Product classification
HS code for Sake: 2206.00
Beverages, fermented, (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake).
Classification of sake under HS 2206.00
Sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting rice, is classified under HS code 2206.00. This heading covers \"Other fermented beverages (for example, cider, perry, mead, sake); mixtures of fermented beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, not elsewhere specified or included.\" The classification is based on the production process: fermentation without distillation. Unlike wine made from grapes, which is classified under heading 2204, or beer made from malt, which falls under 2203, sake is a fermented beverage derived from grain (rice). The Harmonized System groups fermented beverages that do not fit the specific definitions of wine or beer into this residual category. It is important to note that the alcohol content does not change the heading, provided the beverage remains a fermented product and has not been distilled. If the product were distilled, it would move to Chapter 2208.
- Covers
- Junmai sake
- Honjozo sake
- Ginjo and Daiginjo sake
- Nigori (unfiltered) sake
- Sparkling fermented sake
- Also under 2206.00
- Strongbow Cider
- Angry Orchard Hard Cider
- B. Nektar Mead
- Gekkeikan Sake
- Rekorderlig Cider.
Codes often confused with 2206.00
Common mistake. Sake is often misclassified under HS code 2204.21, which is reserved for grape wine. Because sake is frequently referred to as \"rice wine,\" customs brokers may default to the wine heading. However, 2204 is strictly for beverages made from fresh grapes. Another common error is using 2208.90 (spirits) for high-alcohol sake; however, unless the sake has been distilled to increase its strength, it remains under 2206.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220600 (the code used for sake), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220600 (the code used for sake) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 220600, not only sake.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $330M 18% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $162M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 Canada $138M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $427M 22% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $280M 15% of world imports
- 3 China $95M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 codes for sake
Brazil splits HS 2206.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2206.00.10Cider
- 2206.00.90Other fermented beverages (perry, mead, sake)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sake
What is the HS code for Sake?
The HS code for Sake is 220600 (Beverages, fermented; (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake)). The HS code for sake is 2206.00, which covers fermented beverages other than grape wine or malt beer.
How do I classify Sake for customs?
Sake is classified under HS code 220600 — Beverages, fermented; (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is flavored sake classified differently?
Generally, no. If the base is fermented sake and it is mixed with non-alcoholic flavorings, it typically remains under 2206.00 as a mixture of a fermented beverage and non-alcoholic beverages.
Which countries are the top exporters of sake (HS 220600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220600 (the code used for sake) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($330M, 18% of world exports), South Africa ($162M) and Canada ($138M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 sake (HS 220600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220600 (the code used for sake) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($427M, 22% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($280M) and China ($95M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 Sake the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220600 for Sake 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 sake in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 220600 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sake depends on the product's details: 2206.00.10 (Cider), 2206.00.90 (Other fermented beverages (perry, mead, sake)).