Product classification
HS code for Alcohol-free beer: 2202.91
Non-alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beer.
Classification of alcohol-free beer under HS 2202.91
Alcohol-free beer is classified under HS code 2202.91. This classification is governed by the specific definitions provided in Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System regarding alcoholic versus non-alcoholic beverages. While traditional beer made from malt is classified under heading 2203, the Explanatory Notes state that beverages with an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 0.5% vol are considered non-alcoholic. Heading 2202 covers waters and other non-alcoholic beverages. Within this heading, subheading 2202.91 was specifically introduced to provide a distinct category for non-alcoholic beer, which is produced either by interrupting the fermentation process or by removing the alcohol from finished beer (dealcoholization). Despite having the taste, appearance, and packaging of traditional beer, the low alcohol content necessitates its placement in the non-alcoholic category. This classification applies regardless of whether the product is marketed as "0.0%" or "alcohol-free," as long as it remains within the 0.5% threshold.
- Covers
- Dealcoholized lager and ale
- 0.0% ABV malt beverages
- Non-alcoholic stout and porter
- Low-alcohol beer (containing 0.5% vol or less)
- Malt-based beverages flavored to resemble beer
- Also under 2202.91
- Heineken 0.0
- Budweiser Zero
- Athletic Brewing Co.
- Erdinger Alkoholfrei
- Clausthaler
Codes often confused with 2202.91
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 2203.00, which is reserved for malt beer with an alcohol content exceeding 0.5% vol. Importers often mistakenly use the beer code because the product is branded and sold as beer. Another error is using 2202.10, which covers sweetened or flavored waters; however, because alcohol-free beer is a malt-based beverage, the specific subheading 2202.91 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220291 (the code used for alcohol-free beer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220291 (the code used for alcohol-free beer) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 220291, not only alcohol-free beer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $158M 20% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $107M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $100M 13% of world exports
World total: $797M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $158M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $128M 16% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $45M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $818M 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 alcohol-free beer
Brazil classifies alcohol-free beer under NCM 2202.91.00: HS 2202.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alcohol-free beer
What is the HS code for Alcohol-free beer?
The HS code for Alcohol-free beer is 220291 (Non-alcoholic beverages; non-alcoholic beer). The HS code for alcohol-free beer (0.5% ABV or less) is 2202.91.
How do I classify Alcohol-free beer for customs?
Alcohol-free beer is classified under HS code 220291 — Non-alcoholic beverages; non-alcoholic beer. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens if the beer has 0.6% alcohol?
If the alcoholic strength exceeds 0.5% by volume, the product can no longer be classified as non-alcoholic and must be moved to HS code 2203.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of alcohol-free beer (HS 220291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220291 (the code used for alcohol-free beer) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($158M, 20% of world exports), Belgium ($107M) and Germany ($100M). World exports came to about $797M, 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 alcohol-free beer (HS 220291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220291 (the code used for alcohol-free beer) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($158M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($128M) and the Netherlands ($45M). World imports came to about $818M, 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.
Is the HS code for Alcohol-free beer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220291 for Alcohol-free beer is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alcohol-free beer in Brazil?
In Brazil, alcohol-free beer (HS 220291) is classified under NCM 2202.91.00.