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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If distilled rather than fermented
Distilled rice spirits exceed fermentation-only criteria and move to undenatured ethyl alcohol heading 2208.
If vermouth or flavored sakè-style
Vermouth and other flavored/colored fermented beverages have specific subheadings within 2206.
If dealcoholized version ≤0.5% ABV
Non-alcoholic sakè or rice beverages fall under waters including mineral/aerated types if low alcohol.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Include brewing records showing rice fermentation to distinguish from distilled spirits under 2208
• Test and document proof at 15.56°C for accurate proof liter duty calculation by CBP
• Ensure TTB COLA approval pre-import; common pitfall is confusing with Chinese rice wine (classified elsewhere)
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.
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.
Jun Tea Ferment
Jun is a fermented tea beverage similar to kombucha but using green tea, honey, and kefir grains, with ABV typically 1-3%. Classified under HTS 2206.00.90.40 for other fermented beverages. Lightly sweetened and carbonated.