9811.00.20 - Alcoholic beverage samples (each sample containing not more than 300 milliliters if a malt beverage, not more than 150 milliliters if a wine and not more than 100 milliliters if any other alcoholic beverage) to be used in the United States only for soliciting orders by persons importing alcoholic beverages in commercial quantities

This HTS classification, 9811.00.20, specifically addresses alcoholic beverage samples intended for business solicitation purposes within the United States. The key defining characteristics are the type of beverage (malt, wine, or other alcoholic beverages) and the extremely limited volume of each individual sample. These are not intended for consumption or resale by the importer but are strictly for the purpose of demonstrating the product to potential buyers when importing alcoholic beverages in commercial quantities.

This category is unique due to its specialized purpose and volume restrictions, distinguishing it from general import classifications for alcoholic beverages. While other HTS chapters may cover alcoholic beverages themselves, this provision carves out a distinct allowance for these very small, demonstrative samples used in the commercial ordering process. It is crucial to note that any sample exceeding the specified volume limits, or intended for any use other than soliciting orders, would not qualify for this specific classification and would be subject to standard duty and import regulations for alcoholic beverages.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subdivisions. Classification under 9811.00.20 is definitive based on the fulfillment of all stated conditions: the nature of the goods as alcoholic beverage samples, their strict adherence to volume limitations (300ml for malt, 150ml for wine, 100ml for others), and their exclusive use for the purpose of soliciting commercial import orders. Importers must maintain proper documentation to support the intended use of these samples.