E&J VS Brandy from Germany
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 — Germany → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3910%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92 and 9903.05.97, articles the product of a member state of the European Union, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 10 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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