"ICUMSA 45" is the most quoted — and most misunderstood — term in the sugar trade. Here's what a buyer needs to know before committing to a contract.
What ICUMSA 45 actually means
ICUMSA is the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis. The number is a measure of colour: the lower the ICUMSA figure, the whiter and more refined the sugar.
- ICUMSA 45 — sparkling white, refined, food-grade. The global benchmark for beverages, confectionery and retail.
- ICUMSA 100–150 — crystal / off-white, less refined.
- ICUMSA 600–1200 — raw sugar, typically for further refining.
If your end use is human consumption at retail or in beverages, ICUMSA 45 is almost always the grade specified.
The specification to contract against
A genuine ICUMSA 45 offer should confirm:
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| ICUMSA | ≤ 45 IU |
| Polarization | ≥ 99.80° |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.04% |
| Ash content | ≤ 0.04% |
Certification by SGS (or equivalent) at load port protects you against colour and polarization disputes on arrival.
Where it comes from
- Brazil (Santos) — the dominant export origin, with the deepest, most liquid supply.
- India and Thailand — significant seasonal exporters, subject to their own export policies.
Origin affects availability, price and shipping time. Brazil is the default for large, reliable volumes.
Packaging and shipment
Sugar ICUMSA 45 typically moves in:
- 50 kg PP bags in 20ft or 40ft containers — the standard for most buyers.
- 1 MT jumbo bags — efficient for larger, bulk-handling operations.
- Breakbulk vessels — for very large tonnages.
Structuring a safe contract
Beyond price, a workable sugar contract needs a clear payment mechanism (usually LC or DLC), agreed Incoterms (FOB, CFR or CIF), and full export documentation — SGS certificate, Certificate of Origin and phytosanitary papers.
How CBIL brokers sugar
We connect verified refiners and mills with genuine buyers, certify quality independently, and structure the payment and shipping lane around your destination.
Request a sugar quote with your quantity, terms and destination port.