HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2209.00 – Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar; obtained from acetic acid
HS code 2209.00 is the 6-digit subheading for vinegar and substitutes for vinegar, obtained from acetic acid. It is used for apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar and rice vinegar.
What HS 2209.00 covers
This HS code covers all types of vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid. Vinegar is a versatile product with extensive applications in culinary arts, food preservation, cleaning, and even some industrial processes. The trade encompasses a wide range of vinegars, including those derived from wine, cider, malt, rice, and balsamic vinegar, as well as synthetic versions. Importers and exporters range from large food processing corporations to specialty producers catering to gourmet markets. Key trade considerations include origin (e.g., 'Balsamic Vinegar of Modena'), acidity levels, and packaging. Its global demand is sustained by its role as a fundamental ingredient in various cuisines and its growing popularity in health-conscious markets.
- Covers
- Apple cider vinegar
- White vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red wine vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Malt vinegar
- Spirit vinegar
- Synthetic acetic acid solution
- Examples
- Heinz White Vinegar
- Colavita Balsamic Vinegar
- Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Kikkoman Rice Vinegar
Codes often confused with 2209.00
Common mistake. This code can be confused with pure acetic acid (291521) if the product is highly concentrated or intended purely for industrial chemical use, rather than as a foodstuff or food ingredient.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 220900, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 220900 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 Italy $400M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $87M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Spain $80M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $997M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $194M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $107M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 France $80M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 2209.00
Brazil does not split HS 2209.00: its NCM code is 2209.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 22.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2209.00
What is HS code 220900?
HS code 220900 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar; obtained from acetic acid. This HS code covers all types of vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid. Vinegar is a versatile product with extensive applications in culinary arts, food preservation, cleaning, and even some industrial processes. The trade encompasses a wide range of vinegars, including those derived from wine, cider, malt, rice, and balsamic vinegar, as well as synthetic versions. Importers and exporters range from large food processing corporations to specialty producers catering to gourmet markets. Key trade considerations include origin (e.g., 'Balsamic Vinegar of Modena'), acidity levels, and packaging. Its global demand is sustained by its role as a fundamental ingredient in various cuisines and its growing popularity in health-conscious markets.
What products fall under HS code 220900?
Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, malt vinegar, spirit vinegar, synthetic acetic acid solution
What are common misclassifications for HS code 220900?
This code can be confused with pure acetic acid (291521) if the product is highly concentrated or intended purely for industrial chemical use, rather than as a foodstuff or food ingredient.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 220900?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 220900 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($400M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($87M) and Spain ($80M). World exports came to about $997M, 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 220900?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 220900 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($194M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($107M) and France ($80M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 220900 structured?
HS code 220900 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (22) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) 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 220900?
In Brazil, HS code 220900 is NCM 2209.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.