Product classification
HS code for Alcoholic beverages: 2208.90
Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, n.e.c. in heading no. 2208.
Classification of alcoholic beverages under HS 2208.90
Alcoholic beverages that do not fall into specific categories like whiskey, rum, gin, or vodka are classified under HS code 2208.90. Heading 2208 covers undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic strength of less than 80% vol, as well as all distilled spirits and liqueurs. Subheading 2208.90 serves as a residual or "basket" category for "other" spirituous beverages. This includes a wide variety of products such as fruit-based spirits, certain liqueurs, and pre-mixed alcoholic cocktails (Ready-to-Drink or RTDs) that are based on distilled spirits. The classification is determined by the production method—specifically distillation—which distinguishes these products from fermented beverages like wine or beer. For a product to be classified here, it must be fit for human consumption and possess the characteristics of a spirituous beverage. This code is essential for capturing innovative or regional spirits that have not been assigned their own specific six-digit subheading within the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Fruit liqueurs and cordials
- Distilled spirits from agave (other than Tequila or Mezcal)
- Spirit-based pre-mixed cocktails (RTDs)
- Aquavit and other regional botanical spirits
- Bitters and herbal liqueurs
- Also under 2208.90
- Patrón Tequila
- Jose Cuervo
- Hwayo Soju
- Gekkeikan Sake
- Linie Aquavit
Codes often confused with 2208.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 2206.00, which covers "other fermented beverages" like cider, perry, or mead. The key difference is that 2208.90 requires the presence of distilled alcohol. It is also confused with 2204 (Wine) or 2205 (Vermouth). If a beverage is a mixture of fermented wine and distilled spirits, its classification depends on the resulting alcoholic strength and the specific notes of Chapter 22. Finally, specific spirits like Vodka (2208.60) or Gin (2208.50) must be classified in their own subheadings rather than the residual 2208.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220890 (the code used for alcoholic beverages), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220890 (the code used for alcoholic beverages) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 220890, not only alcoholic beverages.
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 alcoholic beverages
Brazil classifies alcoholic beverages under NCM 2208.90.00: HS 2208.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alcoholic beverages
What is the HS code for Alcoholic beverages?
The HS code for Alcoholic beverages is 220890 (Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208).
How do I classify Alcoholic beverages for customs?
Alcoholic beverages is classified under HS code 220890 — Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Alcoholic beverages (n.e.c.)?
The HS code for spirituous alcoholic beverages not elsewhere specified is 2208.90.
Are spirit-based RTD cocktails classified here?
Yes, most pre-mixed cocktails that use a distilled spirit (like a canned Moscow Mule or Mojito) as their base are classified under 2208.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of alcoholic beverages (HS 220890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220890 (the code used for alcoholic beverages) 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 alcoholic beverages (HS 220890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220890 (the code used for alcoholic beverages) 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.
Is the HS code for Alcoholic beverages the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220890 for Alcoholic beverages 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 alcoholic beverages in Brazil?
In Brazil, alcoholic beverages (HS 220890) is classified under NCM 2208.90.00.