Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by — HTS 2208
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages
Chapter 22 › Heading 2208
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 2208 is a broad product category for certain alcoholic beverages and alcohol products. It covers undenatured ethyl alcohol below the stated alcohol-strength threshold, along with spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages. The heading is only the first four digits of the tariff classification, so it does not by itself identify the final import code or duty treatment.
To reach the specific 8-digit HTSUS code, start with the product’s composition and nature, then follow the subheadings and tariff descriptions under heading 2208. Classification commonly turns on the type of spirit or beverage, the materials used, whether it is a liqueur or other preparation, and sometimes characteristics such as alcohol strength, container or packaging form, or intended use. The exact product facts and the current HTSUS wording must control; a customs broker or classification specialist may be needed for close cases.
What to check
- Confirm that the product belongs in heading 2208 rather than another beverage or alcohol heading, using its formulation and alcohol strength.
- Identify the base spirit or principal material, such as a distilled grain, fruit, cane, or other agricultural source, and document the manufacturing process.
- Check whether the product is a liqueur, a named type of spirit, or another spirituous beverage under the relevant subheading descriptions.
- Review every remaining 6-digit and 8-digit break for required distinctions, including composition, strength, packaging, or other stated characteristics.
- Keep the commercial invoice, product specification, formula, label, laboratory information, and production records consistent with the selected code; request a binding ruling or professional advice if classification is uncertain.
HTS heading 2208 summary
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by is a 4-digit product category containing 2 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2208.20 | Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc (grape brandy) |
| 2208.30 | Whiskies |
| 2208.40 | Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products |
| 2208.60 | Vodka |
| 2208.90 | Other |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2208.50.00 👉 | Gin and Geneve | Free | — | $1.99/pf. liter |
| 2208.70.00 👉 | Liqueurs and cordials | Free | — | $3.08/pf. liter |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 2208?
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.