HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2208.90 – Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208
HS code 2208.90 is the 6-digit subheading for spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, n.e.c. in heading no. 2208. It is used for tequila, mezcal, soju, sake (fortified) and aquavit.
What HS 2208.90 covers
This HS code serves as a 'catch-all' for spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 2208. It covers a vast and diverse range of products, including regional specialties like tequila, mezcal, soju, sake (if fortified), aquavit, grappa, and pisco, as well as various flavored spirits that do not meet the criteria for liqueurs. International trade in this category is driven by cultural preferences, niche markets, and the continuous innovation within the spirits industry. Exporters often originate from countries with strong traditions in producing these unique beverages, while importers seek to diversify their offerings and cater to specific ethnic or gourmet markets. Labeling and origin regulations are particularly important for these distinct products.
- Covers
- Tequila
- Mezcal
- Soju
- Sake (fortified)
- Aquavit
- Grappa
- Pisco
- Absinthe
- Flavored rum (not sweet enough for liqueur)
- Examples
- Patrón Tequila
- Jose Cuervo
- Hwayo Soju
- Gekkeikan Sake
- Linie Aquavit
Codes often confused with 2208.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with specific spirit categories like whisky (220830) or rum (220840) if the product is not clearly distinct, or with liqueurs (220870) if the sugar content is borderline.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 220890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 220890 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 41% 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 $3.7B 40% of world exports
- 2 China $944M 10% of world exports
- 3 Italy $686M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $9.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.9B 41% of world imports
- 2 Germany $637M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $471M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $9.5B 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 2208.90
Brazil does not split HS 2208.90: its NCM code is 2208.90.00.
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 2208.90
What is HS code 220890?
HS code 220890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208. This HS code serves as a 'catch-all' for spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 2208. It covers a vast and diverse range of products, including regional specialties like tequila, mezcal, soju, sake (if fortified), aquavit, grappa, and pisco, as well as various flavored spirits that do not meet the criteria for liqueurs. International trade in this category is driven by cultural preferences, niche markets, and the continuous innovation within the spirits industry. Exporters often originate from countries with strong traditions in producing these unique beverages, while importers seek to diversify their offerings and cater to specific ethnic or gourmet markets. Labeling and origin regulations are particularly important for these distinct products.
What products fall under HS code 220890?
Tequila, Mezcal, Soju, Sake (fortified), Aquavit, Grappa, Pisco, Absinthe, flavored rum (not sweet enough for liqueur)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 220890?
This code is often confused with specific spirit categories like whisky (220830) or rum (220840) if the product is not clearly distinct, or with liqueurs (220870) if the sugar content is borderline.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 220890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 220890 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($3.7B, 40% of world exports), China ($944M) and Italy ($686M). World exports came to about $9.2B, 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 220890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 220890 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.9B, 41% of world imports), Germany ($637M) and Hong Kong ($471M). World imports came to about $9.5B, 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.
How is HS code 220890 structured?
HS code 220890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 220890?
In Brazil, HS code 220890 is NCM 2208.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.