Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid
2 declarable lines
Heading 2209 covers vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid, such as diluted acetic acid sold as a vinegar replacement. The heading has only two declarable lines, split by organic certification: certified organic and all other. Both lines carry the same general (MFN) duty rate.
Products in this heading
- Apple cider vinegar
- White distilled vinegar
- Red wine vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar of Modena
- Malt vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Diluted acetic acid sold as a vinegar substitute
- Certified organic apple cider vinegar
How to choose the right subheading
- Confirm the product is vinegar or a substitute for vinegar made from acetic acid, not a drinking beverage.
- Check whether the product holds a certified organic claim: organic goes to 2209.00.00.30, everything else to 2209.00.00.60.
- Confirm the product is not wine, beer, spirits or a flavored sweetened drink.
- Verify the volume in proof liters, since the duty is charged per proof liter rather than by value.
Often confused with
- Heading 2204Wine of fresh grapes
Fermented grape wine is a beverage of heading 2204, not a vinegar.
- Heading 2203Beer made from malt
Malt beer is a beverage, even though malt vinegar is classified in 2209.
- Heading 2202Drinking vinegar beverages and shrubs
Flavored non-alcoholic drinks with added sweetening are beverages of 2202.
- Heading 2208Spirits and liqueurs
Distilled spirits contain alcohol and are not vinegar or acetic acid substitutes.
- Heading 2009Lemon or lime juice used as an acid condiment
Fruit juices, even when used like vinegar, are classified in heading 2009.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for a bottle of white distilled vinegar?
Non-organic white distilled vinegar is classified under 2209.00.00.60, with a general (MFN) rate of 0.5¢/pf.liter. If the same product carries a certified organic claim, it goes under 2209.00.00.30 at the same general (MFN) rate of 0.5¢/pf.liter.
What is the duty on certified organic balsamic vinegar?
Certified organic balsamic vinegar is classified under 2209.00.00.30, and the general (MFN) rate is 0.5¢/pf.liter. The rate is charged per proof liter, not as a percentage of value.
How do I classify a diluted acetic acid product sold as a vinegar substitute?
Heading 2209 covers substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid, so the product is classified here rather than with chemical acids. Use 2209.00.00.60 unless it is certified organic, in which case use 2209.00.00.30; both carry a general (MFN) rate of 0.5¢/pf.liter.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.