· 4 min read
ICUMSA stands for the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis. In everyday commercial use, the term refers to a colour measurement: the lower the ICUMSA number, the whiter and more refined the sugar.
How the scale is used
Buyers use the ICUMSA value as shorthand for a product's refining level. A refined white sugar sits at the low end of the scale, while raw sugars sit far higher because they retain a layer of molasses around each crystal.
- ICUMSA 45 — fully refined white sugar
- Crystal white — lightly refined, higher colour value
- VHP / VVHP — raw sugar, substantially higher colour value
What it does not tell you
Colour is only one parameter. Polarization, moisture, granulation and packaging all matter to how a sugar performs in a given process, which is why a full specification is agreed for every transaction rather than a single ICUMSA figure.
If you are comparing offers, ask for the complete specification sheet, not just the grade name.
