Product classification
HS code for Spent grain: 2303.30
Brewing or distilling dregs and waste, whether or not in the form of pellets.
Classification of spent grain under HS 2303.30
Spent grain is classified under HS code 230330, which specifically covers brewing or distilling dregs and waste. This classification is situated within Chapter 23, which encompasses residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. The logic for this classification is based on the origin of the product as a byproduct of the fermentation process. During the production of beer or spirits, grains (most commonly barley, but also corn, rye, or wheat) are steeped in water to extract sugars. The remaining solid material, known as spent grain, is a protein-rich residue that is no longer suitable for the primary brewing process but remains highly valuable as a component for animal feed. The Harmonized System groups these dregs together regardless of whether they originate from a brewery (brewing dregs) or a distillery (distilling dregs). The code 230330 applies to the product in various physical states, including wet spent grain, dried spent grain, or spent grain that has been compressed into pellets for easier transport. It is distinct from processed grain products intended for human consumption, which are found in Chapter 11. The classification is also independent of the specific grain type used, provided the waste results from brewing or distilling. For importers and exporters, it is crucial to differentiate this waste from 'prepared' animal feeds (2309), which are mixtures of different ingredients, whereas 230330 refers to the raw byproduct itself.
- Covers
- Brewer's spent grain (BSG)
- Distiller's dried grains (DDG)
- Malt dregs and brewery waste
- Distillery dregs (wet or dry)
- Spent grain pellets for animal feed
- Also under 2303.30
- AB InBev Spent Grains
- Diageo Distillers' Grains
- Anheuser-Busch InBev DDGS
- MillerCoors Brewers' Waste
- Pernod Ricard Distillery By-products
Codes often confused with 2303.30
Common mistake. Spent grain is sometimes misclassified under 1104 (worked grains) or 2302 (bran/sharps). However, 230330 is the specific code for brewing/distilling waste. It should also not be confused with 230990, which is for complete animal feed preparations containing multiple ingredients.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230330 (the code used for spent grain), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230330 (the code used for spent grain) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 13% 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 230330, not only spent grain.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.8B 80% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $128M 3.7% of world exports
- 3 India $123M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $469M 13% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $375M 11% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$331M 9.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.5B 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 spent grain
Brazil classifies spent grain under NCM 2303.30.00: HS 2303.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spent grain
What is the HS code for Spent grain?
The HS code for Spent grain is 230330 (Brewing or distilling dregs and waste; whether or not in the form of pellets). The HS code for spent grain from brewing or distilling processes is 230330.
How do I classify Spent grain for customs?
Spent grain is classified under HS code 230330 — Brewing or distilling dregs and waste; whether or not in the form of pellets. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the code change if the grain is dried or pelletized?
No, HS code 230330 covers spent grain in wet, dried, or pelletized forms, provided it is a byproduct of brewing or distilling.
Which countries are the top exporters of spent grain (HS 230330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230330 (the code used for spent grain) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.8B, 80% of world exports), the Netherlands ($128M) and India ($123M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 spent grain (HS 230330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230330 (the code used for spent grain) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($469M, 13% of world imports), Türkiye ($375M) and Vietnam (about $331M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 Spent grain the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230330 for Spent grain 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 spent grain in Brazil?
In Brazil, spent grain (HS 230330) is classified under NCM 2303.30.00.