Product classification
HS code for Bottled water: 2201.90
Waters, other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow.
Classification of bottled water under HS 2201.90
Bottled water that does not contain added sugar, sweetening matter, or flavoring is classified under HS code 2201.90. This code is part of Chapter 22, which covers beverages, spirits, and vinegar. Heading 2201 specifically includes waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavored. While 2201.10 is dedicated to mineral waters and aerated waters, 2201.90 serves as the residual category for other types of water, such as purified drinking water, spring water that does not meet the technical definition of mineral water, and distilled water. The classification depends entirely on the absence of additives; once sugar or flavoring is introduced, the product moves to a different heading entirely. This code also includes ice and snow, though these are less common in a bottled retail context.
- Covers
- Purified bottled drinking water
- Non-mineral spring water
- Distilled water for human consumption
- Deionized water in retail packaging
- Still water in plastic or glass bottles
- Artesian water without added minerals
- Also under 2201.90
- Aquafina
- Dasani
- Poland Spring
- Smartwater
- Generic Ice Bags
Codes often confused with 2201.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2202.10, which covers waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavored. Even a small amount of fruit essence or calorie-free sweetener moves the product from 2201 to 2202. Additionally, natural mineral water is often incorrectly placed in 2201.90 when it should be in 2201.10. It is also important to distinguish between drinking water and medicinal waters, which may fall under Chapter 30 depending on their therapeutic claims.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220190 (the code used for bottled water), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220190 (the code used for bottled water) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 42% 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 220190, not only bottled water.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $726M 54% of world exports
- 2 United States $104M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 France $95M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $675M 42% of world imports
- 2 United States $314M 20% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $76M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 bottled water
Brazil classifies bottled water under NCM 2201.90.00: HS 2201.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bottled water
What is the HS code for Bottled water?
The HS code for Bottled water is 220190 (Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow). The HS code for standard, unflavored, and unsweetened bottled water is 2201.90.
How do I classify Bottled water for customs?
Bottled water is classified under HS code 220190 — Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sparkling water classified under this code?
No, sparkling or aerated water is classified under HS code 2201.10, provided it contains no added sweeteners or flavors.
Which countries are the top exporters of bottled water (HS 220190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220190 (the code used for bottled water) in UN Comtrade data were China ($726M, 54% of world exports), the United States ($104M) and France ($95M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 bottled water (HS 220190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220190 (the code used for bottled water) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($675M, 42% of world imports), the United States ($314M) and the Netherlands ($76M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Bottled water the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220190 for Bottled water 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 bottled water in Brazil?
In Brazil, bottled water (HS 220190) is classified under NCM 2201.90.00.