HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2201.90 – Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow
HS code 2201.90 is the 6-digit subheading for waters, other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow. It is used for purified drinking water, distilled water, bottled spring water (non-mineral), ice cubes and bulk drinking water.
What HS 2201.90 covers
This category encompasses plain bottled drinking water, purified water, distilled water, and even ice and snow, provided they are not mineral, aerated, sweetened, or flavored. It represents a massive segment of global trade, driven by increasing urbanization, concerns over tap water quality, and convenience. Developing nations often import bottled water due to infrastructure limitations, while developed countries see high consumption of purified and distilled varieties for various uses. Exporters range from countries with efficient bottling operations to those with access to clean water sources. Key considerations in this trade include packaging innovation (e.g., eco-friendly bottles), logistics for heavy and bulky products, and meeting diverse national health and safety standards for drinking water.
- Covers
- Purified drinking water
- Distilled water
- Bottled spring water (non-mineral)
- Ice cubes
- Bulk drinking water
- Demineralized water
- Examples
- Aquafina
- Dasani
- Poland Spring
- Smartwater
- Generic Ice Bags
Codes often confused with 2201.90
Common mistake. It can be confused with mineral waters (220110) if the "mineral" aspect is not explicitly stated, or with flavored waters (220210) if any additives are present.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 220190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 220190 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 42% 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 China $726M 54% of world exports
- 2 United States $104M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 France $95M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $675M 42% of world imports
- 2 United States $314M 20% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $76M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 2201.90
Brazil does not split HS 2201.90: its NCM code is 2201.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 22.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2201.90
What is HS code 220190?
HS code 220190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow. This category encompasses plain bottled drinking water, purified water, distilled water, and even ice and snow, provided they are not mineral, aerated, sweetened, or flavored. It represents a massive segment of global trade, driven by increasing urbanization, concerns over tap water quality, and convenience. Developing nations often import bottled water due to infrastructure limitations, while developed countries see high consumption of purified and distilled varieties for various uses. Exporters range from countries with efficient bottling operations to those with access to clean water sources. Key considerations in this trade include packaging innovation (e.g., eco-friendly bottles), logistics for heavy and bulky products, and meeting diverse national health and safety standards for drinking water.
What products fall under HS code 220190?
Purified drinking water, Distilled water, Bottled spring water (non-mineral), Ice cubes, Bulk drinking water, Demineralized water
What are common misclassifications for HS code 220190?
It can be confused with mineral waters (220110) if the "mineral" aspect is not explicitly stated, or with flavored waters (220210) if any additives are present.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 220190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 220190 in UN Comtrade data were China ($726M, 54% of world exports), the United States ($104M) and France ($95M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 220190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 220190 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($675M, 42% of world imports), the United States ($314M) and the Netherlands ($76M). World imports 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.
How is HS code 220190 structured?
HS code 220190 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (22) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 220190?
In Brazil, HS code 220190 is NCM 2201.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.