What is HS code 170211 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
170211
Sugars; lactose and lactose syrup, containing by weight 99% or more lactose, expressed as anhydrous lactose, calculated on the dry matter
Heading 1702 — Sugars, including lactose, maltose, glucose or fructose in solid form; sugar syrups without added flavouring or colouring matter; artificial honey, whether or not mixed with natural honey; caramel
Chapter 17: Sugars and sugar confectionery
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 170211 when importing or exporting lactose that contains 99% or more lactose by weight, such as in pharmaceutical applications or food products. For example, a shipment of lactose powder intended for use in dairy products or as a food additive would fall under this code.
This code specifically targets lactose in solid form, distinguishing it from other sugars like glucose or fructose, which are classified under different HS codes. If you have a product that contains less than 99% lactose, you may need to consider HS-6 170212 instead.
Lactose is commonly used in the food industry, especially in dairy products, as well as in pharmaceuticals for tablet formulations. It's essential to ensure that your product meets the purity criteria to qualify for this HS code.
When shipping lactose, be mindful of packaging requirements and labeling to confirm the lactose content. Customs may require documentation proving the percentage of lactose to validate the use of this HS code.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
lactose powder · high-purity lactose · food additives · pharmaceutical lactose · lactose syrup · dairy products · tablet formulations · bulk lactose · lactose content · sugar classification · food industry · confectionery ingredients · lactose-free products · packaging requirements · customs documentation
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Lactose powder for use in infant formula
- Pharmaceutical-grade lactose for tablet manufacturing
- Bulk lactose for dairy product formulation
- Lactose-containing food supplements
- Lactose used in the production of lactose-free products
- Lactose for use in confectionery items
- Lactose syrup for food processing
- Lactose as an ingredient in bakery products
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify lactose in trade?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
What products fall under HS-6 170211?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Is lactose powder subject to customs duties?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to prove lactose purity for customs?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the packaging requirements for lactose?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS-6 170211 for lactose syrup?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between HS-6 170211 and 170212?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to classify high-purity lactose for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What are the customs requirements for lactose shipments
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Examples of products classified under HS-6 170211
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Understanding lactose content for HS code classification
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Lactose powder shipping regulations and documentation
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Differences between lactose and other sugars in HS codes
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
How to ensure compliance for lactose imports
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Best practices for labeling lactose products for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products can I classify under HS-6 170211?
- You can classify products like lactose powder, pharmaceutical-grade lactose, and lactose syrups that contain 99% or more lactose by weight.
- How do I prove the lactose content for customs?
- You may need to provide a certificate of analysis or other documentation from the manufacturer that confirms the lactose content meets the 99% threshold.
- What is the difference between HS-6 170211 and HS-6 170212?
- HS-6 170211 is for lactose containing 99% or more lactose, while HS-6 170212 is for lactose with less than 99% lactose content.
- Are there specific packaging requirements for shipping lactose?
- Yes, lactose should be packaged in a way that protects it from moisture and contamination, and must be labeled clearly with the lactose content.
- Is there a duty on importing lactose under HS-6 170211?
- Duties can vary by country, so it's important to check the specific tariff rates for lactose in the destination country.
- Can I use HS-6 170211 for lactose used in food products?
- Yes, as long as the lactose meets the purity requirement of 99% or more by weight, it can be used for food products.
- What if my lactose product is mixed with other ingredients?
- If your product contains less than 99% lactose or is mixed with other sugars, you may need to classify it under a different HS code.
- How can I find out more about lactose classification?
- You can consult with a customs broker or refer to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for detailed classification guidance.
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