1210.20.00 - Hop cones, ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin

This HTS category, 1210.20.00, encompasses hop cones that have undergone processing beyond their fresh or dried state. Specifically, it includes hop cones that have been ground, powdered, or formed into pellets. This also covers lupulin, which is the glandular powder or resinous material found within hop cones, often separated for its concentrated flavor and aroma compounds. These processed forms are typically used in brewing and other industries where specific flavor profiles and preservation are desired.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 1210.10.00.00, is the crucial element of processing. While 1210.10.00.00 covers only hop cones that are neither ground, powdered, nor pelletized (i.e., in their whole, fresh, or dried form), 1210.20.00.00 specifically addresses those that have been physically altered through grinding, powdering, or pelletization. This processing is key for easier handling, dosing, and more efficient extraction of hop characteristics.

Within this classification, further subdivisions exist to differentiate the specific forms. The subcategory 1210.20.00.20 is dedicated to hop cone pellets, which are compact forms created by compressing ground hops. The remaining products, including ground hops, powdered hops, and lupulin itself, fall under the broader "Other" subcategory (1210.20.00.40). These distinctions facilitate more precise tracking and statistical reporting of various processed hop derivatives entering international trade.