Products described as sugar are usually classified under heading 1701 of the Harmonized System. Pick the 6-digit subheading that matches your product, then add the importing country's national digits.
Heading 1701Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form
Usual subheading
Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterAdd to invoice →
Other subheadings of heading 1701
Sugars; beet sugar, raw, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter
Sugars; cane sugar, raw, in solid form, as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter
Sugars; cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter
Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, containing added flavouring or colouring matter
Click a code to copy it.
How to confirm the code
Read the heading and subheading texts above and pick the one that describes what your product is made of and what it does.
Check the section and chapter notes of chapter 17, which can include or exclude products.
Add the national digits from the importing country's tariff (8 to 10 digits) and confirm with a customs broker, or ask customs for a binding ruling if the duty matters.
Keep a record of the product facts and your reasoning, for example in a free HS classification worksheet: HS classification worksheet →
Source: HS 2022 nomenclature, 6-digit level (UN Comtrade). Descriptions are in English, as in the official nomenclature. Digits after the 6th differ by country.
Products described as sugar are usually classified under HS heading 1701, subheading 1701.99. Confirm the full national code in the importing country's tariff.
Is the HS code the same in every country?
The first 6 digits are the same in every country that uses HS 2022, and national codes are built on them: the EU's CN, the US HTS, India's ITC-HS and HSN codes and Brazil's NCM all start with these digits. Each country adds its own digits (usually to 8 or 10) and sets the duty rate, so check the destination country's tariff.
What if my product is different?
Materials, function and how the product is put up can change the heading. Search your own description in the HS code lookup, read the chapter notes, and ask a customs broker or the customs authority for a ruling when in doubt.