HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2912.42 – Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde)
HS code 2912.42 is the 6-digit subheading for aldehydes, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). It is used for synthetic ethylvanillin, intense vanilla flavoring, food additive E606, confectionery ingredient and perfumery component.
What HS 2912.42 covers
Ethylvanillin, chemically known as 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, is a synthetic flavor and fragrance compound that offers a more intense vanilla-like aroma than vanillin, often described as richer and creamier. This makes it a highly sought-after ingredient in the food and beverage industry, especially for confectionery, baked goods, and dairy products, as well as in perfumery. Importers are primarily food manufacturers, flavor houses, and cosmetic companies looking for a cost-effective and potent vanilla alternative. Exporters are typically specialized chemical producers with expertise in fine chemical synthesis. Trade in ethylvanillin is driven by its superior flavor strength and stability compared to vanillin, allowing for lower usage rates. Critical aspects of its trade include ensuring high purity, compliance with food additive regulations in various countries, and consistent supply chain management. Its market demand is closely linked to consumer trends in processed foods and beverages.
- Covers
- Synthetic ethylvanillin
- Intense vanilla flavoring
- Food additive E606
- Confectionery ingredient
- Perfumery component
- Dairy product enhancer
- Examples
- Solvay Rhovanil Ethylvanillin
- Borregaard EuroVanillin Ethylvanillin
- Givaudan Ethylvanillin
- Symrise Ethylvanillin
Codes often confused with 2912.42
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 291241 (Vanillin) due to their similar chemical structures and applications, but ethylvanillin has a distinct ethoxy group. It could also be mistaken for other vanilla-related flavorings in Chapter 33.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291242, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291242 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 $50M 48% of world exports
- 2 United States $24M 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $104M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $11M 10% of world imports
- 2 India $11M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $10M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $108M 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 2912.42
Brazil does not split HS 2912.42: its NCM code is 2912.42.00.
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 2912.42
What is HS code 291242?
HS code 291242 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). Ethylvanillin, chemically known as 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, is a synthetic flavor and fragrance compound that offers a more intense vanilla-like aroma than vanillin, often described as richer and creamier. This makes it a highly sought-after ingredient in the food and beverage industry, especially for confectionery, baked goods, and dairy products, as well as in perfumery. Importers are primarily food manufacturers, flavor houses, and cosmetic companies looking for a cost-effective and potent vanilla alternative. Exporters are typically specialized chemical producers with expertise in fine chemical synthesis. Trade in ethylvanillin is driven by its superior flavor strength and stability compared to vanillin, allowing for lower usage rates. Critical aspects of its trade include ensuring high purity, compliance with food additive regulations in various countries, and consistent supply chain management. Its market demand is closely linked to consumer trends in processed foods and beverages.
What products fall under HS code 291242?
Synthetic ethylvanillin, Intense vanilla flavoring, Food additive E606, Confectionery ingredient, Perfumery component, Dairy product enhancer
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291242?
This code is frequently confused with 291241 (Vanillin) due to their similar chemical structures and applications, but ethylvanillin has a distinct ethoxy group. It could also be mistaken for other vanilla-related flavorings in Chapter 33.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291242?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291242 in UN Comtrade data were China ($50M, 48% of world exports), the United States ($24M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $104M, 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 291242?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291242 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 10% of world imports), India ($11M) and France ($10M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 291242 structured?
HS code 291242 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291242?
In Brazil, HS code 291242 is NCM 2912.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.