Honey Mead

Honey mead is an ancient fermented beverage made from honey, water, and yeast, often with added fruits or spices, achieving 8-18% ABV. It qualifies for HTS 2206.00.90.40 as an other fermented beverage not specified elsewhere in Chapter 22. Varieties include still and sparkling types.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+35.0%35%
🇲🇽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.

2204.21Lower: 10% vs 35%

If primarily grape-based with honey addition

Table wines in heading 2204 take precedence if grape fermentation is principal component.

2207.20Lower: 11.9% vs 35%

If ethyl alcohol content >95.6% of total

Undenatured high-proof ethyl alcohol from any fermentation source shifts to 2207.

2009Lower: 10% vs 35%

If non-fermented honey-fruit juice concentrate

Unfermented fruit juices with honey are under Chapter 20 provisions.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Submit lab reports confirming honey fermentation base to avoid spirits reclassification

Calculate duties on proof liter basis; adjust for actual proof vs. 100 proof standard

Related Products under HTS 2206.00.90.40

Dry Hard Cider

Dry hard cider is a fermented apple beverage with an alcoholic strength exceeding 0.5% by volume, produced through natural fermentation of apple juice. It falls under HTS 2206.00.90.40 as an other fermented beverage not elsewhere specified, distinct from wine or beer. The 'dry' profile indicates low residual sugar content post-fermentation.

Traditional Sakè

Traditional sakè is a fermented rice beverage made from polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold, with alcohol content typically 15-20% ABV. Classified under HTS 2206.00.90.40 as an other fermented beverage, as it doesn't fit beer, wine, or spirits categories. It's pasteurized and filtered for clarity.

Pear Perry

Pear perry is a fermented pear cider beverage with ABV around 4-8%, made by fermenting pear juice similar to apple cider process. It falls under HTS 2206.00.90.40 as other fermented beverages, explicitly mentioned in the heading examples. Often naturally carbonated.

Kvass Fermented Beverage

Kvass is a traditional Eastern European low-alcohol (1-2.5% ABV) fermented beverage from rye bread, beets, or grains. Classified in HTS 2206.00.90.40 as other fermented beverages not fitting standard beer or wine. Often lightly carbonated.

Tepache Pineapple Ferment

Tepache is a Mexican fermented pineapple beverage with ABV 2-5%, made from pineapple rinds, piloncillo, and spices via wild fermentation. It enters under HTS 2206.00.90.40 as other fermented fruit beverages. Naturally fizzy from yeast activity.

Water Kefir

Water kefir is a fermented probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains (symbiotic bacteria/yeast), sugar water, and fruits, reaching 0.5-2% ABV. Fits HTS 2206.00.90.40 as other fermented beverages. Low-alcohol, effervescent profile.