Product classification
HS code for Cognac: 2208.20
Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc.
Classification of cognac under HS 2208.20
Cognac is classified under HS code 2208.20, which covers spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc. As a protected geographical indication, Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France, but for HS classification purposes, it is grouped with other grape-based spirits. The classification is determined by the source material (grapes) and the production method (distillation). This distinguishes it from fermented beverages like wine (Chapter 2204) and from spirits derived from other materials, such as grain (whiskey) or sugar cane (rum). The alcohol content must be significant enough to qualify as a spirit, typically exceeding 15% by volume. Customs officials look for the distillation process as the primary factor in assigning this code, ensuring that grape-based liquors are taxed and regulated differently than malt or fruit-based spirits. Heading 2208 covers undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% vol; spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages. Subheading 2208.20 is specific to those derived from grapes. This includes not only Cognac but also Armagnac, Brandy, and Grappa. The classification remains consistent regardless of the aging process or the specific variety of grape used, as long as the distillation of grape wine or marc is the origin of the alcohol. This classification is critical for excise tax calculations, which are often higher for distilled spirits than for fermented wines. The container size (e.g., under or over 2 liters) may affect the secondary level of the code in some national tariffs, but the primary classification remains 2208.20.
- Covers
- Cognac (all grades: VS, VSOP, XO)
- Armagnac
- Grape-based Brandy
- Pisco and Grappa
- Also under 2208.20
- Hennessy VSOP
- Rémy Martin XO
- Courvoisier VS
- Grappa Nonino
- Pisco Portón.
Codes often confused with 2208.20
Common mistake. Cognac is sometimes misclassified under 2204, which is reserved for non-distilled grape wines. It can also be confused with 2208.90 (other spirits) if the grape origin is not clearly identified. Whiskies (2208.30) and Rum (2208.40) are also common points of confusion, though they are derived from grains and sugar respectively.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220820 (the code used for cognac), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220820 (the code used for cognac) 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 cognac.
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 cognac
Brazil classifies cognac 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 cognac
What is the HS code for Cognac?
The HS code for Cognac is 220820 (Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc). The HS code for Cognac is 2208.20, as it is a spirit obtained from the distillation of grape wine.
How do I classify Cognac for customs?
Cognac is classified under HS code 220820 — Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is there a different code for Brandy?
No, Brandy is also classified under HS code 2208.20 because it shares the same grape-distillation origin as Cognac.
Which countries are the top exporters of cognac (HS 220820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220820 (the code used for cognac) 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 cognac (HS 220820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220820 (the code used for cognac) 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 Cognac the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220820 for Cognac 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 cognac in Brazil?
In Brazil, cognac (HS 220820) is classified under NCM 2208.20.00.