Product classification
HS code for Gin: 2208.50
Gin and geneva.
Classification of gin under HS 2208.50
Gin and its Dutch counterpart, Geneva, are classified under HS code 2208.50. This classification falls within Chapter 22, which covers beverages, spirits, and vinegar. Heading 2208 specifically addresses undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% and spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages. Gin is distinguished from other spirits by its production method: it is obtained by the distillation of a fermented mash or the redistillation of neutral spirits with juniper berries and other botanical aromatics. The defining characteristic for classification under 2208.50 is the predominant flavor of juniper. This code applies regardless of the specific style of gin, such as London Dry, Plymouth, or Old Tom, and regardless of whether it is bottled for retail sale or transported in bulk containers.
- Covers
- London Dry Gin
- Distilled Gin
- Geneva (Jenever)
- Old Tom Gin
- Plymouth Gin
- Sloe Gin (if meeting spirit criteria)
- Compound Gin
- 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. Gin is frequently misclassified with other spirits like vodka (HS code 2208.60) or whiskies (HS code 2208.30). The primary difference is the flavoring agent; vodka is generally unflavored or flavored with substances other than juniper. Another common error is classifying gin-based liqueurs under 2208.50; if the product has a high sugar content and is marketed as a liqueur, it should be classified under HS code 2208.70. Additionally, spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 80% by volume are classified under HS code 2207.10, even if they are intended for gin production.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220850 (the code used for gin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220850 (the code used for 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 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 gin
Brazil classifies 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 gin
What is the HS code for Gin?
The HS code for Gin is 220850 (Gin and geneva). The HS code for gin and geneva is 2208.50.
How do I classify Gin for customs?
Gin is classified under HS code 220850 — Gin and geneva. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include flavored gins?
Yes, most flavored gins are classified under 2208.50, provided the juniper flavor remains predominant and they are not classified as liqueurs due to sugar content.
Which countries are the top exporters of gin (HS 220850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220850 (the code used for 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 gin (HS 220850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220850 (the code used for 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 Gin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220850 for 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 gin in Brazil?
In Brazil, gin (HS 220850) is classified under NCM 2208.50.00.