2009.89.80 - Vegetable juice

This category encompasses juices derived from vegetables, excluding those from fruits, nuts, or specific recognized subtypes covered elsewhere. It is crucial to distinguish this classification from "Fruit juice" which, as a sibling category, covers juices exclusively from fruits. The primary criterion for inclusion here is that the juice originates from a vegetable, meaning it is extracted from edible plant parts such as roots, stems, leaves, or seeds, and is not primarily classified as a fruit juice according to common horticultural or culinary definitions.

Furthermore, these vegetable juices must be unfermented and should not contain added spirit. The presence of added sugar or other sweetening matter does not preclude classification within this heading, provided the fundamental nature of the product remains vegetable juice. This classification is intended for single-vegetable juices where the specific vegetable source is identifiable and not part of a mixed vegetable blend that might fall under a broader preparation category.

Within this category, further subdivisions exist to refine classification based on packaging and presentation. The subcategories "In airtight containers" and "Other" provide a means to distinguish between juices packaged for long-term preservation, typically in sealed cans or similar vessels, and those that are not. This distinction is important for inventory management, shelf-life considerations, and potentially for specific trade regulations or tariff rates associated with different packaging methods.