Product classification
HS code for Molasses: 1703.90
Sugars, molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar.
Classification of molasses under HS 1703.90
Molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar from sugar beets is classified under HS code 1703.90. The classification is based on the source of the sugar and the nature of the product as a byproduct of the refining process. Chapter 17 covers sugars and sugar confectionery, with heading 1703 specifically dedicated to molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar. While 1703.10 is reserved for cane molasses, 1703.90 serves as the residual category for molasses derived from other sources, most notably sugar beets. This product is typically a thick, dark syrup remaining after the sugar crystals have been removed from the beet juice.
- Covers
- Beet molasses for industrial use
- Desugared beet molasses
- Concentrated beet juice by-products
- Beet molasses intended for animal feed
- Refined beet molasses for human consumption
- Also under 1703.90
- Südzucker (beet molasses)
- Nordzucker (beet molasses)
- Tereos (beet molasses)
- American Crystal Sugar (beet molasses)
- Michigan Sugar Company (beet molasses)
Codes often confused with 1703.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 1703.10, which is strictly for cane molasses. Importers must distinguish between the botanical source (cane vs. beet). Another error is using HS code 1702, which covers other sugars like fructose or glucose in solid form. Molasses is specifically a liquid byproduct and must stay within 1703.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170390 (the code used for molasses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170390 (the code used for molasses) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 15% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 170390, not only molasses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $56M 17% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$55M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $43M 13% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $336M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $58M 15% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $28M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $23M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $383M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 molasses
Brazil classifies molasses under NCM 1703.90.00: HS 1703.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about molasses
What is the HS code for Molasses?
The HS code for Molasses is 170390 (Sugars; molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar).
How do I classify Molasses for customs?
Molasses is classified under HS code 170390 — Sugars; molasses, from sugar beet, resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for beet molasses?
The HS code for molasses derived from sugar beets is 1703.90.
Does the end use affect the HS code for molasses?
No, whether the molasses is used for animal feed, alcohol distillation, or human food, it remains classified under 1703.90 based on its origin and characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of molasses (HS 170390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170390 (the code used for molasses) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($56M, 17% of world exports), Russia (about $55M) and Germany ($43M). World exports came to about $336M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of molasses (HS 170390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170390 (the code used for molasses) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($58M, 15% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($28M) and Spain ($23M). World imports came to about $383M, 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 Molasses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170390 for Molasses 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 molasses in Brazil?
In Brazil, molasses (HS 170390) is classified under NCM 1703.90.00.