Product classification
HS code for Colored sugar: 1701.91
Sugars, sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, containing added flavouring or colouring matter.
Classification of colored sugar under HS 1701.91
HS code 1701.91 covers cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form that contains added flavoring or coloring matter. This classification is part of the broader heading 1701, which encompasses all forms of sucrose. The defining characteristic of 1701.91 is the intentional addition of substances to change the sensory properties of the sugar. Coloring matter can include synthetic dyes or natural pigments used to create vibrant sugars for decorative purposes, such as those used in the baking industry for 'sanding' or 'sprinkling.' Flavoring matter might include vanilla, fruit essences, or other aromatic compounds. It is important to note that the sugar must remain in 'solid form,' which includes granulated, powdered, or crystallized states. If the sugar is dissolved in water to form a syrup, it would likely fall under heading 2106 or 1702, depending on the concentration and other ingredients. This code does not apply to sugar confectionery (heading 1704), which involves products that are ready for consumption as candies or sweets. Instead, 1701.91 is for the raw material used in further food production or as a tabletop sweetener. The distinction between 'pure' refined sugar and 'flavored/colored' sugar is critical for trade statistics and the application of specific sugar quotas.
- Covers
- Colored sanding sugar
- Vanilla-flavored granulated sugar
- Cinnamon-flavored sugar crystals
- Decorative colored sugar for baking
- Flavored pearl sugar
- Also under 1701.91
- Domino Sugar (flavored varieties)
- C&H Sugar (flavored varieties)
- Wilton Decorating Sugars
- McCormick Cinnamon Sugar
Codes often confused with 1701.91
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 1701.99, which is for pure refined sugar without additives. It is also frequently misclassified under 1704.90 (sugar confectionery), but 1704 is for finished candies, not flavored raw sugar. Additionally, flavored syrups are excluded and usually fall under 2106.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170191 (the code used for colored sugar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170191 (the code used for colored sugar) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Angola, with 16% 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 170191, not only colored sugar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $26M 15% of world exports
- 2 Germany $17M 10% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $16M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $167M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Angola $40M 16% of world imports
- 2 Côte d'Ivoire $27M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $23M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $253M 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 colored sugar
Brazil classifies colored sugar under NCM 1701.91.00: HS 1701.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about colored sugar
What is the HS code for Colored sugar?
The HS code for Colored sugar is 170191 (Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, containing added flavouring or colouring matter). The HS code for cane or beet sugar in solid form containing added flavoring or coloring matter is 1701.91.
How do I classify Colored sugar for customs?
Colored sugar is classified under HS code 170191 — Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, containing added flavouring or colouring matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is brown sugar classified under this code?
No, brown sugar is typically classified under 1701.13 or 1701.14 if it is raw sugar, or 1701.99 if it is refined sugar with molasses added back, provided no other flavoring or coloring is present.
Which countries are the top exporters of colored sugar (HS 170191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170191 (the code used for colored sugar) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 15% of world exports), Germany ($17M) and Belgium ($16M). World exports came to about $167M, 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 colored sugar (HS 170191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170191 (the code used for colored sugar) in UN Comtrade data were Angola ($40M, 16% of world imports), Côte d'Ivoire ($27M) and the United States ($23M). World imports came to about $253M, 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 Colored sugar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170191 for Colored sugar 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 colored sugar in Brazil?
In Brazil, colored sugar (HS 170191) is classified under NCM 1701.91.00.