HS Code 2208.50 : Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, gin and geneve is 2208.50. Under the 2026 China (GACC / 中国海关), the representative MFN general duty rate is 20.00 % [GACC / 税委会 2026].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 22
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages
Heading 2208
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages
Subheading .50
.50
Gin and Geneve
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
China (GACC / 中国海关 Tariff 2026)
2208.50.00
MODULE 5: CHINESE IMPORT DUTY & TAX BREAKDOWN (LANDED COST STACK)
🇨🇳 RCEP PREFERENTIAL TARIFF ELIGIBILITY
Qualifying originating goods from RCEP member countries (ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand) satisfying product-specific rules enter China under RCEP preferential rates with a valid Certificate of Origin.
Official GACC Rulings: Request a General Administration of Customs [GACC Advance Ruling (海关预裁定) ↗]
Notice: Chinese customs entry, MFN tariffs, provisional rates, VAT, and Consumption Tax are governed by GACC (海关总署) and the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council (税委会). Always declare entry via an authorized Customs Broker (报关行) on the China International Trade Single Window (国际贸易单一窗口).
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 2208.50
Receive an automated email notification whenever GACC or 税委会 publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 2208.50.
MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
AGENCY-CONDITIONAL (PGA)
FDA Prior Notice / USDA Phytosanitary Cert
Rule-derived from verified PGA flag: Mandatory prior notice filing and health certificate.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
ACE PGA Message-Set Flags:
FDA (FOO): Prior Notice (PN) for Beverage/WaterTTB (TTB): COLA Label Approval & TTB Importer Permit (Alcohol)
Official ACE program code: ACE/PGA [FDA 21 CFR 1.276].
MODULE 8: Chinese Trade Remedies (MOFCOM AD/CVD) & Safeguards
MOFCOM Anti-Dumping Status
Standard GACC Tariff
MOFCOM Trade Remedy Investigation
Standard Statutory Clearance
CCC Certification / CIQ Status
Standard Customs Supervision
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCEP | Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) | Free / Preferential | Must satisfy RCEP product-specific origin rules and certificate of origin. |
| ACFTA | China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (ACFTA) | Free / Preferential | Form E Certificate of Origin issued by ASEAN authority. |
| ChAFTA | China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) | Free | ChAFTA Certificate of Origin or declaration on origin. |
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve
MODULE 11: GACC Advance Ruling (海关预裁定)
Legally binding tariff classification decisions issued by General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) for HS 2208.50.
Query official GACC Customs Advance Ruling (海关预裁定) portal criteria:
Search Official GACC Portal for 2208.50 →US National HTS Tariff Lines (2208.50)
| HTS Code | Description | General Rate | Special (FTA) Rate | Column 2 Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2208.50.00 | Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve | Free | Free | $1.99/pf. liter | — |
| 2208.50.00.30 | Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve, In containers each holding not over 4 liters | Free | Free | Rate on request | pf.liters |
| 2208.50.00.60 | Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve, In containers each holding over 4 liters | Free | Free | Rate on request | pf.liters |
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 2208.20 | Subheading under Heading 2208 | Compare Subheading 2208.20 → |
| 2208.30 | Subheading under Heading 2208 | Compare Subheading 2208.30 → |
| 2208.40 | Subheading under Heading 2208 | Compare Subheading 2208.40 → |
| 2208.60 | Subheading under Heading 2208 | Compare Subheading 2208.60 → |
| 2208.70 | Subheading under Heading 2208 | Compare Subheading 2208.70 → |
| 2208.90 | Subheading under Heading 2208 | Compare Subheading 2208.90 → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
GACC Customs Tariff Portal (中国海关 2026) ↗
Official Chinese 8-digit CN commodity codes and GACC MFN duty rates.
State Council Customs Tariff Commission (税委会) ↗
Chinese MFN and annual provisional tariff rate decrees.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and China (GACC / 中国海关) general duty for Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and China (GACC / 中国海关), Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve is classified under HS 2208.50 (Heading 2208, Chapter 22). The representative CN MFN general duty rate is 20.00 %.
How is HS 2208.50 distinguished within Heading 2208 (Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages)?
Heading 2208 covers Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages. Subheading 2208.50 specifically isolates Gin and Geneve. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 2208.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 2208.50?
Related subheadings under Heading 2208 include 2208.20, 2208.30, 2208.40, 2208.60, 2208.70, 2208.90. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
What mandatory commercial entry documents are required to import Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve into China?
Importers require a Chinese Customs Entry Declaration (海关进口货物报关单) lodged on the China International Trade Single Window (国际贸易单一窗口), active 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code (USCC / 统一社会信用代码), Custom Brokerage filing (报关行), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading.
Can goods under HS 2208.50 enter duty-free under RCEP or FTAs into China?
Yes. Goods originating in RCEP member countries, ASEAN nations (ACFTA), Australia (ChAFTA), or other FTA partners enter China under preferential tariffs with a valid Certificate of Origin (such as RCEP Certificate or Form E).
What express courier and e-commerce de minimis thresholds apply to China for Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent vol.; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, Gin and Geneve?
China has no general commercial $800 de minimis. Personal postal items (行邮税) enter duty-free up to RMB 50 tax exemption, while Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC 跨境电商) allows duty-free entry up to RMB 5,000 per transaction / RMB 26,000 annual limit.
How can an importer obtain a GACC Customs Advance Ruling (海关预裁定) for HS 2208.50?
Importers or foreign trade operators may submit a formal application for a Customs Advance Ruling (海关预裁定) to GACC local customs authorities under GACC Decree No. 236 for legally binding tariff classification.
What GACC CIFER registration and CIQ sanitary controls apply to HS 2208.50?
Imports of food and agricultural goods under Chapter 22 into China require overseas manufacturer registration on GACC's CIFER system and CIQ phytosanitary/veterinary clearance.
How is Import VAT (增值税) assessed on commercial imports of HS 2208.50 into China?
Import VAT is assessed at 13.00% standard rate (9.00% for agricultural products, books, utilities) on total entered CIF value plus customs duty plus consumption tax.
What is the Unified Social Credit Code (USCC) and Customs Brokerage requirement in China?
Commercial importers must hold an active 18-digit Unified Social Credit Code (USCC / 统一社会信用代码) registered with GACC and declare entry via a licensed Customs Broker (报关行) on the China International Trade Single Window (国际贸易单一窗口).
What is the difference between GACC MFN rates and Provisional applied tariffs (暂定税率)?
MFN general rates (最惠国税率) apply to all WTO member imports. Provisional rates (暂定税率) are lower temporary rates set annually by the Customs Tariff Commission (税委会) for strategic imports.
Does Consumption Tax (消费税) apply to imports of HS 2208.50 in China?
Consumption Tax applies selectively to luxury goods, tobacco, alcohol, passenger cars, refined oil, and luxury watches under the PRC Consumption Tax Regulations.
What express courier and Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC) rules apply in China?
China has no general $800 commercial de minimis. Personal postal items (行邮税) enter duty-free up to RMB 50 tax exemption, while Cross-Border E-Commerce (CBEC 跨境电商) allows duty-free entry up to RMB 5,000 per transaction / RMB 26,000 annual limit.
How are GACC Customs Advance Rulings (海关预裁定) requested in China?
Importers may submit a formal application for an Advance Ruling (海关预裁定) to GACC local customs authorities under GACC Decree No. 236 for binding classification valid across China.
What China Compulsory Certification (CCC / 3C) product safety rules apply to HS 2208.50?
Covered electrical, electronic, automotive, and safety articles under HS 2208.50 require China Compulsory Certification (CCC / 3C) and CIQ inspection prior to customs release.
Are there MOFCOM Anti-Dumping or Countervailing duties applicable to HS 2208.50?
Importers must verify whether active trade remedy measures published by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM / 商务部) apply to their specific originating country.