Product classification
HS code for Vinegar: 2209.00
Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar, obtained from acetic acid.
Classification of vinegar under HS 2209.00
Vinegar and its substitutes are classified under HS code 2209.00 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This heading specifically covers edible liquids obtained by the acetic fermentation of alcoholic liquids or various sugar solutions, as well as substitutes for vinegar produced by diluting acetic acid with water. The classification is determined by the product's intended use as a condiment or food preservative and its chemical composition. While acetic acid itself is a chemical compound found in Chapter 29, once it is diluted to a concentration suitable for culinary use (typically 15% or less by weight of acetic acid) and packaged as vinegar, it moves to Chapter 22. The Harmonized System distinguishes between industrial-grade chemicals and food-grade products, ensuring that fermented liquids like wine vinegar or cider vinegar are grouped with their synthetic counterparts used for the same purpose.
- Covers
- Wine vinegar produced from the fermentation of grapes
- Apple cider vinegar and other fruit-based vinegars
- Malt vinegar derived from barley or other cereals
- Distilled white vinegar (synthetic vinegar from acetic acid)
- Balsamic vinegar and flavored vinegars
- Rice vinegar and cane vinegar
- Also under 2209.00
- Heinz White Vinegar
- Colavita Balsamic Vinegar
- Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Kikkoman Rice Vinegar
Codes often confused with 2209.00
Common mistake. Vinegar is frequently misclassified under HS code 2915.21, which is reserved for pure acetic acid. The distinction lies in the concentration and intended use; products with an acetic acid concentration exceeding 15% are generally treated as industrial chemicals rather than vinegar. Additionally, some prepared sauces containing vinegar, such as salad dressings or mayonnaise, are often confused with 2209.00 but should be classified under HS code 2103.90 as mixed condiments or seasonings. It is also important to distinguish vinegar from 'non-potable' alcohols in heading 2207.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220900 (the code used for vinegar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220900 (the code used for vinegar) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 220900, not only vinegar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $400M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $87M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Spain $80M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $997M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $194M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $107M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 France $80M 7.3% 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 code for vinegar
Brazil classifies vinegar under NCM 2209.00.00: HS 2209.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinegar
What is the HS code for Vinegar?
The HS code for Vinegar is 220900 (Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar; obtained from acetic acid). The primary HS code for vinegar and substitutes for vinegar obtained from acetic acid is 2209.00.
How do I classify Vinegar for customs?
Vinegar is classified under HS code 220900 — Vinegar and substitutes for vinegar; obtained from acetic acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the vinegar is organic or flavored?
No, organic and flavored vinegars (such as tarragon or garlic-infused vinegar) remain under HS code 2209.00, provided they retain the essential character of vinegar and are not classified as complex sauces under 2103.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinegar (HS 220900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220900 (the code used for vinegar) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($400M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($87M) and Spain ($80M). World exports came to about $997M, 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 vinegar (HS 220900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220900 (the code used for vinegar) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($194M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($107M) and France ($80M). 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 Vinegar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220900 for Vinegar 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 vinegar in Brazil?
In Brazil, vinegar (HS 220900) is classified under NCM 2209.00.00.