Product classification
HS code for Liqueurs: 2208.70
Liqueurs and cordials.
Classification of liqueurs under HS 2208.70
Liqueurs are classified under HS code 2208.70 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Chapter 22 covers beverages, spirits, and vinegar, while heading 2208 specifically encompasses undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% vol, as well as spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages. Liqueurs are distinguished from other spirits by their significant sugar content and the addition of flavoring agents. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, liqueurs (also known as cordials) are spirituous beverages produced by flavoring ethyl alcohol or distilled spirits with fruits, flowers, plants, or other aromatic substances, and are typically sweetened with at least 100 grams of sugar per liter. The classification 2208.70 is a specific subheading that takes precedence over the residual category 2208.90 because it explicitly names the product type. The manufacturing process, which involves maceration, infusion, or distillation of flavoring materials followed by the addition of sweeteners, aligns perfectly with the technical requirements of this code.
- Covers
- Fruit liqueurs (e.g., triple sec, maraschino)
- Cream liqueurs (e.g., Irish cream)
- Herbal and botanical liqueurs (e.g., amaro, absinthe)
- Coffee and chocolate liqueurs
- Nut-flavored liqueurs (e.g., amaretto)
- Schnapps (sweetened)
- Honey-based liqueurs
- Also under 2208.70
- Jägermeister
- Baileys Irish Cream
- Cointreau
- Kahlúa
- Grand Marnier
Codes often confused with 2208.70
Common mistake. Liqueurs are frequently misclassified under HS code 2204 (Wine) or 2205 (Vermouth) when they contain a wine base; however, if the product is fortified with distilled spirits and meets the sugar threshold, 2208.70 is often more appropriate. Another common error is using 2208.90, which is the residual category for "other" spirits. This occurs when importers fail to recognize that the product meets the definition of a liqueur. Additionally, non-alcoholic syrups used for flavoring are classified in 2106 or 2202, not 2208.70, as the latter requires an alcoholic base.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220870 (the code used for liqueurs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220870 (the code used for liqueurs) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 220870, not only liqueurs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $701M 14% of world exports
- 2 Italy $583M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $528M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $331M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $294M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 liqueurs
Brazil classifies liqueurs under NCM 2208.70.00: HS 2208.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about liqueurs
What is the HS code for Liqueurs?
The HS code for Liqueurs is 220870 (Liqueurs and cordials). The primary HS code for liqueurs and cordials is 2208.70, which falls under the broader heading for spirituous beverages.
How do I classify Liqueurs for customs?
Liqueurs is classified under HS code 220870 — Liqueurs and cordials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does sugar content affect the classification of spirits?
Sugar content is the primary legal distinction between a spirit (2208.20-2208.60) and a liqueur (2208.70). Generally, a product must contain a minimum of 100 grams of sugar per liter to be classified as a liqueur under international customs standards.
Which countries are the top exporters of liqueurs (HS 220870)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220870 (the code used for liqueurs) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($701M, 14% of world exports), Italy ($583M) and the United States ($528M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 liqueurs (HS 220870)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220870 (the code used for liqueurs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 28% of world imports), Germany ($331M) and the United Kingdom ($294M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Liqueurs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220870 for Liqueurs 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 liqueurs in Brazil?
In Brazil, liqueurs (HS 220870) is classified under NCM 2208.70.00.