Product classification
HS code for Whisky: 2208.30
Whiskies.
Classification of whisky under HS 2208.30
Whisky is classified under HS code 220830 within the Harmonized System. This classification falls under Chapter 22, which encompasses beverages, spirits, and vinegar. Heading 2208 specifically covers undenatured ethyl alcohol with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% and includes various spirits and liqueurs. Whisky is defined as a spirit obtained by the distillation of a mash of cereals, which has been saccharified by the diastase of the malt contained therein, with or without other natural enzymes, and fermented by the action of yeast. The classification 220830 is dedicated exclusively to whiskies, regardless of their origin or specific grain source. The product must retain the organoleptic characteristics of whisky, which are typically derived from the raw materials and the aging process in wooden casks. This code is used globally to track the trade of one of the most significant distilled spirits in the international market.
- Covers
- Scotch whisky (Single Malt and Blended)
- Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey
- Irish whiskey
- Rye whiskey
- Canadian whisky
- Japanese and other international whiskies
- Malt and grain whiskies
- Also under 2208.30
- Johnnie Walker Red Label
- Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
- Maker's Mark Bourbon
- Suntory Hibiki.
Codes often confused with 2208.30
Common mistake. Whisky is sometimes misclassified under HS code 220710 if the alcohol content is 80% or higher, though most commercial whiskies are bottled at 40% to 60% ABV. It may also be confused with 220820, which is reserved for spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc (such as Brandy or Cognac). Another common error is classifying flavored whiskies under 220870 (Liqueurs and cordials). If a whisky has been heavily sweetened or flavored to the point where it loses its character as a spirit of cereals, it may be moved to the liqueur category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220830 (the code used for whisky), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220830 (the code used for whisky) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 220830, not only whisky.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $7.2B 50% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.3B 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $1.1B 7.5% of world exports
World total: $14.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 12% of world imports
- 2 France $738M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $692M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $12.9B 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 whisky
Brazil splits HS 2208.30 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2208.30.10Whisky over 50% vol in containers of 50 l or more
- 2208.30.20Whisky in containers of 2 litres or less
- 2208.30.90Other whisky
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whisky
What is the HS code for Whisky?
The HS code for Whisky is 220830 (Whiskies). The specific HS code for all types of whisky is 220830.
How do I classify Whisky for customs?
Whisky is classified under HS code 220830 — Whiskies. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for aged vs. unaged whisky?
No, the HS code 220830 applies to all whiskies regardless of their age, maturation process, or the type of barrel used for storage.
Which countries are the top exporters of whisky (HS 220830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220830 (the code used for whisky) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($7.2B, 50% of world exports), the United States ($1.3B) and Ireland ($1.1B). World exports came to about $14.3B, 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 whisky (HS 220830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220830 (the code used for whisky) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 12% of world imports), France ($738M) and Singapore ($692M). World imports came to about $12.9B, 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 Whisky the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220830 for Whisky 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 whisky in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 220830 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for whisky depends on the product's details: 2208.30.10 (Whisky over 50% vol in containers of 50 l or more), 2208.30.20 (Whisky in containers of 2 litres or less), 2208.30.90 (Other whisky).