Product classification
HS code for Soy sauce: 2103.10
Sauces, soya.
Classification of soy sauce under HS 2103.10
Soy sauce is classified under HS code 2103.10. This classification falls within Chapter 21, which covers miscellaneous edible preparations. Heading 2103 is dedicated to sauces and preparations therefor, mixed condiments, and mixed seasonings. Soy sauce is a fermented liquid product made from a paste of boiled soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds. Because it is a prepared liquid condiment used to flavor food rather than a primary agricultural product or a simple vegetable extract, it is categorized as a prepared sauce. The classification remains consistent regardless of the specific brewing method, whether traditional fermentation or chemical hydrolysis.
- Covers
- Light soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce)
- Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis)
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) based soy sauce
- Also under 2103.10
- Kikkoman Soy Sauce
- Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce
- San-J Tamari
- Pearl River Bridge Soy Sauce
- Yamasa Soy Sauce
Codes often confused with 2103.10
Common mistake. Soy sauce is occasionally misclassified under 2103.90, which is the residual category for "other" sauces. However, because soy sauce is specifically named in the subheading 2103.10, it must be declared there. Another error involves 2106.90 (food preparations not elsewhere specified), which should only be used if the product does not meet the definition of a sauce, such as certain soy-based flavor bases that require further dilution or processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210310 (the code used for soy sauce), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210310 (the code used for soy sauce) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 210310, not only soy sauce.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $224M 22% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $219M 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $90M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $124M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $81M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $68M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 codes for soy sauce
Brazil splits HS 2103.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2103.10.10Soy sauce in packings of 1 kg or less
- 2103.10.90Soy sauce in packings over 1 kg
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soy sauce
What is the HS code for Soy sauce?
The HS code for Soy sauce is 210310 (Sauces; soya). The specific HS code for soy sauce is 2103.10.
How do I classify Soy sauce for customs?
Soy sauce is classified under HS code 210310 — Sauces; soya. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for gluten-free soy sauce?
No, gluten-free versions like Tamari are still classified under 2103.10 as they function and are composed primarily as soy-based sauces.
Which countries are the top exporters of soy sauce (HS 210310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210310 (the code used for soy sauce) in UN Comtrade data were China ($224M, 22% of world exports), the Netherlands ($219M) and Japan ($90M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 soy sauce (HS 210310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210310 (the code used for soy sauce) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($124M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($81M) and France ($68M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Soy sauce the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210310 for Soy sauce 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 soy sauce in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 210310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for soy sauce depends on the product's details: 2103.10.10 (Soy sauce in packings of 1 kg or less), 2103.10.90 (Soy sauce in packings over 1 kg).