HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2203.00 – Beer; made from malt
HS code 2203.00 is the 6-digit subheading for beer, made from malt. It is used for lager, ale, stout, pilsner and IPA (India Pale Ale).
What HS 2203.00 covers
This HS code covers beer made from malt, encompassing the vast majority of alcoholic beers traded globally. It's a cornerstone of the international beverage market, with a rich history and diverse styles. Major beer-producing nations like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are significant exporters, leveraging centuries of brewing tradition and advanced production facilities. Importers span the globe, from countries with limited domestic production to those seeking specialty craft beers or popular international brands. Trade involves complex logistics, temperature-controlled shipping, and adherence to varying alcohol regulations and excise duties. The market is characterized by both global giants and a thriving craft beer movement, driving continuous innovation and consumer interest.
- Covers
- Lager
- Ale
- Stout
- Pilsner
- IPA (India Pale Ale)
- Wheat Beer
- Porter
- Pale Ale
- Examples
- Budweiser
- Heineken
- Guinness
- Stella Artois
- Corona
- Samuel Adams
Codes often confused with 2203.00
Common mistake. This is clearly distinguished from non-alcoholic beer (220291) by its alcohol content, and from other alcoholic beverages like wine (2204) or spirits (2208) by its malt-based fermentation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 220300, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 220300 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 Mexico $6.3B 36% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $1.8B 10% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.6B 8.9% of world exports
World total: $17.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $7.2B 40% of world imports
- 2 France $1.2B 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $780M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $17.9B 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 2203.00
Brazil does not split HS 2203.00: its NCM code is 2203.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 22.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2203.00
What is HS code 220300?
HS code 220300 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Beer; made from malt. This HS code covers beer made from malt, encompassing the vast majority of alcoholic beers traded globally. It's a cornerstone of the international beverage market, with a rich history and diverse styles. Major beer-producing nations like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are significant exporters, leveraging centuries of brewing tradition and advanced production facilities. Importers span the globe, from countries with limited domestic production to those seeking specialty craft beers or popular international brands. Trade involves complex logistics, temperature-controlled shipping, and adherence to varying alcohol regulations and excise duties. The market is characterized by both global giants and a thriving craft beer movement, driving continuous innovation and consumer interest.
What products fall under HS code 220300?
Lager, Ale, Stout, Pilsner, IPA (India Pale Ale), Wheat Beer, Porter, Pale Ale
What are common misclassifications for HS code 220300?
This is clearly distinguished from non-alcoholic beer (220291) by its alcohol content, and from other alcoholic beverages like wine (2204) or spirits (2208) by its malt-based fermentation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 220300?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 220300 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.3B, 36% of world exports), Belgium ($1.8B) and the Netherlands ($1.6B). World exports came to about $17.4B, 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 220300?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 220300 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.2B, 40% of world imports), France ($1.2B) and Italy ($780M). World imports came to about $17.9B, 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.
How is HS code 220300 structured?
HS code 220300 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (22) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 220300?
In Brazil, HS code 220300 is NCM 2203.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.