Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Vinegar and Acetic Acid Substitutes for Vinegar (HS 220900) totaled $15.2M in August 2026, imported from 50 countries.
Importers of Vinegar and Acetic Acid Substitutes for Vinegar paid $1.5M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 9.88% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataItaly leads US imports under this heading, driven by balsamic vinegar of Modena and other wine vinegars that command premium positioning in the food service and retail sectors. The US schedule distinguishes organic vinegar and substitutes (2209000010) from all other types (2209000050), a split that has grown commercially significant as demand for certified organic products has increased. Acetic-acid-based substitutes for vinegar — synthetic products not derived from fermentation — are classified here alongside traditional fermented vinegars, though their labeling as 'vinegar' is restricted under FDA food standards. Spain, France, Canada, and Japan round out the top supplier countries, reflecting diverse vinegar styles from wine, apple cider, and rice fermentation traditions.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
976 import shipments a month
The product classifies under heading 220900, but 'Balsamic Vinegar of Modena' is a protected geographic indication in the EU. While the US does not provide the same level of GI protection, FDA food labeling standards apply, and importers should ensure the product meets FDA's standards of identity for vinegar (minimum 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 mL) and that label claims are truthful and not misleading. CBP may also scrutinize origin claims on GI-designated products.
Both are classified under heading 220900, but they differ in production method and FDA labeling treatment. Traditional vinegar is produced by acetic acid fermentation of alcoholic liquids (wine, cider, etc.). Acetic-acid-based substitutes are synthetically produced and, under FDA standards, generally cannot be labeled simply as 'vinegar' without qualification. Importers of synthetic substitutes should confirm FDA labeling compliance before entry to avoid detention.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 1 of 1 in heading 2209
Subheading 220900 · $15.2M of $15.2M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2209000060 | Vinegar & Substitutesfrom Acetic Acid, NESOI | $12.7M | 9.99% | 95.67% | $1.3M |
| 2209000030 | Vinegar & Substitutes From Acetic Acid, Organic | $2.4M | 9.36% | 96.01% | $228K |
| 2209000000 | Vinegar & Substitutes for Vinegar From Acetic Acid | — | -- | -- | -- |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2209000010 | Vinegar & Substitutes, From Acetic Acid, Organic | $3.9M |
| 2209000050 | Vinegar & Substitutes, From Acetic Acid, NESOI | $3.6M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$15.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$7.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $175.8M of Vinegar and Acetic Acid Substitutes for Vinegar and exported $81.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Italy and Spain together supply 71% of it. Netherlands pays 10.0% duty; Canada 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
4.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 9.88% of imports for consumption.