Product classification
HS code for Brandy: 2208.20
Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc.
Classification of brandy under HS 2208.20
Brandy is classified under HS code 2208.20, which specifically covers spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc. Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System deals with beverages, spirits, and vinegar. Within this chapter, heading 2208 is reserved for undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% and other spirituous beverages. The subheading 2208.20 is a specific provision for grape-based distillates. This classification is determined by the raw material used in the fermentation and distillation process. Unlike wine, which is a fermented beverage (Chapter 2204), brandy undergoes distillation to increase its alcohol content, which moves it into the spirits category. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the brandy is aged in oak casks or bottled immediately, provided the base material is grape-derived. This follows GIR 1 and 6, as the product matches the specific description of grape-based spirits.
- Covers
- Cognac (distilled from specific French grapes)
- Armagnac
- Grappa (distilled from grape marc)
- Pisco (grape-based spirit)
- Standard grape brandy
- Weinbrand
- Also under 2208.20
- Hennessy VSOP
- Rémy Martin XO
- Courvoisier VS
- Grappa Nonino
- Pisco Portón.
Codes often confused with 2208.20
Common mistake. Brandy is often confused with HS code 2208.90, which is the residual category for "other" spirits. This happens when the brandy is made from fruits other than grapes, such as apple brandy (Calvados) or cherry brandy (Kirsch). Those must be classified under 2208.90. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 2204.21, which is for bottled grape wine. The distinction lies in the distillation process; if the product has been distilled to a spirit, it cannot remain in 2204.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220820 (the code used for brandy), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220820 (the code used for brandy) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 220820, not only brandy.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $2.8B 50% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $794M 14% of world exports
- 3 Armenia $304M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $875M 17% of world imports
- 2 China $720M 14% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $609M 12% of world imports
World total: $5.0B 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 brandy
Brazil classifies brandy under NCM 2208.20.00: HS 2208.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brandy
What is the HS code for Brandy?
The HS code for Brandy is 220820 (Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc). The specific HS code for brandy distilled from grape wine or grape marc is 2208.20.
How do I classify Brandy for customs?
Brandy is classified under HS code 220820 — Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Cognac classified differently than regular brandy?
No, Cognac is a type of grape brandy and is classified under 2208.20, although it may require specific certificates of origin for customs clearance.
Which countries are the top exporters of brandy (HS 220820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220820 (the code used for brandy) in UN Comtrade data were France ($2.8B, 50% of world exports), Singapore ($794M) and Armenia ($304M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of brandy (HS 220820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220820 (the code used for brandy) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($875M, 17% of world imports), China ($720M) and Singapore ($609M). World imports came to about $5.0B, 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 Brandy the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220820 for Brandy 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 brandy in Brazil?
In Brazil, brandy (HS 220820) is classified under NCM 2208.20.00.