HS Code 2208: Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages

Q: Is HS code 2208 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 2208 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 2208 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 2208?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 2208.

What is HS Code 2208

HS Code 2208 covers Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages. It is a 4-digit heading within Chapter 22 (Beverages, spirits and vinegar), Section IV. Its 6-digit subheadings are identical in every HS-adopting country; from the 7th digit onward, each country extends the code for its own tariff and statistics.

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What does HS Code 2208 Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages Cover?

Section IV

Chapters (16-24) Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

Chapter 22

Beverages, spirits and vinegar

HS Code 2208

Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages

HS Code 220820

Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc

HS Code 220850

Gin and geneva

HS Code 220870

Liqueurs and cordials

HS Code 220890

Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208

HS Code 220830

Whiskies

HS Code 220840

Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products

HS Code 220860

Vodka

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What HS Codes for Beverages and Spirits Do Not Cover

Chapter 22 covers waters, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits, and vinegar. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Fruit and vegetable juices

heading 2009

Milk-based beverages

Chapter 04

Liquid medicaments

Chapter 30

Soya milk and plant-based "milks"

heading 2202 (stays here, but watch dairy-style packaging)

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Related HS Codes under Spirits HS 2208

HS Code 220820

Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc

HS Code 220830

Whiskies

HS Code 220840

Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar-cane products

Liqueurs and cordials

HS Code 220890

Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages; n.e.c. in heading no. 2208

HS Code 2201

Waters, including natural or artificial mineral waters and aerated waters, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured; ice and snow

HS Code 2202

Waters, including mineral and aerated waters, containing added sugar or sweetening matter, flavoured; other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009

HS Code 2203

Beer made from malt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2208?

HS code 2208 covers Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages, a heading within Chapter 22 (Beverages, spirits and vinegar) of the WCO Harmonized System. Headings sit between the broad chapter level and the more specific 6-digit subheading level.

Is HS code 2208 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 2208 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 2208?