(1)

For the classification of fruit juices within the Combined Nomenclature annexed to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87, a distinction is to be made between, on the one hand, fruit juices containing added sugar of heading 2009 and, on the other hand, preparations for the manufacture of beverages including flavoured sugar syrups of heading 2106.

(2)

According to the Harmonised System Explanatory Note to heading 2009, amongst other additives, sugar can be added to fruit juices, provided that they retain their original character.

(3)

Consequently fruit juices or mixtures of fruit juices, whether or not containing added sugar, are to be classified in the subheadings of heading 2009 of the Combined Nomenclature, unless they have lost their original character of fruit juice. In the last case they have to be excluded from classification under heading 2009 and have to be classified under heading 2106.

(4)

In accordance with Additional Note 5(b) to Chapter 20 of the Combined Nomenclature, fruit juices to which so much sugar has been added that they contain less than 50 % by weight of fruit juice have lost their natural state of fruit juice and can therefore not be classified under heading 2009. The added sugar content is to be determined according to their Brix value which depends, amongst others, on the sugar content of these products.

(5)

Problems have risen with respect to the classification of concentrated natural fruit juices. When the added sugar content of those products is calculated as set out in Additional Notes 2 and 5, it may appear to be so high that products contain less than 50 % by weight of fruit juices so that they have to be classified under heading 2106. This result is unsatisfactory as it is based on a fictive calculation of the added sugar content while in reality no sugar has been added and the high added sugar content results from the concentration.

(6)

It is therefore appropriate to reword point (b) of Additional Note 5 to Chapter 20 and to add a new provision to that point, clearly stating that for concentrated natural fruit juices the criterion of 50 % by weight of fruit juices does not apply so that those juices are not to be excluded from heading 2009 on the basis of a calculated addition of sugar. It should also be clearly stated that Additional Note 5 is to be applied on the products as presented.

(7)

Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(8)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Customs Code Committee,