Official tariff classification decisions published by the European Commission
8 Rulings
Flavored alcoholic carbonated beverage with blackcurrant, a mixture of alcoholic liquid and non-alcoholic sparkling liquid
The product is a dark red carbonated alcoholic beverage with blackcurrant flavor and aroma, with an alcohol by volume content of 14.5%. It is obtained by mixing approximately 76% of an alcoholic liquid and 24% of a non-alcoholic sparkling liquid. The alcoholic liquid is a mixture of fermented apple juice, rectified ethyl alcohol, glucose-fructose syrup, citric acid, and water, characterized by a strongly alcoholic smell and taste without the typical features of a fermented apple juice beverage. The sparkling liquid contains water, glucose-fructose syrup, carbon dioxide, citric acid, blackcurrant flavor, preservatives, and colorants (E122, E151). The fermented alcohol content accounts for 54% of the total alcohol volume, with the remainder being rectified alcohol. The final product, packaged in 0.5-liter plastic bottles, is intended for direct consumption. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1 and 6) and the wording of CN codes 2208, 2208 90, and 2208 90 69, the product cannot be classified under heading 2206 (fermented beverages) because the alcoholic liquid does not retain the characteristics of a natural fermented beverage. It is therefore classified under 2208 90 69 as other spirituous beverages in containers not exceeding two liters. This classification complies with the explanatory notes of the SH and the Combined Nomenclature relating to heading 2206. The primary use is for direct consumption as a flavored alcoholic beverage with blackcurrant.
Jun 16, 2025
Liquid alcohol product with 15% vol. alcohol content, obtained exclusively by fermentation of a highly saccharose-rich beet extract (93.4%), with added water and yeast, followed by removal of yeast via microfiltration.
Liquid alcohol product with 15% vol. alcohol content, obtained exclusively by fermentation of a highly saccharose-rich beet extract (93.4%), with added water and yeast, followed by removal of yeast via microfiltration. It has no particular aroma or taste other than that of alcohol and is intended to serve as a base for the elaboration of compound alcoholic beverages. Presented in bulk, this product falls under agricultural origin un-distilled spirits, classified as fermented beverages not meeting a specific denomination (such as wine, beer, etc.), and subject to regulations on alcoholic beverages, notably regarding production, storage, taxation, and traceability of fermented products for industrial or food use.
Jun 3, 2019
Dilutable preparation
The product is a clear dark brown liquid with an alcohol content of 43% by volume, composed of a mixture of 32 medicinal plant extracts, caramel extract, water, and 96% ethyl alcohol. It is flavored with plants (turmeric, zedoary, manna, angelica, carline, myrrh, camphor, saffron, etc.), has a bitter taste, and is consumed directly as a beverage, although packaging instructions recommend taking small quantities, pure or diluted. Packaged in a 500 ml bottle, this product corresponds to an alcoholic herbal bitter, generally classified under heading 2208 (spirits and liqueurs, bitters, including plant-based bitters that can be used as beverages), provided there are no specific therapeutic claims and it is not registered as a medicinal product. It is subject to regulations on alcoholic beverages, labeling, and food safety.
Feb 15, 2007
Item 4: Liquid product put up for retail sale in a bottle of 30 ml volume, with an alcoholic strength by volume of 70 %, containing: — hydroalcoholic extract of propolis (standardized with native dry extract of propolis 0,6 g — alcohol — water. According to the packaging, the product is intended for human consumption, in a recommended dosage of 25 drops once or twice a day, diluted in half a glass of water. It can also be used as a mouthwash, by diluting 25 drops in water as desired.
Classification is determined by General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 3 to Chapter 33, and by the wording of CN codes 2208, 2208 90 and 2208 90 69. The product cannot be regarded as a mouthwash of heading 3306 because it is not put up in a form clearly specialised to such use (HSEN General, fourth paragraph (b) to Chapter 33). The product has to be classified as a spirituous beverage of heading 2208 (HSEN to heading 2208, third paragraph, item 16). Documented CN 2026 code: 22089069.
Jul 20, 2006
Item 3: Liquid product put up for retail sale in a bottle of 30 ml volume, with an alcoholic strength by volume of 70 %, containing: — propolis (min 38 mg/ml total flavonoids expressed as galangin) 16 % by weight — alcohol — water. According to the packaging, the product can be used to enhance the throat's natural defences, and is intended for human consumption. Recommended dosage: 40 to 60 drops per day in a teaspoon of sugar or honey.
Classification is determined by General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 1(a) to Chapter 30, and by the wording of CN codes 2208, 2208 90 and 2208 90 69. The product cannot be regarded as a medicament of Chapter 30. The product has to be classified as a spirituous beverage of heading 2208 (HSEN to heading 2208, third paragraph, item 16). Documented CN 2026 code: 22089069.
Jul 20, 2006
Item 5: Liquid product based on glycerine macerate of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) buds (ratio drug/extract 1:20), put up for retail sale in a bottle of 100 ml volume, with an alcoholic strength by volume of 38 %. According to the packaging, the product is intended for human consumption, for uses other than liquor production. Recommended dosage: 50 to 150 drops, diluted in a little water, per day.
Classification is determined by General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 1(d) to Chapter 13, and by the wording of CN codes 2208, 2208 90 and 2208 90 69. Being a beverage the product cannot be classified in Chapter 13. The product has to be classified as a spirituous beverage of heading 2208 (HSEN to heading 2208, third paragraph, item 16). Documented CN 2026 code: 22089069.
Jul 20, 2006
Item 1: Liquid product based on arnica tincture (ratio arnica/extract 1:10), put up for retail sale in a bottle of 50 ml volume and with an alcoholic strength by volume of 45 %. According to the packaging, the product is intended for human consumption, for uses other than liquor production. Recommended dosage: 30 to 50 drops, diluted in half a glass of water, 2 to 3 times a day.
Classification is determined by General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, Note 1(d) to Chapter 13, and by the wording of CN codes 2208, 2208 90 and 2208 90 69. Being a beverage the product cannot be classified in Chapter 13. It cannot be regarded as a medicament of heading 3004 because it does not meet the criteria of the Additional Note 1 to Chapter 30. The product has to be classified as a spirituous beverage of heading 2208 (HSEN to heading 2208, third paragraph, item 16). Documented CN 2026 code: 22089069.
Jul 20, 2006
Item 2: Liquid product put up for retail sale in a bottle of 30 ml volume, with an alcoholic strength by volume of 68 %, containing: — plantain (Plantago lanceolata) leaves, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) flowers 2,1 g — dry extract of propolis 84 mg — freeze-dried extract of grindelia (Grindelia robusta) 45 mg — eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil 10,5 mg — Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) essential oil 10,5 mg — alcohol — water. According to the packagin
Classification is determined by General Rules 1 and 6 for the interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature, and by the wording of CN codes 2208, 2208 90 and 2208 90 69. The product cannot be regarded as a medicament of heading 3004 because it does not meet the criteria of the Additional Note 1 to Chapter 30. The product has to be classified as a spirituous beverage of heading 2208 (HSEN to heading 2208, third paragraph, item 16). Documented CN 2026 code: 22089069.
Jul 20, 2006