Kirschwasser and ratafia
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages: > Other: > Kirschwasser and ratafia
Duty Rate (from China)
Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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)
Subheadings
Products classified under HTS 2208.90.46
Kirschwasser Cherry Brandy
Kirschwasser is a clear, colorless fruit brandy distilled from fermented morello cherries, typically achieving an alcoholic strength between 35-50% ABV, well under 80% vol. It falls under HTS 2208.90.46 as a specific type of kirschwasser, distinct from other fruit brandies due to its production from cherry distillate without added sweeteners. This classification covers undenatured ethyl alcohol spirits like kirschwasser.
Ratafia de Pêche Peach Liqueur
Ratafia de Pêche is a French peach-based spirituous beverage macerated with fruit and lightly sweetened, typically 18-40% ABV. It qualifies under HTS 2208.90.46 as ratafia, distinct from higher-sugar liqueurs due to its bittersweet profile and low sugar content. This covers traditional fruit ratafias under 80% vol.
Apricot Ratafia Spirit
Apricot ratafia spirit is crafted from distilled apricot pomace with added fruit essence, around 30% ABV. It fits HTS 2208.90.46 for ratafia classifications of fruit-based spirituous beverages <80% vol. Distinct from slivovitz by its lighter, sweetened character.
Black Forest Kirschwasser
Authentic Black Forest Kirschwasser from Germany's Schwarzwald region is double-distilled from local cherries, offering a potent cherry stone aroma at around 40% ABV. Classified under HTS 2208.90.46 for its pure kirschwasser characteristics without coloring or flavor additives. This ensures precise tariff treatment for traditional cherry eaux-de-vie.
Swiss Kirschwasser
Swiss Kirschwasser, often from Zuger or Aargau cantons, is a high-proof cherry distillate at 42-45% ABV, prized for its purity and served in fondue traditions. It matches HTS 2208.90.46 as undenatured kirschwasser under 80% vol strength. This subheading distinguishes it from sweetened ratafias.
Alsatian Ratafia Kirsch
Alsatian Ratafia is a mistelle-style cherry ratafia made by halting fermentation early, blending unfermented juice with kirsch at ~18% ABV. HTS 2208.90.46 captures this as ratafia due to its spirit addition and fruit base under 80% vol. It differs from fortified wines by its spirituous nature.
Italian Ratafia Amaro
Italian Ratafia Amaro combines distilled spirits with macerated fruits and herbs, at 25-35% ABV, offering a bittersweet profile. Under HTS 2208.90.46 as ratafia, provided sugar levels keep it distinct from liqueurs. This subheading targets traditional European fruit spirits.