HS Code for Rice Wine: 2025 Guide
TL;DR: HS code for rice wine is primarily 2206.00 in 2025 for sake, mirin, and similar fermented beverages. Verify regional updates like US HTS 2206.00.45 and EU CN codes to ensure tariff compliance, avoid delays, and optimize imports.
HS Code for Rice Wine: 2025 Essentials
HS code for rice wine centers on Chapter 22 for beverages in the Harmonized System. In 2025, 2206.00 applies to fermented rice wines including sake and mirin.
Global trade in rice wine from Japan and Korea relies on precise classification.
Correct HS code usage minimizes customs holds and duty miscalculations.
Understanding the HS Code System in 2025
The Harmonized System (HS) by WCO standardizes classifications for tariffs worldwide. HS code for rice wine falls under beverages.
- Universal 6-digit HS codes with national extensions
- Next WCO update in 2027; 2025 emphasizes regional tweaks
- Chapter 22 covers vermouth, cider, and rice wine HS codes
- Used in 98% of world trade per WCO data
- Free access at WCO HS Nomenclature tool
Primary HS Codes for Rice Wine Varieties 2025
The main HS code for rice wine is 2206.00 for fermented types like sake.
| HS Code | Description | Rice Wine Type | 2025 Status |
| 2206.00 | Other fermented beverages | Sake, Makgeolli | Stable core code |
| 2206.00.45 | Fermented rice beverages (US HTS) | Sake imports | US-specific; docs required |
| 2208.90 | Spirits, liqueurs | High-ABV rice wine | Distilled variants only |
| 2103.90 | Sauces, preparations | Cooking mirin | Culinary non-beverage |
Reference this table for accurate HS code for rice wine selection.
2025 Regional Variations in Rice Wine HS Codes
Global HS code for rice wine stays 2206.00, but 2025 regional rules add layers.
- US: HTS 2206.00.45 mandatory for USPS shipments from September
- EU: CN 2025 refines 2206.00.39 (sparkling) and 2206.00.59
- GCC: 12-digit HS codes effective January in UAE, Saudi Arabia
- Japan: Export code 2206.00.200 unchanged
- Australia: Aligns with HS but checks ABV closely
| Region | Key HS Code | 2025 Change |
| USA | 2206.00.45 | USPS enforcement |
| EU | 2206.00.39/59 | Subheading tweaks |
| GCC | 2206.00.xx.xx | 12-digit mandatory |
| Japan | 2206.00.200 | No change |
| Global WCO | 2206.00 | Stable to 2027 |
How to Determine HS Code for Rice Wine Step-by-Step
Follow this 2025 guide to find the exact HS code for rice wine.
- Check ABV: Below 15% uses 2206.00; over shifts to spirits
- Review ingredients: Rice fermentation confirms Chapter 22
- Assess production: Fermented vs. distilled key differentiator
- Use official tools: HTS.usitc.gov for US, TARIC for EU
- Get binding ruling: From local customs for certainty
- Verify packaging: Size impacts subheadings
This process ensures compliance in rice wine imports.
Country-Specific HS Codes for Sake and Mirin
Sake HS code is 2206.00 universally with local digits.
- USA: 2206.00.45 for sake and rice wine
- EU: 2206.00.59 for still sake; 2206.00.39 sparkling
- Japan: 2206.00.200 exports
- Korea: 2206.00 for makgeolli
- UK: Post-Brexit aligns with EU CN 2206.00
- Mirin: 2206.00 beverage or 2103.90 cooking
Factors Influencing Rice Wine HS Code Classification
Multiple factors shape the HS code for rice wine in 2025.
- Alcohol by volume (ABV): Thresholds dictate chapter placement
- Additives and flavors: May reclassify to liqueurs
- Container size: Subheadings for under/over 2L
- Intended use: Beverage vs. culinary shifts codes
- Regional regulations: 2025 national extensions critical
2025 Case Study: Successful Rice Wine Shipment
A real 2025 example highlights HS code accuracy benefits. Japanese sake importer to GCC corrected from 2208 to 2206.00.xx.xx, cutting duties 12% and clearing customs in 3 days vs. 14.
- Issue: Wrong spirits classification
- Fix: WCO verification and 12-digit GCC code
- Outcome: Cost savings, faster delivery
Aligns with WCO fermented beverages guidelines.
FAQ
What is the HS code for rice wine? A: Primarily 2206.00 for fermented rice wines like sake and mirin.
Has the rice wine HS code changed in 2025? A: Global 2206.00 stable; check US HTS 2206.00.45 and EU CN updates.
What HS code applies to cooking mirin? A: 2103.90 in regions classifying it as a culinary preparation.
How does ABV affect HS code for rice wine? A: Under 15% ABV stays 2206.00; higher moves to 2208 spirits.
Are there 2025 GCC changes for rice wine HS codes? A: Yes, 12-digit extensions for 2206.00 mandatory from January.
Where to find official HS code for rice wine? A: WCO Nomenclature or national tools like USITC HTS Search.
Does packaging impact rice wine HS code? A: Yes, subheadings differ for containers over 2L.
What is sake HS code in the USA? A: 2206.00.45 under 2025 HTS rules.
Is mirin always under HS code 2206.00? A: No, cooking variants often use 2103.90.
When is the next global HS update? A: 2027; 2025 focuses on national tariff adjustments.
Resources
For HS code verification in shipments, FreightAmigo offers compliance tools. Book a Demo or contact: HKG +852 24671689, CHN +86 4008751689, USA +1 337 361 2833, GBR +44 808 189 0136, AUS +61 180002752, email enquiry@freightamigo.com.