Product classification
HS code for Pure sucrose: 1701.99
Sugars, sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter.
Classification of pure sucrose under HS 1701.99
Pure sucrose is classified under HS code 1701.99 because it represents refined sugar in solid form that does not contain added flavoring or coloring matter. This code is part of Chapter 17, which covers sugars and sugar confectionery. Specifically, heading 1701 covers cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose. Subheading 1701.99 is the residual category for refined sugars that do not fall under raw sugar or sugar with added flavoring or coloring (1701.91). The classification requires the product to be in a solid state, such as crystals, granules, or powder. Chemically pure sucrose is defined by its high polarization and lack of impurities, typically exceeding 99.5% purity. If the sucrose were in a liquid state, such as a syrup, it would be classified under heading 1702. If it contained added substances like vanilla or food coloring, it would move to 1701.91. The distinction between raw and refined sugar is based on the sucrose content by weight in the dry state, with refined sugar typically having a polarization of 99.5 degrees or more. This code is essential for traders to ensure they are not applying the rates for raw sugar, which are often subject to different quotas and duty structures.
- Covers
- Refined white granulated sugar
- Crystalline sucrose of high purity
- Powdered sucrose without anti-caking agents
- Chemically pure sucrose in solid form
- Refined beet sugar in solid form
- Refined cane sugar in solid form
- Also under 1701.99
- Domino Granulated Sugar
- C&H Pure Cane Sugar
- Tate & Lyle White Sugar
- Nordzucker Refined Sugar
Codes often confused with 1701.99
Common mistake. Pure sucrose is frequently misclassified under HS code 1701.91, which is specifically for sugar containing added flavoring or coloring matter. Another common error is using 1701.12, 1701.13, or 1701.14, which are reserved for raw cane or beet sugar. These raw sugar codes are only applicable if the sugar is intended for refining and does not meet the purity standards of refined sugar. Additionally, chemically pure sugars other than sucrose, such as lactose, maltose, glucose, and fructose, are classified under 2940.00. Traders sometimes confuse sucrose with these other chemically pure sugars, but 1701.99 specifically includes sucrose regardless of its origin, provided it is in solid form. Finally, sugar syrups are classified under 1702, and sugar confectionery falls under 1704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170199 (the code used for pure sucrose), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170199 (the code used for pure sucrose) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 6.8% 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 170199, not only pure sucrose.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $2.0B 13% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $1.6B 10% of world exports
- 3 India $1.6B 10% of world exports
World total: $15.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $1.0B 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $603M 4.0% of world imports
- 3 Spain $561M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $15.1B 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 pure sucrose
Brazil classifies pure sucrose under NCM 1701.99.00: HS 1701.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pure sucrose
What is the HS code for Pure sucrose?
The HS code for Pure sucrose is 170199 (Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter). The HS code for pure sucrose in solid form, without added flavoring or coloring, is 1701.99.
How do I classify Pure sucrose for customs?
Pure sucrose is classified under HS code 170199 — Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include liquid sugar solutions?
No, liquid sugar solutions and syrups are classified under heading 1702, as 1701.99 is strictly for sugar in solid form.
Which countries are the top exporters of pure sucrose (HS 170199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170199 (the code used for pure sucrose) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($2.0B, 13% of world exports), Thailand ($1.6B) and India ($1.6B). World exports came to about $15.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of pure sucrose (HS 170199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170199 (the code used for pure sucrose) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.0B, 6.8% of world imports), the United States ($603M) and Spain ($561M). World imports came to about $15.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Pure sucrose the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170199 for Pure sucrose 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 pure sucrose in Brazil?
In Brazil, pure sucrose (HS 170199) is classified under NCM 1701.99.00.