Product classification
HS code for Cane molasses: 1703.10
Sugars, molasses, from sugar cane, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar.
Classification of cane molasses under HS 1703.10
Cane molasses is classified under HS code 1703.10 because it is a specific byproduct resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar from the sugar cane plant (Saccharum officinarum). According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 17 notes of the Harmonized System, heading 1703 covers molasses obtained from the extraction or refining of sugar. Subheading 1703.10 is reserved exclusively for molasses derived from sugar cane, distinguishing it from beet molasses. The classification is determined by the botanical origin of the raw material. During the refining process, sugar cane juice is boiled to crystallize the sucrose; the residual thick liquid that remains after the crystals are removed is the molasses. This product is used extensively in the food industry, animal feed production, and as a substrate for fermentation in the production of alcohol and yeast. To qualify for this code, the product must retain the characteristic properties of molasses and not be further processed into a chemically pure sugar or a flavored syrup, which would shift the classification to heading 1702.
- Covers
- Blackstrap cane molasses
- Light cane molasses (first molasses)
- Dark cane molasses (second molasses)
- Refiner's cane molasses
- Cane molasses used for animal fodder
- Also under 1703.10
- Cargill (cane molasses)
- Louis Dreyfus Company (cane molasses)
- Bunge (cane molasses)
- ASR Group (molasses)
- Westway Feed Products (molasses)
Codes often confused with 1703.10
Common mistake. Cane molasses is frequently confused with beet molasses, which is classified under HS code 1703.90. While they are both molasses, the Harmonized System requires separation based on the source plant. Another common error is classifying cane molasses under 1702.90, which covers other sugars and sugar syrups. However, 1702.90 is only appropriate if the product is a manufactured syrup or an invert sugar rather than a natural byproduct of the refining process. Additionally, if the molasses is flavored or contains added substances for use as a finished food topping, it may be moved to heading 2106.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170310 (the code used for cane molasses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170310 (the code used for cane molasses) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 170310, not only cane molasses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $92M 17% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $66M 12% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $60M 11% of world exports
World total: $554M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $143M 19% of world imports
- 2 Philippines $133M 18% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $113M 15% of world imports
World total: $737M 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 cane molasses
Brazil classifies cane molasses under NCM 1703.10.00: HS 1703.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cane molasses
What is the HS code for Cane molasses?
The HS code for Cane molasses is 170310 (Sugars; molasses, from sugar cane, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar). The HS code for cane molasses is 1703.10, which specifically covers molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar from sugar cane.
How do I classify Cane molasses for customs?
Cane molasses is classified under HS code 170310 — Sugars; molasses, from sugar cane, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is there a difference between industrial and food-grade cane molasses in HS classification?
No, the HS code 1703.10 applies to cane molasses regardless of whether it is intended for human consumption, animal feed, or industrial fermentation, provided it is a byproduct of the sugar refining process.
Which countries are the top exporters of cane molasses (HS 170310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170310 (the code used for cane molasses) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($92M, 17% of world exports), Thailand ($66M) and Guatemala ($60M). World exports came to about $554M, 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 cane molasses (HS 170310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170310 (the code used for cane molasses) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($143M, 19% of world imports), the Philippines ($133M) and the United Kingdom ($113M). World imports came to about $737M, 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 Cane molasses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170310 for Cane 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 cane molasses in Brazil?
In Brazil, cane molasses (HS 170310) is classified under NCM 1703.10.00.