Product classification
HS code for Beer: 2203.00
Beer, made from malt.
Classification of beer under HS 2203.00
HS code 220300 is specifically designated for beer made from malt. This classification is straightforward and encompasses virtually all commercially produced beers, regardless of their alcohol content, brewing style, or packaging. The critical criterion is the use of malt as the primary fermentable ingredient. This heading ensures that traditional beer products are uniformly classified, distinguishing them from other fermented beverages or non-alcoholic drinks that do not meet the "made from malt" definition. It simplifies customs procedures by providing a clear, singular classification.
- Covers
- Lager
- Ale
- Stout
- Pilsner
- IPA (India Pale Ale)
- Wheat beer
- Craft beer
- Non-alcoholic beer (if made from malt)
- Flavored malt beverages (if predominantly beer)
- Also under 2203.00
- Budweiser
- Heineken
- Guinness
- Stella Artois
- Corona
- Samuel Adams
Codes often confused with 2203.00
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for beer include HS 220600, which covers other fermented beverages such as cider, perry, mead, or sake. Beer not made from malt, though rare, might fall under this heading. Non-alcoholic beer can sometimes be confused with HS 2202 (Waters, including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured, and other non-alcoholic beverages); however, if it originates from a malt-based brewing process, it remains under 220300. Distilled alcoholic beverages, like spirits or liqueurs, are classified under HS 2208, clearly distinct from fermented beer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220300 (the code used for beer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220300 (the code used for beer) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 220300, not only beer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $6.3B 36% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $1.8B 10% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.6B 8.9% of world exports
World total: $17.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $7.2B 40% of world imports
- 2 France $1.2B 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $780M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $17.9B 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 beer
Brazil classifies beer under NCM 2203.00.00: HS 2203.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about beer
What is the HS code for Beer?
The HS code for Beer is 220300 (Beer; made from malt). The HS code for beer, specifically beer made from malt, is 220300. This code applies universally to most types of beer found in international trade.
How do I classify Beer for customs?
Beer is classified under HS code 220300 — Beer; made from malt. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the alcohol content affect beer's HS classification?
No, the alcohol content does not affect beer's HS classification under 220300. This code applies to all beer made from malt, irrespective of its alcoholic strength, including non-alcoholic beers, as long as the fundamental brewing process involves malt as the primary ingredient.
Which countries are the top exporters of beer (HS 220300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220300 (the code used for beer) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.3B, 36% of world exports), Belgium ($1.8B) and the Netherlands ($1.6B). World exports came to about $17.4B, 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 beer (HS 220300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220300 (the code used for beer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.2B, 40% of world imports), France ($1.2B) and Italy ($780M). World imports came to about $17.9B, 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 Beer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220300 for 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 beer in Brazil?
In Brazil, beer (HS 220300) is classified under NCM 2203.00.00.