Harmonized System Codes • Schedule B • Harmonized Commodity Description

HS Code 20019020: Capers, prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid, nesi

Capers are a delicious and versatile ingredient that add a unique tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. They are small flower buds that are harvested from the caper bush, which is native to the Mediterranean region. Capers have been used in cooking for centuries and are particularly popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

HS Code 20019020 specifically refers to capers that have been prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid. This process helps to enhance their flavor and prolong their shelf life. Capers are typically soaked in vinegar or brine, which gives them a distinct tartness.

When it comes to international trade, HS codes play a crucial role in classifying products for customs purposes. The HS code 20019020 is used to classify and track capers that are imported or exported around the world. This code ensures that the correct tariffs and duties are applied to these products.

The MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rate for capers with the HS code 20019020 is 8%. This means that every time a country lowers a trade barrier or opens up a market, it has to do so for the same goods or services from all its trading partners. The 8% duty rate is applied to capers regardless of their country of origin.

When importing capers with the HS code 20019020, the quantity unit used is kilograms (KG). This unit of measurement helps to standardize the import and export process and allows for accurate tracking of the quantity of capers being traded.

There are also special tariff preference programs that may apply to capers with the HS code 20019020. These programs offer reduced or duty-free rates for imports from specific countries. For capers, the following special tariff preference programs are applicable:

• Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) - Provides duty-free treatment for capers imported from eligible countries.
• Australia Special Rate - Offers a special rate for capers imported from Australia.
• Bahrain Special Rate - Provides a special rate for capers imported from Bahrain.
• NAFTA for Canada - Offers duty-free treatment for capers imported from Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
• Chile Special Rate - Provides a special rate for capers imported from Chile.
• Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) - Offers duty-free treatment for capers imported from eligible African countries.
• Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) - Provides duty-free treatment for capers imported from eligible Caribbean countries.
• Israel Special Rate - Offers a special rate for capers imported from Israel.
• Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) - Provides a special rate for capers imported from eligible Andean countries.
• Jordan Special Rate - Offers a special rate for capers imported from Jordan.
• Morocco Special Rate - Provides a special rate for capers imported from Morocco.
• NAFTA for Mexico - Offers duty-free treatment for capers imported from Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
• Oman Special Rate - Provides a special rate for capers imported from Oman.
• Dominican Republic-Central American Special Rate (DR-CAFTA) - Offers a special rate for capers imported from eligible countries in the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement.
• Peru Special Rate - Provides a special rate for capers imported from Peru.
• Singapore Special Rate - Offers a special rate for capers imported from Singapore.

It is important for importers and exporters to be aware of these special tariff preference programs as they can significantly impact the cost of trading capers with the HS code 20019020.

In terms of importing capers with the HS code 20019020 into the United States, data shows that the top importing states are New Jersey, Hawaii, and Hawaii. These states have a higher demand for capers and are likely home to businesses and consumers who value this unique ingredient in their culinary endeavors.

Overall, the HS code 20019020 plays a pivotal role in classifying and tracking capers that are prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid. It ensures that the correct tariffs and duties are applied to these products and helps facilitate international trade in capers.