Product classification
HS code for Beet molasses: 1703.90
Sugars, molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar.
Classification of beet molasses under HS 1703.90
Beet molasses is classified under HS code 170390, which specifically covers "Sugars; molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar." This classification is highly precise, identifying both the product type (molasses) and its specific origin (sugar beet). Molasses is a viscous by-product of the sugar refining process, and its classification hinges on the source material from which the sugar was extracted. In this case, the explicit mention of "sugar beet" differentiates it from other types of molasses. The code ensures that this particular agricultural by-product, widely used in animal feed, fermentation, and other industrial applications, is correctly categorized based on its botanical origin and production process.
- Covers
- Molasses derived from sugar beet processing
- Beet sugar molasses
- Desugared beet molasses
- Liquid by-products of beet sugar production
- Fermentation-grade beet molasses
- Also under 1703.90
- Südzucker (beet molasses)
- Nordzucker (beet molasses)
- Tereos (beet molasses)
- American Crystal Sugar (beet molasses)
- Michigan Sugar Company (beet molasses)
Codes often confused with 1703.90
Common mistake. Beet molasses is frequently subject to misclassification, primarily due to confusion with other types of molasses or sugar by-products. The most common error is classifying it under HS 1703.10, which is specifically for "Cane molasses." The distinction between beet and cane molasses is critical for customs purposes, as they originate from different plants (sugar beet vs. sugarcane) and may have different compositions and uses. Another potential misclassification involves other sugar syrups or refined sugars, which fall under HS 1702. While molasses is a sugar by-product, its specific characteristics and lower sugar content differentiate it from purified sugars or syrups. Furthermore, other waste products from sugar manufacturing, such as beet pulp, are classified under HS 2303, which covers "Residues of starch manufacture and similar residues, beet-pulp, bagasse and other waste of sugar manufacture."
Top exporters and importers of HS 170390 (the code used for beet molasses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170390 (the code used for beet molasses) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 15% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 170390, not only beet molasses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $56M 17% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$55M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $43M 13% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $336M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $58M 15% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $28M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $23M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $383M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 beet molasses
Brazil classifies beet molasses under NCM 1703.90.00: HS 1703.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about beet molasses
What is the HS code for Beet molasses?
The HS code for Beet molasses is 170390 (Sugars; molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar). The HS code for beet molasses is 170390. This code specifically applies to molasses derived from sugar beet during the sugar extraction or refining process.
How do I classify Beet molasses for customs?
Beet molasses is classified under HS code 170390 — Sugars; molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is beet molasses distinguished from cane molasses for HS classification?
Beet molasses (HS 170390) is distinguished from cane molasses (HS 1703.10) by its botanical origin. Beet molasses is a by-product of processing sugar beet, whereas cane molasses is a by-product of processing sugarcane. This distinction is fundamental for correct HS classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of beet molasses (HS 170390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170390 (the code used for beet molasses) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($56M, 17% of world exports), Russia (about $55M) and Germany ($43M). World exports came to about $336M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of beet molasses (HS 170390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170390 (the code used for beet molasses) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($58M, 15% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($28M) and Spain ($23M). World imports came to about $383M, 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 Beet molasses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170390 for Beet molasses 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 beet molasses in Brazil?
In Brazil, beet molasses (HS 170390) is classified under NCM 1703.90.00.