differs from beer/distilled spirits by unique brewing process.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+17.5%17.5%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

2208.90Lower: 10% vs 17.5%

If distilled like shochu or honkaku

Distilled rice spirits exceed fermentation-only criteria, moving to Chapter 22 spirits.

2206.00.45.00Higher: 35% vs 17.5%

If specifically perry/cider but mislabeled

Sakè is rice-based fermented, but fruit-based defaults to cider subheadings.

2202.99Higher: 24.9% vs 17.5%

If non-alcoholic ≤0.5% ABV

Low-alcohol sakè-like beverages are non-alcoholic per chapter notes.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Certify polishing ratio (e.g

ginjo/daiginjo) in docs; US requires TTB COLA for labels

Calculate duties precisely on proof at 60°F; common pitfall is confusing with shochu (distilled, 2208)

Use temperature-controlled shipping; declare as 'sakè' to match statutory examples

Related Products under HTS 2206.00.15.20

Dry Apple Cider

A still fermented apple cider with low residual sugar, produced from apple juice fermented with yeast, resulting in an alcoholic strength typically between 4-7% ABV. It falls under HTS 2206.00.15.20 as 'other' cider, neither sparkling nor the primary still cider subheading. This classification covers non-sparkling, non-specific ciders not elsewhere specified.

Sparkling Pear Perry

A lightly sparkling fermented perry made from pears, with carbonation from secondary fermentation but below 3 bars pressure. Classified under HTS 2206.00.15.20 as 'other' cider (broadly including perry as fermented fruit beverage). It distinguishes from true sparkling wine by pressure and fermentation type.

Honey Mead

A traditional fermented beverage made from honey, water, and yeast, often still or lightly effervescent, with ABV around 10-14%. It is classified in HTS 2206.00.15.20 as 'other' fermented beverages akin to cider, not specified elsewhere like sake. Mead fits as a non-grape, non-malt fermented drink.

Traditional English Perry

Still fermented pear cider from heirloom varieties, naturally carbonated under 3 bars, ABV 6-8%. HTS 2206.00.15.20 covers it as 'other' cider/perry. Emphasizes fruit fermentation without distillation.

Dry Hopped Cider

Apple cider dry-hopped with hops post-fermentation for IPA-like bitterness, still, ABV 6.5%. Under 2206.00.15.20 as flavored fermented cider mixture. Hops don't shift to beer classification per fermentation base.

Wild Fermented Mead

Mead using wild yeasts for spontaneous fermentation, unfiltered, ABV 12%. HTS 2206.00.15.20 as other fermented (mead example). Wild process doesn't alter classification.