Sweet Troubles: Matters Concerning the Classification of Bee Product Imports and Exports

As a seasoned "old bee" with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I often encounter clients inquiring about the classification of bee product imports and exports. Today, let's talk about this "sweet" topic, hoping to help everyone navigate the bee product trade with fewer detours.

Natural Honey: A Gift from Nature

Natural honey is a gift from nature. Worker bees industriously collect nectar and brew it.Classification of CustomsIn:

• Classification Basis:HS Chapter 4: "Dairy products; eggs; natural honey; other edible animal products"
• Tariff Number:0409.0000
• Key Features:All - natural, without artificial additives

I remember last year there was a client who imported a batch of "special honey," only to have it inspected by customs and found to contain artificial flavorings. In the end, it was classified as artificial honey, not only delaying the clearance process but also requiring the payment of a significant amount in additional taxes.

Artificial Honey: The Sweet "Imitation"

Artificial honey is an imitation honey product made from base materials such as sucrose and glucose, with the addition of flavors or pigments:

• Classification Basis:HS Chapter 17 "Sugar and sugar confectionery"
• Tariff Number:1702.9090
• Special Attention:Even if it contains some natural honey, it is still classified under this tariff number.

There was a case where a company imported "honey-flavored syrup" but declared it as natural honey. As a result, customs identified it as adulterated artificial honey, and the company faced administrative penalties. This serves as a reminder: product names do not determine classification; the key lies in the ingredients and production process.

Royal Jelly: The "Luxury Item" in a Bee Colony

Royal jelly is a precious substance secreted by worker bees and is unique in terms of classification:

• Pure royal jelly:0410.9021 (Other unlisted insect products)
• Honey with added royal jelly:2106.9090 (Other food products)

Last year, a South Korean customer imported royal jelly capsules. Initially, they were declared as health products, but due to misclassification, the goods were detained. Later, we assisted them in re - declaring the products as insect products, and then the customs clearance was successful.

Beeswax: Not Just the Raw Material for Candles

Beeswax is widely used in fields such as food, cosmetics, and medicine:

• Classification Basis:HS Chapter 15 "Animal or Vegetable Waxes"
• Tariff Number:1521.9010
• Processing status:Regardless of whether it is refined or colored, it is classified under this tariff number.

There was once an importer of cosmetic raw materials who declared refined beeswax as a chemical product, resulting in misclassification. In fact, no matter what degree of processing beeswax has undergone, it should be classified under Chapter 15.

Honey Products: Classification Depends on the Essence

Processed foods with honey as the raw material have different classifications:

• Honey pomelo tea:2008.3010 (Candied fruits)
• Honey - sesame pills:1704.9000 (Sugar confectionery)
• Honey beverage:2202.9000 (Other non - alcoholic beverages)

Here's a typical case: A company imported "honey ginger tea," initially declaring it as a tea beverage. Later, we advised them to declare it as a sugar-preserved plant product, which saved them 5% in tariffs.

Practical Suggestions for Importers and Exporters

Based on years of experience, I have summarized several suggestions:

• Confirm the ingredients in advance:Require the supplier to provide a detailed ingredient list.
• Pay attention to the processing technology:Different processing methods may affect the classification.
• Consult professional institutions:For complex products, it is recommended to conduct pre - classification.
• Retain supporting materials:Prepare customs clearance documents such as inspection reports.

Remember, customs classification is not a guessing game but a judgment based on the objective characteristics of the product. We hope this "Honey Guide" can help you avoid pitfalls in the trade of bee products, making your sweet business smoother!

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out anytime. After all, with 20 years of experience in this industry, my specialty is solving all kinds of "sweet troubles."