Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormLiquid syrup
Industry PositionStarch-derived bulk sweetener (food ingredient)
Market
Non-GMO glucose syrup is a starch-derived sweetener and functional carbohydrate syrup traded globally for confectionery, bakery, beverage, and other processed-food applications. In trade statistics it is commonly captured within HS 170230 (glucose and glucose syrup with <20% fructose in the dry state), where 2024 exports are led by China, France, and the United States (UN Comtrade via WITS). Major import demand is concentrated in large food-manufacturing and redistribution hubs including Germany, Mexico, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (UN Comtrade via WITS). The differentiator for “non-GMO” positioning is not the HS code but the ability to document identity-preserved sourcing and verification to meet buyer and label-program requirements (e.g., Non-GMO Project, VLOG ‘Ohne Gentechnik’) in markets with strict traceability expectations.
Major Producing Countries- ChinaLarge-scale starch sweetener producer; top exporter of HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- FranceMajor EU producer/exporter of glucose syrups; among top HS 170230 exporters in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- United StatesMajor corn wet-milling/starch sweetener producer; among top HS 170230 exporters in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- GermanyMajor EU starch/sweetener producer and intra-EU trade hub; among top HS 170230 exporters in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- ItalySignificant EU producer/exporter of glucose syrups; among top HS 170230 exporters in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Major Exporting Countries- ChinaLargest exporter by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- FranceSecond-largest exporter by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- United StatesAmong the top exporters by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- GermanyAmong the top exporters by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- ItalyAmong the top exporters by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Major Importing Countries- GermanyLargest importer by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- MexicoAmong the largest importers by value in HS 170230 in 2024; also a major destination for U.S. exports (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- United StatesAmong the largest importers by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- NetherlandsAmong the largest importers by value in HS 170230 in 2024, consistent with a regional distribution role (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- United KingdomAmong the largest importers by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- IndonesiaAmong the largest importers by value in HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Specification
Major VarietiesGlucose syrup (liquid), Dried glucose syrup (powder)
Physical Attributes- Purified, concentrated aqueous syrup; typically colorless to yellowish depending on refining and spec (commercial product specifications vary).
Compositional Metrics- Codex CXS 212-1999 defines glucose syrup as a purified concentrated aqueous solution of nutritive saccharides obtained from starch and/or inulin.
- Codex CXS 212-1999 specifies glucose syrup dextrose equivalent (DE) not less than 20% (as D-glucose on a dry basis) and total solids not less than 70%; dried glucose syrup total solids not less than 93%.
- Dry matter/solids are commonly verified by refractive index methods (e.g., ISO 1743:1982).
Grades- Buyer specifications commonly segment by DE (low-, medium-, high-hydrolysis) and by application requirements (sweetness, viscosity, fermentability).
Packaging- Bulk liquid shipments (tank truck/ISO tank) for industrial users
- Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and drums for smaller industrial users
ProcessingDextrose equivalent (DE) is a primary commercial parameter used to align sweetness, viscosity, and processing behavior to end uses; higher DE generally reflects more extensive hydrolysis.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Non-GMO feedstock procurement (identity-preserved corn/other starch) -> starch extraction/wet milling -> enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification -> purification (filtration/decolorization/ion exchange as needed) -> evaporation/concentration -> bulk storage -> export/import distribution to food manufacturers
Demand Drivers- Use as a bulk sweetener and texture/humectancy aid in processed foods (confectionery, bakery, sauces, beverages) and as a carbohydrate source in specialty applications
- Non-GMO attribute demand where downstream brands require verified non-GMO inputs and documentation (e.g., VLOG ‘Ohne Gentechnik’, Non-GMO Project verification programs)
Temperature- Typically traded and stored as an ambient-stable bulk ingredient, but handling may require temperature management (e.g., gentle heating) to control viscosity during pumping and unloading.
Risks
Identity Preservation And GMO Contamination HighThe defining trade risk for non-GMO glucose syrup is loss of non-GMO integrity due to commingling or cross-contact in a high-GMO prevalence environment (notably for corn-derived inputs). Verification schemes explicitly treat corn and its derivatives as high-risk and can require heightened scrutiny and testing; buyer programs such as VLOG ‘Ohne Gentechnik’ also set stringent tolerance expectations. Loads that cannot demonstrate compliant identity-preserved sourcing and testing may be downgraded to conventional, rejected by buyers, or trigger downstream label non-compliance.Use an identity-preserved (IP) supply chain with documented segregation/cleaning, contract specs for non-GMO status, and accredited lab testing where DNA is testable; align certificates and tolerances to the target market/program (e.g., Non-GMO Project, VLOG).
Regulatory Compliance MediumProduct naming and labeling can diverge by jurisdiction and composition, particularly when fructose is present. EU rules for certain sugars require glucose syrups above a fructose threshold to be labeled as glucose-fructose syrup or fructose-glucose syrup, which can affect documentation and customer specifications for what is marketed as “glucose syrup.”Control and document carbohydrate profile (including fructose) against destination-market definitions; ensure commercial names and ingredient statements match regulatory thresholds.
Feedstock And Energy Cost Volatility MediumGlucose syrup economics are tied to starch feedstock availability (corn/wheat/other starches) and to processing energy costs; non-GMO programs can add procurement constraints, premiums, and reduced sourcing flexibility during supply shocks.Multi-origin qualifying of non-GMO feedstocks, forward contracting where feasible, and dual-qualification of suppliers under the same non-GMO program requirements.
Food Fraud MediumBecause the non-GMO attribute is primarily process/traceability-based rather than visually verifiable in the finished syrup, there is a risk of misrepresentation (intentional or accidental) in complex trading chains.Require chain-of-custody documentation, periodic audits, and fit-for-purpose testing/verification steps at points in the chain where meaningful GMO testing is possible.
Sustainability- Agricultural footprint of starch feedstocks (fertilizer, water, and land-use impacts) and supply-chain traceability requirements for identity-preserved non-GMO programs
- Energy use and emissions associated with starch conversion and concentration (e.g., evaporation) in industrial processing
Labor & Social- Chain-of-custody governance and auditability expectations in non-GMO certification programs that may incorporate broader responsible-sourcing requirements (e.g., ProTerra includes human rights and labor practices themes)
- Compliance burden and dispute risk around GMO traceability/labeling thresholds and documentation across multi-country supply chains
FAQ
What is “glucose syrup” in international standards?Codex’s Standard for Sugars (CXS 212-1999) defines glucose syrup as a purified, concentrated aqueous solution of nutritive saccharides obtained from starch and/or inulin, with a dextrose equivalent (DE) of at least 20% on a dry basis and total solids of at least 70%.
Why is non-GMO verification challenging for glucose syrup?Glucose syrup is often produced from high-risk GMO crops (especially corn), so non-GMO claims rely on identity-preserved sourcing, segregation, and verification. Programs such as the Non-GMO Project apply heightened scrutiny and testing expectations for high-risk inputs, and some market labels (e.g., Germany’s VLOG “Ohne Gentechnik”) specify very low tolerated trace levels, increasing the risk of commercial rejection if documentation or controls are weak.
Which countries are major traders for glucose syrup (HS 170230)?For HS 170230 in 2024 (UN Comtrade via WITS), leading exporters include China, France, and the United States, while leading importers include Germany, Mexico, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.