Product classification
HS code for Vodka: 2208.60
Vodka.
Classification of vodka under HS 2208.60
Vodka is classified under HS code 2208.60 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Heading 2208 encompasses undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80%, as well as spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous beverages. Vodka is specifically identified in its own subheading because of its unique production process, which involves the distillation of fermented mash from agricultural raw materials like grains or potatoes. The resulting spirit is often treated with charcoal to achieve its characteristic neutrality. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, the classification remains 2208.60 even if the vodka is flavored, provided the flavoring does not alter the essential character of the spirit to the point where it becomes a liqueur (which would fall under 2208.70). The alcohol content is a critical factor; if the strength exceeds 80% ABV, the product would be classified under heading 2207. Furthermore, the product must be fit for human consumption. Industrial spirits or denatured alcohol are excluded from this heading. Customs officials often verify the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the absence of added sugars to ensure the product is not misdeclared as a lower-taxed beverage.
- Covers
- Plain grain-based vodka
- Potato-based vodka
- Flavored vodka (e.g., lemon, vanilla, pepper)
- Fruit-distilled vodka
- Bulk vodka for bottling
- Retail-ready bottled vodka
- Also under 2208.60
- Absolut Vodka
- Smirnoff
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Tito's Handmade Vodka
Codes often confused with 2208.60
Common mistake. Vodka is frequently confused with HS code 2207.10, which covers undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength of 80% vol or higher. This is a common error when importing high-strength neutral spirits intended for dilution. Another common misclassification is 2208.70, which covers liqueurs and cordials. If a vodka-based product has a high sugar content (typically exceeding 100 grams per liter), it may be reclassified as a liqueur. Additionally, 2208.90 is sometimes used for other spirits, but since vodka has a specific subheading (2208.60), using the 'other' category is incorrect.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220860 (the code used for vodka), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220860 (the code used for vodka) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 220860, not only vodka.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $533M 18% of world exports
- 2 France $472M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $294M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $937M 29% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $189M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 France $170M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $3.2B 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 vodka
Brazil classifies vodka under NCM 2208.60.00: HS 2208.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vodka
What is the HS code for Vodka?
The HS code for Vodka is 220860 (Vodka). The specific HS code for vodka is 2208.60.
How do I classify Vodka for customs?
Vodka is classified under HS code 220860 — Vodka. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does flavored vodka use the same HS code?
Yes, most flavored vodkas are classified under 2208.60, provided they maintain the spirituous character of vodka and are not classified as liqueurs due to high sugar content.
Which countries are the top exporters of vodka (HS 220860)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220860 (the code used for vodka) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($533M, 18% of world exports), France ($472M) and the United States ($294M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 vodka (HS 220860)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220860 (the code used for vodka) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($937M, 29% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($189M) and France ($170M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 Vodka the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220860 for Vodka 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 vodka in Brazil?
In Brazil, vodka (HS 220860) is classified under NCM 2208.60.00.