Product classification
HS code for Sorbitol: 3824.60
Sorbitol, other than that of subheading no. 2905.44.
Classification of sorbitol under HS 3824.60
Sorbitol classified under HS code 3824.60 refers to the chemical in forms that do not meet the strict purity requirements of Chapter 29. Specifically, this code covers sorbitol that is not the "pure" variety found in subheading 2905.44. This usually includes aqueous solutions or mixtures where sorbitol is the main component but contains other substances like oligosaccharides or other polyols in amounts that exceed the limits for a "separate chemically defined compound." Heading 3824 is a residual category for chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries not elsewhere specified. Therefore, industrial-grade sorbitol or sorbitol syrups used as humectants, thickeners, or sweeteners in food processing often fall here. The distinction is primarily based on the D-glucitol content; if the product contains more than 2% of other substances (calculated on a dry weight basis), it is generally excluded from Chapter 29 and moved to 3824.60. This classification is critical for the food and cosmetic industries, as it determines the regulatory standards and tariffs applicable to bulk sweeteners and stabilizers.
- Covers
- Sorbitol syrup (non-crystalline)
- Industrial grade sorbitol mixtures
- Aqueous solutions of sorbitol with significant impurities
- Sorbitol-based chemical preparations for industrial use
- 70% sorbitol solution (non-pure)
- Also under 3824.60
- Roquette Sorbitol Solution
- ADM Sorbitol Powder
- Cargill Sorbitol Syrup
- Ingredion Sorbitol
Codes often confused with 3824.60
Common mistake. The primary confusion is with HS code 2905.44. That code is strictly for D-glucitol (sorbitol) that is a separate chemically defined compound, typically requiring a purity of 95% or higher. Importers often use 2905.44 for all sorbitol, but if the product is a syrup containing other sugars, 3824.60 is the correct code. It is also sometimes confused with 2106.90 for food preparations, but 3824.60 is more specific for the chemical mixture itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382460 (the code used for sorbitol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382460 (the code used for sorbitol) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Slovakia, with 7.4% 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 382460, not only sorbitol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $109M 39% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $60M 21% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $25M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $280M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Slovakia $19M 7.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $18M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Poland $18M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $263M 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 sorbitol
Brazil classifies sorbitol under NCM 3824.60.00: HS 3824.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sorbitol
What is the HS code for Sorbitol?
The HS code for Sorbitol is 382460 (Sorbitol; other than that of subheading no. 2905.44). The HS code for industrial or mixed sorbitol (syrups and impure mixtures) is 3824.60.
How do I classify Sorbitol for customs?
Sorbitol is classified under HS code 382460 — Sorbitol; other than that of subheading no. 2905.44. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does this differ from food-grade sorbitol?
Food-grade sorbitol can be either 2905.44 or 3824.60 depending on its chemical purity. Most liquid sorbitol used in food is actually 3824.60 due to the presence of other polyols.
Which countries are the top exporters of sorbitol (HS 382460)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382460 (the code used for sorbitol) in UN Comtrade data were France ($109M, 39% of world exports), Thailand ($60M) and Indonesia ($25M). World exports came to about $280M, 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 sorbitol (HS 382460)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382460 (the code used for sorbitol) in UN Comtrade data were Slovakia ($19M, 7.4% of world imports), Germany ($18M) and Poland ($18M). World imports came to about $263M, 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 Sorbitol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382460 for Sorbitol 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 sorbitol in Brazil?
In Brazil, sorbitol (HS 382460) is classified under NCM 3824.60.00.