Product classification
HS code for Geneva gin: 2208.50
Gin and geneva.
Classification of geneva gin under HS 2208.50
Geneva gin, also known as Jenever, is classified under HS code 2208.50 because it falls within the category of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80%, specifically designated as spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages. The Harmonized System organizes beverages in Chapter 22, where heading 2208 covers distilled spirits. Within this heading, subheading 2208.50 is explicitly reserved for gin and geneva. The classification is determined by the distillation process and the flavoring of the neutral spirit with juniper berries, which is the defining characteristic of both gin and its predecessor, geneva. Unlike fermented beverages like wine or beer, geneva is a distilled product, necessitating its placement in the 2208 category rather than 2204 or 2203.
- Covers
- Traditional Dutch Jenever
- Belgian Genever
- Old Tom Gin
- London Dry Gin
- Plymouth Gin
- Sloe Gin (if distilled)
- Distilled juniper-flavored spirits
- Also under 2208.50
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Bombay Sapphire
- Hendrick's Gin
- Beefeater Gin
- Bols Genever.
Codes often confused with 2208.50
Common mistake. Geneva gin is frequently misclassified under HS code 2208.20, which is reserved for spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc, such as Brandy or Cognac. Another common error is using 2208.60, which is the specific code for Vodka. While both are clear distilled spirits, the presence of juniper flavoring legally mandates the use of 2208.50. Additionally, if the product is a liqueur with high sugar content and lower alcohol, some importers mistakenly look at 2208.70, but if the primary character remains gin-based, 2208.50 is usually the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220850 (the code used for geneva gin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220850 (the code used for geneva gin) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 220850, not only geneva gin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $796M 49% of world exports
- 2 Germany $114M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Spain $85M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $299M 18% of world imports
- 2 Italy $190M 12% of world imports
- 3 Spain $102M 6.3% of world imports
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 geneva gin
Brazil classifies geneva gin under NCM 2208.50.00: HS 2208.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about geneva gin
What is the HS code for Geneva gin?
The HS code for Geneva gin is 220850 (Gin and geneva). The HS code for Geneva gin is 2208.50, which covers both gin and geneva spirits.
How do I classify Geneva gin for customs?
Geneva gin is classified under HS code 220850 — Gin and geneva. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the alcohol percentage affect this classification?
Yes, heading 2208 applies to spirits with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80%. If the spirit is 80% or higher, it would move to HS code 2207.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of geneva gin (HS 220850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220850 (the code used for geneva gin) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($796M, 49% of world exports), Germany ($114M) and Spain ($85M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of geneva gin (HS 220850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220850 (the code used for geneva gin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($299M, 18% of world imports), Italy ($190M) and Spain ($102M). 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 Geneva gin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220850 for Geneva gin 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 geneva gin in Brazil?
In Brazil, geneva gin (HS 220850) is classified under NCM 2208.50.00.