Brix value measures dissolved sugar concentration and is the key split point for most juice subheadings. A Brix at or below 20 (or 30 for grape juice) falls into one subheading, while a higher Brix falls into another. Importers should verify the Brix of each shipment against the certificate of analysis, because misclassification between subheadings can result in a different duty rate or TRQ treatment.

Mixtures of two or more fruit or vegetable juices are classified under 200990 regardless of which juice predominates. A product must be a single-fruit or single-vegetable juice to fall under the commodity-specific subheadings such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice.

FDA requires juice processors — including foreign establishments exporting to the US — to operate under a HACCP plan addressing pathogen hazards. Labeling must accurately state Brix, net volume, and country of origin. Shipments may be detained at the port of entry if the exporter is on an import alert or if labeling is non-compliant. Consulting a licensed customs broker and an FDA regulatory specialist is advisable for new juice import programs.