HS Code Guide · EPM Subvention
HS Code 170199 Meaning — Sucrose, chemically pure, solid, not flavoured/coloured: Global Trade, India & Factoring Guide
HS 170199 covers sucrose, chemically pure, solid, not flavoured/coloured. This guide explains what the code includes, its global trade, India's position, how GIFT City helps factor it, and whether MSME factoring qualifies for the 2.75% interest subvention.
What this HS code covers
HS 170199 sits in 17 — Sugars & confectionery. Official tariff description: “Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter” In plain terms, it covers sucrose, chemically pure, solid, not flavoured/coloured. Classification decides duty and documents; this 6-digit line is in the DGFT positive list (Trade Notice 25/2025-26 Annex V), so MSME factoring under it qualifies for the 2.75% subvention — details below.
What is HS 170199?
HS 170199 covers refined pure sucrose — white sugar in solid form, not flavoured or coloured. Raw sugar is 170114, flavoured/coloured is separate.
Official description: Sugars; sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter
What HS 170199 does in trade
- Classifies refined white sugar — the MSME sugar export line — for duty and export-policy checks (DGFT sugar quotas).
- Is eligible — sugar is in the positive list, so factoring refined sugar qualifies for 2.75%.
- Enables bulk factoring with 30–60 day terms; price is policy-sensitive (MSP/quota).
Global perspective — where HS 170199 moves
Global white-sugar trade ~60 MT (raw + white). Brazil and EU dominate supply; MENA and Africa are structural importers.
| Top global exporters | Top global importers |
|---|---|
| Brazil | Indonesia |
| India | China |
| Thailand | United States |
| European Union | Bangladesh |
| Australia | Algeria |
India's stance on HS 170199
India is #2 sugar producer/exporter — Maharashtra and UP mills, quota-driven. DGFT export quotas and seasonal releases govern eligibility and price.
Export docs to watch
Sugar needs APEDA/Sugar Directorate permissions, ISMA registration where applicable, and quota compliance.
GIFT City — factoring HS 170199 in foreign currency
Sugar is often USD invoiced 30–60 days — GIFT City FC factoring with 2.75% suits quota-based shipments.
Trad can route eligible invoices via an IFSCA-regulated IBU or Finance Company/Finance Unit undertaking factoring in GIFT City. The 2.75% subvention is identical whether you factor via India (RBI-regulated) or GIFT City (IFSCA-regulated) — the choice is about currency, banking relationship and buyer location, not the benefit rate.
Common financing stack for this HS
Factoring advances 70–90% in 24–48 hours after invoice verification; balance minus discount/fees on buyer payment. Works alongside packing credit — factoring covers the post-shipment open-account gap.
MSME subvention — is HS 170199 eligible for 2.75%?
Yes — HS 170199 is in the positive list (Trade Notice 25/2025-26 Annex V). MSMEs involved in international value chains with a valid active IEC (not in DEL) and valid Udyam can claim 2.75% per annum on the factoring interest cost element when factoring via an RBI/IFSCA-regulated entity.
| Check | For HS 170199 |
|---|---|
| In positive list (HS-6) | Yes — 170199 listed in Annex V |
| Benefit | 2.75% p.a. on interest cost element |
| Annual cap | ₹50 lakh per MSME per FY |
| Valid from | Prospectively from 20 Feb 2026 |
| Need UIN per factor? | Yes — declaration of intent before factoring, valid till FY-end |
| Eligible factors | RBI-regulated (AD bank / factoring NBFC) or IFSCA-regulated (GIFT IBU/FC) |
| Not covered | Deemed exports (FTP Ch.7) & exports to SEZs |
Eight-digit HS? Use first 6 digits
Eligibility is at HS-6. If your 8-digit HS (e.g. 17019910) starts with 170199, it inherits this eligibility. Verify on the HS checker — enter 6 or 8 digits.
Check HS 170199 — free
Verify any 6 or 8-digit HS against the DGFT positive list and see the 2.75% factoring eligibility in seconds.
Open HS checkerFrequently asked questions
What is HS 170199 — Sucrose, chemically pure, solid, not flavoured/coloured?
HS 170199 covers refined pure sucrose — white sugar in solid form, not flavoured or coloured. Raw sugar is 170114, flavoured/coloured is separate.
Is HS 170199 eligible for the 2.75% interest subvention?
Yes. HS 170199 is in the DGFT positive list (Trade Notice 25/2025-26 Annex V, 4139 HS-6 lines). MSMEs factoring exports under this line via RBI/IFSCA-regulated factors can claim 2.75% per annum on the interest cost element, capped at ₹50 lakh per MSME per year, prospectively from 20 Feb 2026. Requires valid IEC (not in DEL), valid Udyam, and a UIN per factor obtained before factoring.
Who can claim the 2.75% for HS 170199 and how?
MSMEs (as defined by Ministry of MSME) with active IEC and Udyam, factoring eligible exports of HS 170199 via RBI/IFSCA-regulated entities. File a declaration of intent on the DGFT portal to get a UIN per factor (valid till FY-end), factor the invoice, the factor files monthly IEC-wise claims; subvention is credited to your IEC-linked bank account.
Can HS 170199 be factored via GIFT City?
Yes. IBUs and Finance Companies/Finance Units undertaking factoring in GIFT City (IFSCA-regulated) are eligible financial institutions under IFSCA circular 19 Mar 2026 and must extend the 2.75% benefit. Useful for USD/EUR receivables where you want foreign-currency factoring.
What does factoring for HS 170199 cost after subvention?
Indicatively, factoring discount/interest is priced commercially (often 8–12% p.a. depending on buyer, tenor, currency) plus factoring fee ~0.5–3% ⚠️. The 2.75% offsets only the interest element — e.g. a 9% interest cost becomes ~6.25% effective on that element if eligible. Fees/insurance/FX remain. Compare all-in cost.
Related HS codes
Compare HS 170199 with other MSME-export lines in the same chapter or family.
See all codes on the HS code guides hub, or read the 2.75% subvention deep-dive.