2202.10.00.20 - Containing high-intensity sweeteners (e.g., aspartame and/or saccharin)

This HTS category, 2202.10.00.20, specifically covers carbonated soft drinks that contain high-intensity sweeteners. These sweeteners include, but are not limited to, aspartame and saccharin, which provide sweetness with significantly fewer calories than traditional sugars. The key characteristic for classification under this subheading is the presence and primary sweetening agent being a high-intensity sweetener, differentiating these beverages from those sweetened with sugar or other common sweetening matters.

Within the broader category of "Carbonated soft drinks," this subheading is distinct from its sibling category, "Other." The "Other" category would encompass carbonated soft drinks that do not contain high-intensity sweeteners, but are instead sweetened with sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, or other caloric sweeteners, or remain unsweetened. Therefore, the presence and type of sweetener are the critical factors for accurate classification between these two subheadings.

As this subheading is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification is determined by the specific characteristics of the beverage, namely that it is a carbonated soft drink sweetened with high-intensity sweeteners. Examples include diet colas, diet lemon-lime sodas, and other sugar-free carbonated beverages where aspartame or saccharin are the primary sweetening agents.