E&J VS Brandy from China
E&J VS is a popular California grape brandy with an alcoholic strength under 80% vol, distilled from grape wine, and typically packaged in 750ml bottles valued between $2.38 and $3.43 per liter. It falls under HTS 2208.20.30.00 as grape brandy in containers under 4 liters within the specified value range. This classification applies to imported brandy meeting these criteria for duty assessment on a per liter basis.
Duty Rate — China → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Verify alcoholic strength by volume at 20°C does not exceed 80% and value per liter; provide distillery certificates and lab analysis for proof determination
• Ensure TTB labeling compliance and COLA approval before entry
• Common pitfall: miscalculating proof liters—use official US formulas for duty adjustment