Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
3¢/liter
This is a compound duty combining both a specific duty (per unit) and an ad valorem duty (percentage of value).
Special Trade Agreement Rates
The following countries and trade agreements qualify for reduced or eliminated tariffs:
GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
Australia FTA
Bahrain FTA
Chile FTA
Colombia TPA
AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
Caribbean Basin Initiative
Israel FTA
Korea-U.S. (KORUS) FTA
Morocco FTA
Oman FTA
CAFTA-DR (Central America)
Panama TPA
Peru TPA
AGOA Least-Developed Beneficiary
Singapore FTA
Rate: Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)1.3¢/liter(JO)
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
33¢/liter
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 2206.00.45.00 Covers
Fermented rice-based alcoholic beverages, most commonly Japanese sake and similar Asian rice wines such as Korean cheongju or Chinese mijiu. It falls under heading 2206, which covers fermented beverages other than beer, grape wine, and vermouth.
Notes for Importers
Typical products are bottled sake in all grades, including junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo, plus other traditional rice wines. Do not confuse fermented rice wine with distilled rice spirits such as shochu or soju, which are spirits of heading 2208, and cooking sake with added salt may raise separate classification questions. Alcohol imports also require TTB permits, COLA label approval, and FDA facility registration.
Product Category
Prepared Foodstuffs
This chapter includes prepared and preserved meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and other processed food products ready for consumption.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 2206.00.45.00 |
| Description | Rice wine or sakè |
| Chapter | 22 - Prepared Foodstuffs |
| General Duty Rate | 3¢/liter |
| Rate Type | Compound |
| Special Rates | Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)1.3¢/liter(JO) |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are classified under 2206.00.45.00?
Fermented rice wines, principally Japanese sake in all its grades, along with similar rice-based fermented beverages from other countries.
Does this code cover soju or shochu?
No. Soju and shochu are distilled spirits and classify under heading 2208, even though they are often shelved near sake.
Is sparkling or nigori (cloudy) sake still classified here?
Yes, as long as the product remains a fermented rice beverage rather than a distilled spirit, style variations like nigori or sparkling sake stay under this line.
What is the HTS code 2206.00.45.00 used for?
HTS code 2206.00.45.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Rice wine or sakè. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 2206.00.45.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 2206.00.45.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Prepared Foodstuffs products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 2206.00.45.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 2206.00.45.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.