Product classification

HS code for Drinking water: 2201.90

Waters, other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow.

Classification of drinking water under HS 2201.90

Drinking water is classified under HS code 2201.90 because it represents the residual category for non-mineral and non-aerated waters within Chapter 22. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 2201 specifically covers waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, provided they do not contain added sugar, sweetening matter, or flavoring. While 2201.10 is reserved for mineral and aerated waters, 2201.90 encompasses all other forms of water, including ordinary treated drinking water, purified water, and even ice and snow. The classification logic hinges on the purity and the lack of additives; once a flavoring agent or sugar is introduced, the product shifts to heading 2202. For customs purposes, drinking water in 2201.90 is viewed as a basic commodity, often subject to different regulatory standards than mineral waters, which must meet specific geological and chemical criteria to be labeled as such. This code is essential for the international trade of bulk water and bottled spring water that does not qualify for the mineral designation.

Covers
  • Purified drinking water
  • Distilled water (non-medicinal)
  • Spring water (non-mineral)
  • Deionized water
  • Ice and snow
Also under 2201.90
  • Aquafina
  • Dasani
  • Poland Spring
  • Smartwater
  • Generic Ice Bags

Codes often confused with 2201.90

Common mistake. Drinking water is frequently confused with HS code 2201.10, which is strictly for natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters. Another common error is using HS code 2202.10, which applies to waters that have been sweetened or flavored. If the water contains even a trace of added sugar or fruit essence, it must be moved to 2202. Additionally, highly purified water for medical use may fall under 2853.90.

2201.10Waters; mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured)2202.10Waters; including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured22.02Waters, including mineral and aerated waters, containing added sugar or sweetening matter, flavoured; other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 20092853.90Phosphides, chemically defined or not, not ferrophosphorus; other inorganic compounds n.e.c. (including distilled, conductivity water and water of like purity); liquid air, rare gases removed or not; compressed air; amalgams, not precious metal amalgams

Top exporters and importers of HS 220190 (the code used for drinking water), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220190 (the code used for drinking water) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 42% 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 220190, not only drinking water.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $726M
  2. 2 United States $104M
  3. 3 France $95M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Hong Kong $675M
  2. 2 United States $314M
  3. 3 Netherlands $76M

World total: $1.6B 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 drinking water

Brazil classifies drinking water under NCM 2201.90.00: HS 2201.90 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about drinking water

What is the HS code for Drinking water?

The HS code for Drinking water is 220190 (Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow). The HS code for drinking water (non-mineral and non-aerated) is 2201.90.

How do I classify Drinking water for customs?

Drinking water is classified under HS code 220190 — Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include bottled sparkling water?

No, sparkling or aerated water is classified under HS code 2201.10, even if it does not contain minerals.

Which countries are the top exporters of drinking water (HS 220190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220190 (the code used for drinking water) in UN Comtrade data were China ($726M, 54% of world exports), the United States ($104M) and France ($95M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 drinking water (HS 220190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 220190 (the code used for drinking water) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($675M, 42% of world imports), the United States ($314M) and the Netherlands ($76M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Drinking water the same in all countries?

The base HS code 220190 for Drinking water 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 drinking water in Brazil?

In Brazil, drinking water (HS 220190) is classified under NCM 2201.90.00.