HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2912.21 – Aldehydes; cyclic, without other oxygen function, benzaldehyde
HS code 2912.21 is the 6-digit subheading for aldehydes, cyclic, without other oxygen function, benzaldehyde. It is used for synthetic almond oil, bitter almond oil substitute, benzyl alcohol precursor, cinnamic acid precursor and dye intermediate.
What HS 2912.21 covers
Benzaldehyde is a fundamental aromatic aldehyde, widely traded globally for its distinctive almond-like scent. It serves as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other flavor and fragrance compounds. Major importers are typically countries with robust chemical manufacturing sectors, particularly those focused on specialty chemicals, cosmetics, and food additives. Exporters are often large chemical producers in regions with strong petrochemical industries. Key aspects of its trade include purity requirements, as it's often used in sensitive applications, and compliance with food and drug regulations, depending on its end-use. Its versatility makes it a staple in the fine chemical market, with demand driven by consumer product trends and pharmaceutical innovation. The global supply chain for benzaldehyde is influenced by raw material availability, primarily toluene, and energy costs, impacting its competitiveness.
- Covers
- Synthetic almond oil
- Bitter almond oil substitute
- Benzyl alcohol precursor
- Cinnamic acid precursor
- Dye intermediate
- Flavoring agent
- Fragrance component
- Pharmaceutical intermediate
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich Benzaldehyde
- BASF Benzaldehyde
- Merck KGaA Benzaldehyde
- TCI Chemicals Benzaldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.21
Common mistake. This code might be confused with other cyclic aldehydes under 291229, especially if not specifically identified as benzaldehyde. It could also be mistaken for natural almond extracts (Chapter 33) if its synthetic nature isn't clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291221 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $29M 43% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $9.8M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $7.4M 11% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $18M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $14M 16% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $10M 12% of world imports
World total: $86M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2912.21
Brazil does not split HS 2912.21: its NCM code is 2912.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2912.21
What is HS code 291221?
HS code 291221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aldehydes; cyclic, without other oxygen function, benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde is a fundamental aromatic aldehyde, widely traded globally for its distinctive almond-like scent. It serves as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other flavor and fragrance compounds. Major importers are typically countries with robust chemical manufacturing sectors, particularly those focused on specialty chemicals, cosmetics, and food additives. Exporters are often large chemical producers in regions with strong petrochemical industries. Key aspects of its trade include purity requirements, as it's often used in sensitive applications, and compliance with food and drug regulations, depending on its end-use. Its versatility makes it a staple in the fine chemical market, with demand driven by consumer product trends and pharmaceutical innovation. The global supply chain for benzaldehyde is influenced by raw material availability, primarily toluene, and energy costs, impacting its competitiveness.
What products fall under HS code 291221?
Synthetic almond oil, Bitter almond oil substitute, Benzyl alcohol precursor, Cinnamic acid precursor, Dye intermediate, Flavoring agent, Fragrance component, Pharmaceutical intermediate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291221?
This code might be confused with other cyclic aldehydes under 291229, especially if not specifically identified as benzaldehyde. It could also be mistaken for natural almond extracts (Chapter 33) if its synthetic nature isn't clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291221 in UN Comtrade data were China ($29M, 43% of world exports), the Netherlands ($9.8M) and Belgium ($7.4M). World exports came to about $68M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 291221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291221 in UN Comtrade data were India ($18M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($14M) and the United Kingdom ($10M). World imports came to about $86M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 291221 structured?
HS code 291221 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291221?
In Brazil, HS code 291221 is NCM 2912.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.