Product classification
HS code for Lactose: 1702.11
Sugars, lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter.
Classification of lactose under HS 1702.11
Lactose is a disaccharide sugar derived from milk, and its classification under the Harmonized System is strictly governed by its chemical purity. HS code 1702.11 is specifically designated for lactose and lactose syrup that contains 99% or more lactose by weight. This percentage is expressed as anhydrous lactose and must be calculated based on the dry matter of the product. This high degree of refinement is typically achieved through multiple crystallization and filtration processes, resulting in a product that is often used as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry or as a high-quality ingredient in specialized infant formulas. The classification process requires precise laboratory testing to confirm that the non-lactose components, such as mineral salts or protein residues, do not exceed 1% of the total dry weight. If the product contains any added flavoring or coloring matter, the classification may shift entirely to other chapters of the tariff schedule, such as Chapter 21. The purity level is the primary determinant, and importers must provide technical data sheets to prove the 99% threshold is met.
- Covers
- Refined lactose powder (99%+ purity)
- Pharmaceutical grade lactose excipients
- Anhydrous lactose for medical applications
- Spray-dried lactose for direct compression
- High-purity lactose syrup
- Also under 1702.11
- DMV-Fonterra Excipients (Pharmatose)
- Lactalis Ingredients (pharmaceutical lactose)
- Arla Foods Ingredients (Lacprodan)
- Kerry Group (lactose for infant formula)
Codes often confused with 1702.11
Common mistake. It is frequently confused with HS code 1702.19, which covers lactose and lactose syrup with a purity of less than 99%. Additionally, crude whey products containing lactose may be classified under heading 0404 if they are not sufficiently refined to be considered "sugars." Another common error involves misclassifying chemically pure lactose as a medicament under Chapter 30 if it is intended for pharmaceutical use; however, unless it is mixed with other active ingredients or put up in measured doses, it remains in 1702.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170211 (the code used for lactose), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170211 (the code used for lactose) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 170211, not only lactose.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $490M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $480M 31% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $310M 20% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $221M 13% of world imports
- 2 New Zealand $136M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $135M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 lactose
Brazil classifies lactose under NCM 1702.11.00: HS 1702.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lactose
What is the HS code for Lactose?
The HS code for Lactose is 170211 (Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter). The HS code for lactose with a purity of 99% or higher is 1702.11.
How do I classify Lactose for customs?
Lactose is classified under HS code 170211 — Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include flavored lactose?
No, flavored or colored sugars are generally classified under 2106 or other specific headings depending on their composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of lactose (HS 170211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170211 (the code used for lactose) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($490M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($480M) and the Netherlands ($310M). 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 lactose (HS 170211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170211 (the code used for lactose) in UN Comtrade data were China ($221M, 13% of world imports), New Zealand ($136M) and the Netherlands ($135M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Lactose the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170211 for Lactose 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 lactose in Brazil?
In Brazil, lactose (HS 170211) is classified under NCM 1702.11.00.