Product classification
HS code for White sugar: 1701.99
Sugars, sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter.
Classification of white sugar under HS 1701.99
White sugar is classified under HS code 1701.99. Heading 1701 covers cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form. The classification process begins by distinguishing between raw sugar and refined sugar. Raw sugar (1701.12 to 1701.14) is sugar that contains added flavoring or coloring or has a polarization of less than 99.5 degrees. White sugar, being a highly refined product, typically has a polarization of 99.5 degrees or higher and does not contain added flavoring or coloring agents. Subheading 1701.99 is the specific category for refined white sugar in solid form (granulated, powdered, or in blocks) that is not otherwise specified in the preceding subheadings. This classification is consistent globally under the Harmonized System for pure sucrose intended for human consumption or industrial use.
- Covers
- Refined granulated white sugar
- Caster sugar (fine grain)
- Icing sugar (powdered sugar) without additives
- White beet sugar in solid form
- White cane sugar in solid form
- Also under 1701.99
- Domino Granulated Sugar
- C&H Pure Cane Sugar
- Tate & Lyle White Sugar
- Nordzucker Refined Sugar
Codes often confused with 1701.99
Common mistake. White sugar is often confused with 1701.91, which is reserved for sugar with added flavoring or coloring matter. It is also distinct from 1701.14, which covers raw cane sugar. If the sugar is in the form of a syrup, it must be classified under heading 1702. Furthermore, if the sugar is mixed with other ingredients like cornstarch (as in some commercial powdered sugars) or anti-caking agents in high concentrations, it might be classified under 2106.90 as a food preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 170199 (the code used for white sugar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 170199 (the code used for white sugar) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 6.8% 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 170199, not only white sugar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $2.0B 13% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $1.6B 10% of world exports
- 3 India $1.6B 10% of world exports
World total: $15.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $1.0B 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $603M 4.0% of world imports
- 3 Spain $561M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $15.1B 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 white sugar
Brazil classifies white sugar under NCM 1701.99.00: HS 1701.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about white sugar
What is the HS code for White sugar?
The HS code for White sugar is 170199 (Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter). The HS code for refined white sugar in solid form is 1701.99.
How do I classify White sugar for customs?
White sugar is classified under HS code 170199 — Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is icing sugar classified differently than granulated sugar?
No, both icing sugar and granulated sugar fall under 1701.99, provided they are pure sucrose and do not contain significant additives that would reclassify them as food preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of white sugar (HS 170199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 170199 (the code used for white sugar) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($2.0B, 13% of world exports), Thailand ($1.6B) and India ($1.6B). World exports came to about $15.7B, 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 white sugar (HS 170199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 170199 (the code used for white sugar) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.0B, 6.8% of world imports), the United States ($603M) and Spain ($561M). World imports came to about $15.1B, 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 White sugar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 170199 for White sugar 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 white sugar in Brazil?
In Brazil, white sugar (HS 170199) is classified under NCM 1701.99.00.