HS Code 17.04 – Sugar confectionery (including white chocolate), not containing cocoa

HS code 1704 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sugar confectionery (including white chocolate), not containing cocoa. Heading 1704 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses all types of 'Sugar confectionery (including white chocolate), not containing cocoa'. This broad classification covers a vast array of sweet treats where sugar is the primary ingredient, and importantly, excludes products containing cocoa solids, with the specific exception of white chocolate. The scope includes traditional candies, chewing gum, marzipan, nougat, pastilles, lozenges, and other sugar-based preparations. The boundary of this classification is explicitly defined by the absence of cocoa, which differentiates it from cocoa-containing confectionery found in Chapter 18 (e.g., 1806 for chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa). Key sub-categories include boiled sweets, toffees, caramels, jellies, gums, fondants, and various forms of white chocolate. Proper classification under 1704 is critical for trade compliance, as it determines applicable tariffs, import duties, and adherence to specific food safety and labeling regulations, which can vary significantly from cocoa-containing products. Historically, sugar confectionery has evolved from a luxury item to a mass-produced consumer good, reflecting global changes in sugar availability and manufacturing capabilities. This heading is a central component of Chapter 17, 'Sugars and Sugar Confectionery,' serving as the primary classification for processed sugar products that are ready for consumption, distinguishing them from raw sugars (1701, 1702).

Boiled sweets, hard candies, fruit jellies, gummy bears, sour worms, marshmallows, chewing gum, bubble gum, marzipan, nougat bars, rock candy, lollipops, caramels, toffees, fondant, peppermint drops, licorice confectionery (non-cocoa), white chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, sugar-coated almonds, Turkish delight (non-cocoa), sugar pastilles, throat lozenges (sugar-based), sugar-free candies, jelly beans, taffy, cotton candy, candied fruits (sugar-coated), candied ginger.

A common mistake is confusing products under 1704 with those in 1806 (Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa). The crucial distinction lies in the presence or absence of cocoa solids. While white chocolate is specifically included in 1704, milk or dark chocolate bars, even if primarily sugar, belong to 1806 due to their cocoa content. Traders also sometimes incorrectly classify complex sugar-based preparations under 2106 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included), when they are clearly identifiable as sugar confectionery. Another error can occur with medicinal lozenges; if they are primarily sugar confectionery with minor medicinal additives, they fall under 1704, but if the medicinal component is dominant, they might shift to Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products). Accurate ingredient analysis is paramount to avoid these misclassifications.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1704 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.1B, 11% of world exports), China ($2.0B) and Mexico ($1.3B). World exports came to about $18.9B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1704 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.3B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and the United Kingdom ($1.2B). World imports came to about $18.9B, 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.

HS code 1704 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 17 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (17) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.