Apple Juice, Brix Value ≤ 20, Unfermented (Not Fortified with Vitamins)

This heading applies to apple juice with a Brix value not exceeding 20, while the adjacent NESOI heading (200979) captures higher-Brix and concentrated forms. Brix is typically measured by refractometer on a representative sample at the port of entry or at the foreign laboratory whose results accompany the shipment. Importers should include certified Brix analysis in their entry documentation to avoid reclassification disputes.

Yes. FDA's juice HACCP regulation specifically identifies apple juice as a high-priority product due to historical pathogen incidents, and the agency has issued guidance on patulin (a mycotoxin from mold-damaged apples) as a hazard requiring control. Foreign processors must address patulin in their HACCP plans, and FDA may sample imported apple juice for patulin levels. Importers should confirm that supplier HACCP documentation explicitly covers this hazard.