HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2208.20 – Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc

HS code 2208.20 is the 6-digit subheading for spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc. It is used for cognac, armagnac, brandy de Jerez, grappa and pisco.

What HS 2208.20 covers

This HS code specifically covers spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc (pomace), commonly known as brandy or grappa. This segment represents a significant part of the premium spirits market, often associated with luxury, tradition, and specific geographical indications like Cognac or Armagnac. Trade is driven by consumer demand for fine spirits, their use in cocktails, and cultural heritage. Importers are typically distributors and retailers in markets with a taste for premium spirits and a strong appreciation for traditional distillation methods. Exporters are traditional wine-producing countries with established brandy industries, leveraging centuries of expertise and specific grape varieties. Ageing, origin, and distillation methods are key factors influencing value and trade.

Covers
  • Cognac
  • Armagnac
  • Brandy de Jerez
  • Grappa
  • Pisco
  • Marc de Bourgogne
  • Metaxa
  • Fruit brandy (grape based).
Examples
  • Hennessy VSOP
  • Rémy Martin XO
  • Courvoisier VS
  • Grappa Nonino
  • Pisco Portón.

Codes often confused with 2208.20

Common mistake. Can be confused with 2208.90 (other spirits) if the grape origin is not clearly specified, or 2204.21-.29 (grape wine) if misidentified as wine rather than a distilled spirit.

2208.90Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 22082204.21Wine; still, in containers holding 2 litres or less

Top exporters and importers of HS code 220820, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 220820 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 France $2.8B
  2. 2 Singapore $794M
  3. 3 Armenia $304M

World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $875M
  2. 2 China $720M
  3. 3 Singapore $609M

World total: $5.0B 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 2208.20

Brazil does not split HS 2208.20: its NCM code is 2208.20.00.

  1. 2208.20.00 Grape brandy (spirits of grape wine or marc)Aguardentes de vinho ou de bagaço, de uvas

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 22.08 →

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

Questions about HS 2208.20

What is HS code 220820?

HS code 220820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc. This HS code specifically covers spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc (pomace), commonly known as brandy or grappa. This segment represents a significant part of the premium spirits market, often associated with luxury, tradition, and specific geographical indications like Cognac or Armagnac. Trade is driven by consumer demand for fine spirits, their use in cocktails, and cultural heritage. Importers are typically distributors and retailers in markets with a taste for premium spirits and a strong appreciation for traditional distillation methods. Exporters are traditional wine-producing countries with established brandy industries, leveraging centuries of expertise and specific grape varieties. Ageing, origin, and distillation methods are key factors influencing value and trade.

What products fall under HS code 220820?

Cognac, Armagnac, Brandy de Jerez, Grappa, Pisco, Marc de Bourgogne, Metaxa, fruit brandy (grape based).

What are common misclassifications for HS code 220820?

Can be confused with 2208.90 (other spirits) if the grape origin is not clearly specified, or 2204.21-.29 (grape wine) if misidentified as wine rather than a distilled spirit.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 220820?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 220820 in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.8B, 50% of world exports), Singapore ($794M) and Armenia ($304M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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 220820?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 220820 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($875M, 17% of world imports), China ($720M) and Singapore ($609M). World imports came to about $5.0B, 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 220820 structured?

HS code 220820 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (22) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 220820?

In Brazil, HS code 220820 is NCM 2208.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.