Dry Apple Cider from Japan
A still fermented apple cider with an alcoholic strength exceeding 0.5% by volume, produced through natural fermentation of apple juice. It falls under HTS 2206.00.15 as a classic example of cider, distinct from non-alcoholic beverages or other spirits.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Verify alcoholic strength by volume at 20°C exceeds 0.5% via lab certification to avoid reclassification as non-alcoholic under 2202
• Declare proof liters accurately (50% alcohol equivalent at 15.56°C) for duty assessment; provide distillation analysis if requested by CBP
• Ensure labels specify 'cider' and origin; common pitfall is misdeclaring sparkling vs still, triggering audits