ICUMSA 45 Sugar Explained: A Buyer’s Guide to Sugar Grades
If you buy sugar internationally, you will see the word ICUMSA everywhere. It refers to the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis, and the ICUMSA number measures the colour of sugar – the lower the number, the whiter and more refined the sugar. This guide explains the main grades and what to check before you buy.
The main sugar grades
| Grade | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| ICUMSA 45 | Refined white sugar, very white and pure | Retail packs, drinks, food manufacturing |
| ICUMSA 100–150 | White sugar with slightly more colour | Food industry, wholesale markets |
| VHP (Very High Polarization) | Raw cane sugar, light brown, ICUMSA roughly 600–1200 | Refineries that process it into white sugar |
Specifications to check for ICUMSA 45
- Colour: 45 ICUMSA units maximum.
- Polarization: around 99.8° minimum, showing very high sucrose purity.
- Moisture: very low, commonly 0.04% maximum.
- Ash and solubility: low ash and full solubility in water.
- Granulation: fine or standard crystal, as agreed.
Ask for a certificate of analysis for every shipment, and consider independent inspection at loading for large orders.
Packaging and documents
White sugar is usually packed in 50 kg polypropylene bags with an inner liner, in 1-tonne jumbo bags, or in small retail packs. Cane and beet sugar are classified under HS code 1701, with refined white sugar usually under 1701.99. Expect the standard export documents – see our guide to export documents.
Beware of fake sugar offers
Sugar, especially “ICUMSA 45”, is one of the most common products used in trade scams. Be very careful with offers of huge monthly quantities at prices far below the market, sellers who ask for fees before you see any product, or “procedures” that require you to send money before a contract and proof of goods. Read our guide on how to check a supplier before you pay, and only pay a company you have verified, using safe payment terms.
Buy sugar from BS Sariyavuz Export
See our white refined sugar product, and combine sugar with other staples such as flour and sunflower oil. Tell us the grade, packaging, quantity and destination port, and we will send a written quotation.
Contact us on WhatsApp or by phone at +1 727 201 2398, or through our contact page. We are available 08:00–17:00 every day, including weekends.
