Product classification
HS code for Sports drinks: 2202.99
Non-alcoholic beverages, other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009.
Classification of sports drinks under HS 2202.99
Sports drinks are classified under HS code 2202.99, which encompasses non-alcoholic beverages not elsewhere specified. This classification is determined by the beverage's chemical composition, typically consisting of water, sugars such as glucose or sucrose, and essential electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Unlike mineral waters classified under heading 2201, sports drinks are specifically formulated with additives to aid in rapid hydration and energy replenishment during or after intense physical exertion. Because they do not contain significant amounts of milk fats or proteins, they are excluded from Chapter 4, and because they are not primarily fruit or vegetable juices, they are excluded from heading 2009. The classification 2202.99 serves as a residual category for functional beverages that provide physiological benefits beyond simple hydration but do not fit into more specific beverage categories. This code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between basic refreshments and specialized nutritional beverages designed for athletic performance.
- Covers
- Isotonic drinks
- Electrolyte replacement beverages
- Vitamin-fortified waters
- Energy drinks without alcohol
- Glucose-based recovery drinks
- Hypotonic and hypertonic sports beverages
- Also under 2202.99
- Coca-Cola
- Red Bull
- Gatorade
- Lipton Iced Tea
- Pepsi
- Monster Energy
Codes often confused with 2202.99
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these products under HS code 2202.10, which is reserved for waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavored. While sports drinks contain sugar and flavor, they are distinguished by their electrolyte and mineral content intended for physiological recovery. Another common misclassification is HS code 2106.90, which covers food preparations not elsewhere specified. This code is often incorrectly used for liquid sports drinks, whereas it should generally be reserved for sports nutrition products in powder or tablet form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220299 (the code used for sports drinks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220299 (the code used for sports drinks) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.9% 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 220299, not only sports drinks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.8B 12% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $1.5B 10% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.3B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $14.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 8.9% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.3B 8.5% of world imports
- 3 China $1.0B 6.8% of world imports
World total: $15.0B 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 sports drinks
Brazil classifies sports drinks under NCM 2202.99.00: HS 2202.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sports drinks
What is the HS code for Sports drinks?
The HS code for Sports drinks is 220299 (Non-alcoholic beverages; other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009). The primary HS code for liquid, ready-to-drink sports beverages is 2202.99.
How do I classify Sports drinks for customs?
Sports drinks is classified under HS code 220299 — Non-alcoholic beverages; other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are protein shakes classified under the same code?
No, protein shakes and other meal replacement drinks are typically classified under HS code 2106.90 as food preparations, rather than as simple non-alcoholic beverages.
Which countries are the top exporters of sports drinks (HS 220299)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220299 (the code used for sports drinks) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.8B, 12% of world exports), Switzerland ($1.5B) and the Netherlands ($1.3B). World exports came to about $14.8B, 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 sports drinks (HS 220299)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220299 (the code used for sports drinks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 8.9% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.3B) and China ($1.0B). World imports came to about $15.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Sports drinks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220299 for Sports drinks 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 sports drinks in Brazil?
In Brazil, sports drinks (HS 220299) is classified under NCM 2202.99.00.