HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2208.30 – Whiskies
HS code 2208.30 is the 6-digit subheading for whiskies. It is used for scotch whisky, irish whiskey, bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey and japanese whisky.
What HS 2208.30 covers
This category encompasses all types of whiskies, a globally popular spirit distilled from fermented grain mash and typically aged in wooden casks. The trade in whiskies is enormous, characterized by strong brand loyalty, diverse regional styles (e.g., Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Rye, Japanese), and a growing premiumization trend. It's a highly competitive market with significant marketing and distribution efforts worldwide. Importers are global distributors and retailers catering to a vast consumer base across various price points and preferences. Exporters are countries with long-standing whisky traditions and large-scale production facilities, often protected by geographical indications. The aging process, grain bill, and origin are critical determinants of value and market appeal.
- Covers
- Scotch whisky
- Irish whiskey
- Bourbon whiskey
- Rye whiskey
- Japanese whisky
- Canadian whisky
- Tennessee whiskey
- Single malt whisky.
- Examples
- Johnnie Walker Red Label
- Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
- Maker's Mark Bourbon
- Suntory Hibiki.
Codes often confused with 2208.30
Common mistake. Rarely confused with other spirit categories due to its distinct identity, but could potentially be misclassified under 2208.90 (other spirits) if generic or unbranded, or if its grain base is not clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 220830, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 220830 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 United Kingdom $7.2B 50% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.3B 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $1.1B 7.5% of world exports
World total: $14.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 12% of world imports
- 2 France $738M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $692M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $12.9B 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 codes for 2208.30 3
Brazil splits HS 2208.30 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2208.30.10 Whisky over 50% vol in containers of 50 l or moreCom um teor alcoólico, em volume, superior a 50 % vol., em recipientes de capacidade igual ou superior a 50 l
- 2208.30.20 Whisky in containers of 2 litres or lessEm embalagens de capacidade inferior ou igual a 2 l
- 2208.30.90 Other whiskyOutros
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 2208.30
What is HS code 220830?
HS code 220830 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Whiskies. This category encompasses all types of whiskies, a globally popular spirit distilled from fermented grain mash and typically aged in wooden casks. The trade in whiskies is enormous, characterized by strong brand loyalty, diverse regional styles (e.g., Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Rye, Japanese), and a growing premiumization trend. It's a highly competitive market with significant marketing and distribution efforts worldwide. Importers are global distributors and retailers catering to a vast consumer base across various price points and preferences. Exporters are countries with long-standing whisky traditions and large-scale production facilities, often protected by geographical indications. The aging process, grain bill, and origin are critical determinants of value and market appeal.
What products fall under HS code 220830?
Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon whiskey, Rye whiskey, Japanese whisky, Canadian whisky, Tennessee whiskey, single malt whisky.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 220830?
Rarely confused with other spirit categories due to its distinct identity, but could potentially be misclassified under 2208.90 (other spirits) if generic or unbranded, or if its grain base is not clearly defined.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 220830?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 220830 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($7.2B, 50% of world exports), the United States ($1.3B) and Ireland ($1.1B). World exports came to about $14.3B, 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 220830?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 220830 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 12% of world imports), France ($738M) and Singapore ($692M). World imports came to about $12.9B, 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 220830 structured?
HS code 220830 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 220830?
Brazil splits HS code 220830 into 3 NCM codes: 2208.30.10 (Whisky over 50% vol in containers of 50 l or more), 2208.30.20 (Whisky in containers of 2 litres or less), 2208.30.90 (Other whisky). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.