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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If flavored or sweetened beyond ratafia standards
Aquavit or similar flavored spirits fall under 2208.20 if they include added flavors or essences not qualifying as pure kirschwasser.
If sold as liqueurs with added sugar >2.8% by weight
Liqueurs and cordials with significant sweetening exceed ratafia thresholds, shifting to 2208.70 for spirituous beverages.
If ABV drops below 18% vol due to dilution
Low-alcohol cherry-based drinks may classify as effervescent or still wines under Chapter 22 if not meeting spirit strength.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain TTB approval and COLA prior to import; provide certificate of origin and lab analysis confirming ABV <80% vol and kirschwasser composition
• Duty assessed per proof liter—calculate accurately using 15.56°C proof standard to avoid CBP disputes
• Avoid misclassification as generic fruit brandy (2208.90); ensure documentation specifies cherry distillate process
Related Products under HTS 2208.90.46
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.