Product classification
HS code for Cordials: 2208.70
Liqueurs and cordials.
Classification of cordials under HS 2208.70
Cordials are classified under HS code 2208.70, which specifically covers liqueurs and cordials. These are spirituous beverages characterized by the addition of sugar or other sweeteners and flavorings such as fruits, flowers, plants, or dairy products. The classification is determined by the presence of distilled alcohol as the base. Unlike fermented beverages like wine (Chapter 2204) or beer (Chapter 2203), cordials are products of distillation. The high sugar content and flavoring distinguish them from plain spirits like vodka or whiskey, which are classified elsewhere in heading 2208. According to the Explanatory Notes, this heading includes spirits containing added sugar, honey, or other natural sweeteners, and those flavored with extracts or essential oils. The alcohol by volume (ABV) is typically significant, distinguishing these from non-alcoholic syrups.
- Covers
- Fruit-flavored liqueurs
- Cream-based cordials
- Herbal liqueurs
- Coffee and chocolate liqueurs
- Schnapps (sweetened)
- Also under 2208.70
- Jägermeister
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Cointreau
- Kahlúa
- Grand Marnier
Codes often confused with 2208.70
Common mistake. Cordials are frequently misclassified under HS code 2106.90, which covers food preparations and flavored syrups. However, if the product contains distilled alcohol, it must be classified in Chapter 22. Another common error is HS code 2202.99, which is for non-alcoholic beverages; cordials by definition contain alcohol. Furthermore, if the beverage is a flavored wine (fermented rather than distilled), it should be classified under HS code 2205 rather than 2208.70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220870 (the code used for cordials), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220870 (the code used for cordials) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 220870, not only cordials.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $701M 14% of world exports
- 2 Italy $583M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $528M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $331M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $294M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 cordials
Brazil classifies cordials under NCM 2208.70.00: HS 2208.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cordials
What is the HS code for Cordials?
The HS code for Cordials is 220870 (Liqueurs and cordials). The HS code for alcoholic cordials and liqueurs is 2208.70.
How do I classify Cordials for customs?
Cordials is classified under HS code 220870 — Liqueurs and cordials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are non-alcoholic fruit cordials included in this code?
No, non-alcoholic fruit cordials (syrups) are classified under HS code 2106.90 or 2202.99, as 2208.70 is strictly for spirituous (alcoholic) beverages.
Which countries are the top exporters of cordials (HS 220870)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220870 (the code used for cordials) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($701M, 14% of world exports), Italy ($583M) and the United States ($528M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 cordials (HS 220870)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220870 (the code used for cordials) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 28% of world imports), Germany ($331M) and the United Kingdom ($294M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Cordials the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220870 for Cordials 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 cordials in Brazil?
In Brazil, cordials (HS 220870) is classified under NCM 2208.70.00.