Product classification

HS code for Malt beer: 2203.00

Beer, made from malt.

Classification of malt beer under HS 2203.00

Malt beer is classified under HS code 2203.00. This code is located within Chapter 22, which encompasses beverages, spirits, and vinegar. Heading 2203 is a specific heading for beer made from malt. According to the Explanatory Notes, malt beer is an alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of a liquor (wort) prepared from malted cereals (most commonly barley or wheat), water, and usually hops. The fermentation process is typically carried out using yeast. This classification applies regardless of the alcohol percentage, provided the beverage is fermented and derived from malt. It includes various styles such as ale, stout, porter, and lager. The product must be a fermented beverage; if it is distilled, it would move to heading 2208. Furthermore, the beverage must be made from malt; beverages produced by fermenting other substances (like fruit juice or honey) are classified elsewhere in Chapter 22.

Covers
  • Lager and Pilsner
  • Ale, Stout, and Porter
  • Malt-based craft beers
  • Low-alcohol beer made from malt
  • Dark and wheat beers
Also under 2203.00
  • Budweiser
  • Heineken
  • Guinness
  • Stella Artois
  • Corona
  • Samuel Adams

Codes often confused with 2203.00

Common mistake. Malt beer is often confused with HS code 2202.91, which is for non-alcoholic beer. If the beer has an alcohol content of 0.5% by volume or less, many jurisdictions classify it under 2202. Another common error is 2206.00, which covers other fermented beverages like cider or perry. However, if the beverage is specifically a beer made from malt, 2203.00 is the mandatory classification. It is also distinct from 2208.90, which covers spirit-based beverages that may have beer-like flavorings but are distilled.

2202.91Non-alcoholic beverages; non-alcoholic beer22.02Waters, including mineral and aerated waters, containing added sugar or sweetening matter, flavoured; other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 20092206.00Beverages, fermented; (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake)2208.90Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208

Top exporters and importers of HS 220300 (the code used for malt beer), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220300 (the code used for malt beer) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 220300, not only malt beer.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Mexico $6.3B
  2. 2 Belgium $1.8B
  3. 3 Netherlands $1.6B

World total: $17.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $7.2B
  2. 2 France $1.2B
  3. 3 Italy $780M

World total: $17.9B 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 malt beer

Brazil classifies malt beer under NCM 2203.00.00: HS 2203.00 with 00 added.

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

Questions about malt beer

What is the HS code for Malt beer?

The HS code for Malt beer is 220300 (Beer; made from malt). The HS code for beer made from malt is 2203.00.

How do I classify Malt beer for customs?

Malt beer is classified under HS code 220300 — Beer; made from malt. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include non-alcoholic beer?

Generally, no. Non-alcoholic beer (usually defined as having 0.5% alcohol or less) is typically classified under HS code 2202.91, though this can vary by national customs authority.

Which countries are the top exporters of malt beer (HS 220300)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220300 (the code used for malt beer) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.3B, 36% of world exports), Belgium ($1.8B) and the Netherlands ($1.6B). World exports came to about $17.4B, 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 malt beer (HS 220300)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 220300 (the code used for malt beer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.2B, 40% of world imports), France ($1.2B) and Italy ($780M). World imports came to about $17.9B, 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 Malt beer the same in all countries?

The base HS code 220300 for Malt beer 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 malt beer in Brazil?

In Brazil, malt beer (HS 220300) is classified under NCM 2203.00.00.