Product classification
HS code for Invert sugar: 1702.90
Sugars, n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of fructose.
Classification of invert sugar under HS 1702.90
Invert sugar is a liquid sweetener produced by the hydrolysis of sucrose into its component parts, glucose and fructose. It is classified under HS code 1702.90, which encompasses "Other sugars" not specified in other headings of Chapter 17. This code specifically includes sugar syrups and blends that contain, in the dry state, 50% or more by weight of fructose. The classification is driven by the chemical composition of the product; since invert sugar is a mixture of monosaccharides rather than pure sucrose (which falls under 1701), it must be categorized under 1702. The "90" subheading acts as a residual category for sugars and sugar syrups that do not meet the criteria for lactose, maple sugar, glucose, or pure fructose in their respective subheadings. This classification applies to both the liquid syrup form and the paste form commonly used in the confectionery and baking industries.
- Covers
- Invert sugar syrup
- Artificial honey (mixtures of sugars)
- Liquid sugar blends (50%+ fructose)
- Hydrolyzed sucrose solutions
- Confectionery invert paste
- Also under 1702.90
- Lyle's Golden Syrup
- Domino Sugar (invert sugar)
- ASR Group (specialty syrups)
- Wholesome Sweeteners (agave nectar)
- Bunge (invert sugar)
Codes often confused with 1702.90
Common mistake. Invert sugar is often misclassified under HS code 1701.99, which is reserved for pure cane or beet sugar (sucrose). Because invert sugar has been chemically altered through hydrolysis, it no longer qualifies as sucrose. It is also sometimes confused with 2106.90 (food preparations), but if the product consists solely of sugar and water without added flavoring or coloring, it must remain in Chapter 17.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170290 (the code used for invert sugar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170290 (the code used for invert sugar) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.8% 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 170290, not only invert sugar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $555M 20% of world exports
- 2 France $378M 13% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $229M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $243M 8.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $214M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $190M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 invert sugar
Brazil classifies invert sugar under NCM 1702.90.00: HS 1702.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about invert sugar
What is the HS code for Invert sugar?
The HS code for Invert sugar is 170290 (Sugars; n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of fructose). The HS code for invert sugar is 1702.90.
How do I classify Invert sugar for customs?
Invert sugar is classified under HS code 170290 — Sugars; n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other sugar and sugar syrup blends containing, in the dry state, 50% by weight of fructose. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does invert sugar require a different code if it is flavored?
Yes, if flavoring or coloring matter is added to the invert sugar, it is typically reclassified under HS code 2106.90 as a food preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of invert sugar (HS 170290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170290 (the code used for invert sugar) in UN Comtrade data were China ($555M, 20% of world exports), France ($378M) and the Netherlands ($229M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 invert sugar (HS 170290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170290 (the code used for invert sugar) in UN Comtrade data were China ($243M, 8.8% of world imports), the United States ($214M) and Germany ($190M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 Invert sugar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170290 for Invert 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 invert sugar in Brazil?
In Brazil, invert sugar (HS 170290) is classified under NCM 1702.90.00.