Kirschwasser Cherry Brandy
Kirschwasser is a clear, colorless cherry brandy made by double distilling fermented cherries, with alcohol content under 80% vol., specifically named in HTS 2208.90.46.30 for containers ≤4 liters. Its classification reflects its status as a premium fruit eau-de-vie, not a liqueur.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If sweetened or artificially flavored
Non-ratafia cherry spirits with additives go to 2208.29 as other flavored spirits.
If containers each holding over 4 liters
Subheading splits by container capacity; bulk shifts from .46.30 to .45.
If personal effects or samples
Limited quantities as personal imports or samples under Chapter 98 avoid standard duties.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify 'kirschwasser' labeling matches TTB standards; generic 'cherry brandy' may reclassify
• Use bonded warehouse for storage to defer proof liter duties until release
Related Products under HTS 2208.90.46.30
Slivovitz Plum Brandy
Slivovitz is a traditional Eastern European fruit brandy distilled from fermented plums, with an alcoholic strength typically under 80% vol., classified under HTS 2208.90.46.30 as a ratafia-style spirit in containers holding not over 4 liters. It fits due to its fruit-based distillation and bottling size, distinct from higher-proof ethyl alcohol or other spirits.
Maraschino Liqueur Ratafia
Maraschino ratafia is a bittersweet cherry spirit from Dalmatian marasca cherries, double-distilled to under 80% vol., bottled in ≤4L containers under HTS 2208.90.46.30. It qualifies as ratafia due to its fruit distillate base without excessive sweetening.
Abricotine Apricot Ratafia
Abricotine is an apricot kernel and fruit distillate spirit from the Alps, <80% vol, bottled ≤4L under HTS 2208.90.46.30 for kirschwasser/ratafia category. Its stone fruit base aligns with traditional ratafia definitions.
Mirabelle Plum Eau-de-Vie
Mirabelle is a delicate yellow plum brandy from Lorraine, distilled to <80% vol in ≤4L bottles, classified HTS 2208.90.46.30 as ratafia. Its single-varietal fruit fermentation fits the unsweetened spirit profile.
Quetsch Plum Ratafia
Quetsch ratafia from Alsace blue plums, double-distilled under 80% vol, ≤4L containers per HTS 2208.90.46.30. Represents traditional fruit spirits akin to kirsch.
Zwetschgenwasser Plum Water
German Zwetschgenwasser clear plum spirit, <80% vol, ≤4L, HTS 2208.90.46.30 ratafia. Pure distillation product.