HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1702.11 – Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter

HS code 1702.11 is the 6-digit subheading for sugars, lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter. It is used for pharmaceutical grade lactose, infant formula lactose, high-purity lactose powder, crystalline lactose and anhydrous lactose.

What HS 1702.11 covers

This HS code encompasses high-purity lactose and lactose syrup, specifically those containing 99% or more lactose on a dry matter basis. These products are critical ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as excipients in tablets and capsules, and are also vital for infant formula production due to their nutritional profile. International trade in 170211 is driven by stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance, with major pharmaceutical and infant nutrition companies being key importers. Exporters are typically dairy-rich nations with advanced processing capabilities. The global market values consistency and purity, making supply chain integrity paramount for these specialized lactose products.

Covers
  • Pharmaceutical grade lactose
  • Infant formula lactose
  • High-purity lactose powder
  • Crystalline lactose
  • Anhydrous lactose
  • Spray-dried lactose
  • Milled lactose
Examples
  • DMV-Fonterra Excipients (Pharmatose)
  • Lactalis Ingredients (pharmaceutical lactose)
  • Arla Foods Ingredients (Lacprodan)
  • Kerry Group (lactose for infant formula)

Codes often confused with 1702.11

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 170219, which covers lower purity lactose. The critical distinction lies in the '99% or more' lactose content threshold.

1702.19Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight less than 99% lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter

Top exporters and importers of HS code 170211, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 170211 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $490M
  2. 2 United States $480M
  3. 3 Netherlands $310M

World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $221M
  2. 2 New Zealand $136M
  3. 3 Netherlands $135M

World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 1702.11

Brazil does not split HS 1702.11: its NCM code is 1702.11.00.

  1. 1702.11.00 Lactose and syrup, 99% or more lactoseQue contenham, em peso, 99 % ou mais de lactose, expresso em lactose anidra, calculado sobre a matéria seca

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 17.02 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 1702.11

What is HS code 170211?

HS code 170211 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter. This HS code encompasses high-purity lactose and lactose syrup, specifically those containing 99% or more lactose on a dry matter basis. These products are critical ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as excipients in tablets and capsules, and are also vital for infant formula production due to their nutritional profile. International trade in 170211 is driven by stringent quality standards and regulatory compliance, with major pharmaceutical and infant nutrition companies being key importers. Exporters are typically dairy-rich nations with advanced processing capabilities. The global market values consistency and purity, making supply chain integrity paramount for these specialized lactose products.

What products fall under HS code 170211?

Pharmaceutical grade lactose, infant formula lactose, high-purity lactose powder, crystalline lactose, anhydrous lactose, spray-dried lactose, milled lactose

What are common misclassifications for HS code 170211?

This code is often confused with 170219, which covers lower purity lactose. The critical distinction lies in the '99% or more' lactose content threshold.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 170211?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 170211 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($490M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($480M) and the Netherlands ($310M). World exports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 170211?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 170211 in UN Comtrade data were China ($221M, 13% of world imports), New Zealand ($136M) and the Netherlands ($135M). World imports came to about $1.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 170211 structured?

HS code 170211 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (17) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 170211?

In Brazil, HS code 170211 is NCM 1702.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.