HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3824.60 – Sorbitol; other than that of subheading no. 2905.44
HS code 3824.60 is the 6-digit subheading for sorbitol, other than that of subheading no. 2905.44. It is used for liquid sorbitol solution (70%), crystalline sorbitol powder (non-2905.44), sorbitol syrup, non-crystallizing sorbitol and sorbitol for toothpaste.
What HS 3824.60 covers
This HS code covers sorbitol in forms other than the pure D-glucitol specified in 2905.44, typically referring to sorbitol solutions or mixtures. Sorbitol is a versatile polyol widely traded internationally, primarily used as a sugar substitute, humectant, and excipient in various industries. Key importers and exporters include countries with large food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing sectors, such as the United States, China, Germany, and Brazil. The global supply chain involves major chemical and food ingredient producers. Understanding the different grades and concentrations of sorbitol solutions, as well as their specific applications, is crucial for trade. Its role in sugar-free products and as a bulk laxative in pharmaceuticals drives consistent demand.
- Covers
- Liquid sorbitol solution (70%)
- Crystalline sorbitol powder (non-2905.44)
- Sorbitol syrup
- Non-crystallizing sorbitol
- Sorbitol for toothpaste
- Sorbitol for sugar-free gum
- Examples
- Roquette Sorbitol Solution
- ADM Sorbitol Powder
- Cargill Sorbitol Syrup
- Ingredion Sorbitol
Codes often confused with 3824.60
Common mistake. This code specifically excludes pure D-glucitol (sorbitol) classified under 2905.44, so distinguishing between pure chemical and mixtures/solutions is vital. It can also be confused with other polyols in Chapter 29 if not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 382460, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 382460 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Slovakia, with 7.4% 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 France $109M 39% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $60M 21% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $25M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $280M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Slovakia $19M 7.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $18M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Poland $18M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $263M 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 3824.60
Brazil does not split HS 3824.60: its NCM code is 3824.60.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.24 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3824.60
What is HS code 382460?
HS code 382460 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sorbitol; other than that of subheading no. 2905.44. This HS code covers sorbitol in forms other than the pure D-glucitol specified in 2905.44, typically referring to sorbitol solutions or mixtures. Sorbitol is a versatile polyol widely traded internationally, primarily used as a sugar substitute, humectant, and excipient in various industries. Key importers and exporters include countries with large food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing sectors, such as the United States, China, Germany, and Brazil. The global supply chain involves major chemical and food ingredient producers. Understanding the different grades and concentrations of sorbitol solutions, as well as their specific applications, is crucial for trade. Its role in sugar-free products and as a bulk laxative in pharmaceuticals drives consistent demand.
What products fall under HS code 382460?
Liquid sorbitol solution (70%), crystalline sorbitol powder (non-2905.44), sorbitol syrup, non-crystallizing sorbitol, sorbitol for toothpaste, sorbitol for sugar-free gum
What are common misclassifications for HS code 382460?
This code specifically excludes pure D-glucitol (sorbitol) classified under 2905.44, so distinguishing between pure chemical and mixtures/solutions is vital. It can also be confused with other polyols in Chapter 29 if not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 382460?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 382460 in UN Comtrade data were France ($109M, 39% of world exports), Thailand ($60M) and Indonesia ($25M). World exports came to about $280M, 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 382460?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 382460 in UN Comtrade data were Slovakia ($19M, 7.4% of world imports), Germany ($18M) and Poland ($18M). World imports came to about $263M, 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 382460 structured?
HS code 382460 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (24) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 382460?
In Brazil, HS code 382460 is NCM 3824.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.