HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2912.41 – Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)
HS code 2912.41 is the 6-digit subheading for aldehydes, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde). It is used for synthetic vanillin, natural vanillin extract, vanilla flavoring agent, food additive E605 and fragrance ingredient.
What HS 2912.41 covers
Vanillin, specifically 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, is a globally significant flavor and fragrance compound, primarily known for its characteristic vanilla aroma. This HS code covers both natural and synthetic vanillin, which is extensively traded for use in the food and beverage industry, perfumery, and pharmaceuticals. Major importers include food processing giants, confectionery manufacturers, and cosmetic companies worldwide, particularly in regions with high consumer demand for vanilla-flavored products. Exporters are typically large chemical companies with advanced synthesis capabilities or regions that cultivate vanilla beans for natural extraction. Key trade considerations include purity levels, whether it's natural or synthetic (which impacts pricing and regulatory compliance), and adherence to food safety standards. The market for vanillin is dynamic, influenced by consumer preferences for natural ingredients, sustainability concerns, and fluctuations in the price of natural vanilla.
- Covers
- Synthetic vanillin
- Natural vanillin extract
- Vanilla flavoring agent
- Food additive E605
- Fragrance ingredient
- Pharmaceutical excipient
- Examples
- Solvay Vanillin
- Borregaard EuroVanillin
- Givaudan Vanillin
- Symrise Vanillin
Codes often confused with 2912.41
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 291242 (Ethylvanillin) due to similar applications, or with natural vanilla beans (Chapter 09) if the product is not the isolated chemical compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291241, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291241 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 $139M 39% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $53M 15% of world exports
- 3 France $31M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $361M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $120M 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $49M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $31M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $419M 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 2912.41
Brazil does not split HS 2912.41: its NCM code is 2912.41.00.
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 2912.41
What is HS code 291241?
HS code 291241 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde). Vanillin, specifically 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, is a globally significant flavor and fragrance compound, primarily known for its characteristic vanilla aroma. This HS code covers both natural and synthetic vanillin, which is extensively traded for use in the food and beverage industry, perfumery, and pharmaceuticals. Major importers include food processing giants, confectionery manufacturers, and cosmetic companies worldwide, particularly in regions with high consumer demand for vanilla-flavored products. Exporters are typically large chemical companies with advanced synthesis capabilities or regions that cultivate vanilla beans for natural extraction. Key trade considerations include purity levels, whether it's natural or synthetic (which impacts pricing and regulatory compliance), and adherence to food safety standards. The market for vanillin is dynamic, influenced by consumer preferences for natural ingredients, sustainability concerns, and fluctuations in the price of natural vanilla.
What products fall under HS code 291241?
Synthetic vanillin, Natural vanillin extract, Vanilla flavoring agent, Food additive E605, Fragrance ingredient, Pharmaceutical excipient
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291241?
This code can be confused with 291242 (Ethylvanillin) due to similar applications, or with natural vanilla beans (Chapter 09) if the product is not the isolated chemical compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291241?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291241 in UN Comtrade data were China ($139M, 39% of world exports), Thailand ($53M) and France ($31M). World exports came to about $361M, 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 291241?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291241 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($120M, 29% of world imports), Germany ($49M) and France ($31M). World imports came to about $419M, 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 291241 structured?
HS code 291241 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 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291241?
In Brazil, HS code 291241 is NCM 2912.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.