Product classification

HS code for Lactose syrup: 1702.19

Sugars, lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight less than 99% lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter.

Classification of lactose syrup under HS 1702.19

HS code 1702.19 is the classification for lactose and lactose syrup that does not meet the 99% purity threshold required for the more refined category. This code encompasses a variety of "crude" or "technical" lactose products where the lactose content, expressed as anhydrous lactose on dry matter, falls below 99%. These products are often the result of the initial stages of extraction from whey and may contain higher levels of milk minerals, proteins, and other organic solids. In many industrial applications, such as fermentation processes or the production of certain animal feeds, this lower level of purity is acceptable and more cost-effective. The distinction between 1702.11 and 1702.19 is a classic example of how the Harmonized System uses quantitative chemical analysis to differentiate between products that may appear physically identical to the naked eye. Importers must ensure they have a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to justify the use of this code over the higher-purity alternative, as the duty rates and regulatory requirements can vary significantly between the two subheadings.

Covers
  • Crude lactose powder
  • Technical grade lactose for industrial use
  • Lactose syrup with less than 99% purity
  • Mother liquor from lactose crystallization
  • Low-purity milk sugar used in animal feed
Also under 1702.19
  • FrieslandCampina (food grade lactose)
  • Glanbia Nutritionals (lactose for food)
  • Hilmar Ingredients (lactose powder)
  • Saputo Dairy Australia (industrial lactose)

Codes often confused with 1702.19

Common mistake. The most common error is using 1702.11 for all lactose products regardless of purity. It may also be confused with 1702.90, which covers "other" sugars and sugar syrups, including invert sugar and mixtures. Furthermore, if the product contains significant amounts of milk proteins and minerals, customs authorities might argue for classification under 0404.10 (whey products), which carries different trade restrictions.

1702.11Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter1702.90Sugars; 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 fructose0404.10Dairy produce; whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

Top exporters and importers of HS 170219 (the code used for lactose syrup), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170219 (the code used for lactose syrup) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 170219, not only lactose syrup.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $23M
  2. 2 France $16M
  3. 3 Italy $3.6M

World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $31M
  2. 2 Nigeria $29M
  3. 3 Netherlands $23M

World total: $229M 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 syrup

Brazil classifies lactose syrup under NCM 1702.19.00: HS 1702.19 with 00 added.

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

Questions about lactose syrup

What is the HS code for Lactose syrup?

The HS code for Lactose syrup is 170219 (Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight less than 99% lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter). Lactose syrup with less than 99% purity is classified under HS code 1702.19.

How do I classify Lactose syrup for customs?

Lactose syrup is classified under HS code 170219 — Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight less than 99% lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is the purity of lactose determined for customs?

Purity is calculated as anhydrous lactose expressed on the dry matter, usually verified via polarimetry or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Which countries are the top exporters of lactose syrup (HS 170219)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170219 (the code used for lactose syrup) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($23M, 32% of world exports), France ($16M) and Italy ($3.6M). World exports came to about $71M, 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 syrup (HS 170219)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 170219 (the code used for lactose syrup) in UN Comtrade data were India ($31M, 13% of world imports), Nigeria ($29M) and the Netherlands ($23M). World imports came to about $229M, 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 syrup the same in all countries?

The base HS code 170219 for Lactose syrup 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 syrup in Brazil?

In Brazil, lactose syrup (HS 170219) is classified under NCM 1702.19.00.