Product classification
HS code for Candy: 1704.90
Sugar confectionery, (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not containing cocoa.
Classification of candy under HS 1704.90
Candy, or sugar confectionery, is classified under HS code 1704.90. This code is found in Chapter 17, which covers sugars and sugar confectionery. Heading 1704 specifically addresses sugar confectionery that does not contain cocoa. The subheading 1704.90 is a residual category for all sugar confectionery other than chewing gum (which is 1704.10). To be classified here, the product must be a preparation consisting primarily of sugar and other sweetening agents, often combined with flavorings, colorings, and binding agents like gelatin or starch. This includes a vast array of products from hard-boiled sweets to soft gummies. A critical rule for this classification is the absence of cocoa. If a product contains even a small amount of cocoa, it is generally excluded from Chapter 17 and must be classified under Chapter 18. White chocolate is a notable exception; because it contains cocoa butter but no cocoa powder (solids), it is legally classified as sugar confectionery under 1704.90 rather than as chocolate.
- Covers
- Hard-boiled candies and lollipops
- Gummy bears and jelly-based sweets
- Caramels, toffees, and nougats
- White chocolate (containing cocoa butter but no cocoa solids)
- Marshmallows and pastilles
- Also under 1704.90
- Haribo Goldbears
- Chupa Chups
- Werther's Original
- Cadbury White Chocolate
- Jelly Belly
Codes often confused with 1704.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 1806.90, which covers chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. If a candy has a chocolate coating or cocoa powder mixed into the center, it must move to 1806. Another common error involves HS code 1704.10, which is strictly for chewing gum, whether or not sugar-coated. Additionally, medicated pastilles or cough drops are sometimes confused with 1704.90, but if they contain medicinal properties in specific dosages, they may fall under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals).
Top exporters and importers of HS 170490 (the code used for candy), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170490 (the code used for candy) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Mexico reports $241M of its chapter 17 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 170490, not only candy.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.1B 12% of world exports
- 2 China $1.8B 10% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $1.2B 6.9% of world exports
Mexico reports $241M of its chapter 17 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $17.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.2B 18% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.2B 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.2B 6.8% of world imports
World total: $17.8B 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 codes for candy
Brazil splits HS 1704.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1704.90.10White chocolate
- 1704.90.20Caramels, comfits, drops and pastilles
- 1704.90.90Other sugar confectionery without cocoa
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about candy
What is the HS code for Candy?
The HS code for Candy is 170490 (Sugar confectionery; (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not containing cocoa).
How do I classify Candy for customs?
Candy is classified under HS code 170490 — Sugar confectionery; (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not containing cocoa. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for gummy candy?
Gummy candy is classified under HS code 1704.90, provided it does not contain cocoa.
Is white chocolate classified as candy or chocolate?
In the Harmonized System, white chocolate is classified as sugar confectionery under 1704.90 because it lacks cocoa solids.
Which countries are the top exporters of candy (HS 170490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170490 (the code used for candy) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.1B, 12% of world exports), China ($1.8B) and Belgium ($1.2B). World exports came to about $17.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $241M of its chapter 17 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of candy (HS 170490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170490 (the code used for candy) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.2B, 18% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.2B) and Germany ($1.2B). World imports came to about $17.8B, 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 Candy the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170490 for Candy 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 candy in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 170490 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for candy depends on the product's details: 1704.90.10 (White chocolate), 1704.90.20 (Caramels, comfits, drops and pastilles), 1704.90.90 (Other sugar confectionery without cocoa).