Product classification
HS code for Rum: 2208.40
Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products.
Classification of rum under HS 2208.40
Rum is classified under HS code 2208.40, which specifically identifies spirits obtained by distilling fermented products derived from sugar cane. This includes molasses, sugar cane syrup, and sugar cane juice. The distillation process must result in an ethyl alcohol concentration of less than 80% by volume. This subheading is part of Chapter 22, covering beverages, spirits, and vinegar. The classification is determined by the raw material source (sugar cane) and the production method (distillation). Even if the rum is aged in wooden casks or flavored with spices, it remains under 2208.40 as long as the base spirit is derived from sugar cane. The organoleptic characteristics of rum, such as its specific aroma and flavor profile derived from sugar cane by-products, are essential for its identification under this code. This distinguishes it from other spirits like vodka or gin, which are derived from different agricultural sources.
- Covers
- White rum and light rum
- Dark rum and aged gold rum
- Spiced rum (with sugar-cane spirit base)
- Cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane spirit)
- Añejo rum and overproof rum (under 80% ABV)
- Also under 2208.40
- Bacardi Superior
- Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
- Havana Club Añejo 3 Años
- Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
- Cachaça 51.
Codes often confused with 2208.40
Common mistake. Rum is often confused with 2208.30 (Whiskies) or 2208.20 (Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc). The primary difference is the base material; whiskies are grain-based, while rum is sugar-cane based. Another common error is using 2207.10 for high-strength rum. If the alcohol content is 80% or higher, it must be classified under heading 2207, regardless of the sugar cane origin. Flavored liqueurs with a rum base may also be misclassified here, but should often be under 2208.70 if they have high sugar content and lower ABV.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220840 (the code used for rum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220840 (the code used for rum) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 14% 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 220840, not only rum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $214M 13% of world exports
- 2 United States $142M 8.6% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $137M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $240M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $193M 11% of world imports
- 3 Spain $145M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 rum
Brazil classifies rum under NCM 2208.40.00: HS 2208.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rum
What is the HS code for Rum?
The HS code for Rum is 220840 (Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products). The HS code for rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products is 2208.40.
How do I classify Rum for customs?
Rum is classified under HS code 220840 — Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Cachaça classified as rum?
Yes, for international trade purposes under the HS system, Cachaça is classified under 2208.40 as a spirit obtained from sugar cane products.
Which countries are the top exporters of rum (HS 220840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220840 (the code used for rum) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($214M, 13% of world exports), the United States ($142M) and the Netherlands ($137M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 rum (HS 220840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220840 (the code used for rum) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($240M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($193M) and Spain ($145M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Rum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220840 for Rum 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 rum in Brazil?
In Brazil, rum (HS 220840) is classified under NCM 2208.40.00.