Product classification
HS code for Raw beet sugar: 1701.12
Sugars, beet sugar, raw, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter.
Classification of raw beet sugar under HS 1701.12
Raw beet sugar is classified under HS code 1701.12, which falls within Chapter 17 of the Harmonized System, covering sugars and sugar confectionery. This specific code is reserved for sugar derived from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) in a solid form. The term "raw sugar" in this context refers to sugar that has not been refined and contains a high proportion of sucrose by weight in the dry state, typically corresponding to a polarimeter reading of less than 99.5 degrees. A defining characteristic for classification under 1701.12 is the absence of added flavoring or coloring matter. If the sugar has been processed into a refined state (white sugar), it is classified under 1701.99. The distinction between beet and cane sugar is chemically subtle but legally significant for trade statistics and tariff applications. Beet sugar production involves extraction, purification, and crystallization, but for this code, the process must stop before the final refining stages that produce standard table sugar. The "solid form" requirement excludes sugar syrups or liquid sugars, which are classified under 1702. This code is primarily used for bulk shipments of unrefined sugar intended for industrial processing or refining facilities. It is important to note that "raw" does not mean "unprocessed," but rather that it has not reached the purity levels required for direct human consumption as refined sugar. Customs authorities may require laboratory analysis to verify the sucrose content and the absence of additives.
- Covers
- Raw beet sugar crystals
- Unrefined beet sugar in solid form
- Low-purity beet sugar for refining
- Beet sugar in solid blocks (unrefined)
- Also under 1701.12
- Nordzucker Raw Beet Sugar
- Südzucker Raw Beet Sugar
- American Crystal Sugar Raw Beet Sugar
Codes often confused with 1701.12
Common mistake. Often confused with 1701.13 or 1701.14, which are for cane sugar. It is also frequently misclassified as 1701.99 if the importer assumes all solid sugar is refined. If flavoring or coloring is added, it must be moved to 1701.91 regardless of the raw status.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170112 (the code used for raw beet sugar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170112 (the code used for raw beet sugar) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world imports. Uzbekistan 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 100% of its imports here ($99M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 170112, not only raw beet sugar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$16M 24% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $11M 16% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$10M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $66M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $23M 17% of world imports
- 2 Israel $13M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Spain $13M 9.3% of world imports
Uzbekistan 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 100% of its imports here ($99M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $137M 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 raw beet sugar
Brazil classifies raw beet sugar under NCM 1701.12.00: HS 1701.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about raw beet sugar
What is the HS code for Raw beet sugar?
The HS code for Raw beet sugar is 170112 (Sugars; beet sugar, raw, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter).
How do I classify Raw beet sugar for customs?
Raw beet sugar is classified under HS code 170112 — Sugars; beet sugar, raw, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for unrefined beet sugar?
Unrefined beet sugar in solid form without added flavoring is classified under HS code 1701.12.
Does this include beet sugar syrup?
No, sugar syrups are classified under heading 1702; 1701.12 is strictly for solid forms like crystals or blocks.
Which countries are the top exporters of raw beet sugar (HS 170112)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170112 (the code used for raw beet sugar) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $16M, 24% of world exports), Sweden ($11M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $10M). World exports came to about $66M, 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 raw beet sugar (HS 170112)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170112 (the code used for raw beet sugar) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($23M, 17% of world imports), Israel ($13M) and Spain ($13M). World imports came to about $137M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan 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 100% of its imports here ($99M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Raw beet sugar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170112 for Raw beet sugar 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 raw beet sugar in Brazil?
In Brazil, raw beet sugar (HS 170112) is classified under NCM 1701.12.00.