HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2912.49 – Aldehyde-alcohols, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function; other than vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) and ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde)
HS code 2912.49 is the 6-digit subheading for aldehyde-alcohols, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, other than vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) and ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). It is used for salicylaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, heliotropin (Piperonal), anisyl alcohol and aldehyde C-14 (Peach aldehyde).
What HS 2912.49 covers
This broad HS code covers a diverse array of aldehydes that possess additional oxygen functions, such as alcohol, ether, or phenol groups, but specifically excludes vanillin (291241) and ethylvanillin (291242). These compounds are crucial intermediates and specialty chemicals used across various high-value industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, and polymer synthesis. Importers are typically chemical manufacturers, research institutions, and companies specializing in fine chemicals that require these specific functionalized aldehydes for complex synthesis routes. Exporters are often specialized chemical companies or large diversified chemical producers. The trade is characterized by a wide variety of compounds, often traded in smaller, high-purity batches. Key considerations include precise chemical specifications, regulatory compliance for specific end-uses, and intellectual property surrounding their synthesis and application. Demand is driven by innovation in new materials and advanced chemical processes.
- Covers
- Salicylaldehyde
- Hydroxycitronellal
- Heliotropin (Piperonal)
- Anisyl alcohol
- Aldehyde C-14 (Peach aldehyde)
- Aldehyde C-18 (Coconut aldehyde)
- Veratraldehyde
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich Salicylaldehyde
- BASF Hydroxycitronellal
- TCI Chemicals Heliotropin
- Merck KGaA Veratraldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.49
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 291229 if the aldehyde lacks additional oxygen functions, or with 291241/291242 if the specific compound is vanillin or ethylvanillin. It can also be mistaken for related alcohols or ethers if the aldehyde function is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291249, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291249 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 $66M 37% of world exports
- 2 India $43M 24% of world exports
- 3 Germany $22M 12% of world exports
World total: $178M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $34M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $24M 13% of world imports
- 3 India $14M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $185M 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 codes for 2912.49 6
Brazil splits HS 2912.49 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2912.49.10 3-Phenoxybenzaldehyde3-Fenoxibenzaldeído
- 2912.49.20 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde3-Hidroxibenzaldeído
- 2912.49.30 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzaldehyde3,4,5-Trimetoxibenzaldeído
- 2912.49.4 Aldehyde-alcoholsAldeídos-álcoois Group
- 2912.49.41 Hydroxymethylpentyl cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde4-(4-Hidroxi-4-metilpentil)-3-cicloexeno-1-carboxialdeído
- 2912.49.49 Other aldehyde-alcoholsOutros
- 2912.49.90 Other aldehydes with other oxygen functionOutros
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 2912.49
What is HS code 291249?
HS code 291249 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aldehyde-alcohols, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function; other than vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) and ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). This broad HS code covers a diverse array of aldehydes that possess additional oxygen functions, such as alcohol, ether, or phenol groups, but specifically excludes vanillin (291241) and ethylvanillin (291242). These compounds are crucial intermediates and specialty chemicals used across various high-value industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, and polymer synthesis. Importers are typically chemical manufacturers, research institutions, and companies specializing in fine chemicals that require these specific functionalized aldehydes for complex synthesis routes. Exporters are often specialized chemical companies or large diversified chemical producers. The trade is characterized by a wide variety of compounds, often traded in smaller, high-purity batches. Key considerations include precise chemical specifications, regulatory compliance for specific end-uses, and intellectual property surrounding their synthesis and application. Demand is driven by innovation in new materials and advanced chemical processes.
What products fall under HS code 291249?
Salicylaldehyde, Hydroxycitronellal, Heliotropin (Piperonal), Anisyl alcohol, Aldehyde C-14 (Peach aldehyde), Aldehyde C-18 (Coconut aldehyde), Veratraldehyde
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291249?
This code is often confused with 291229 if the aldehyde lacks additional oxygen functions, or with 291241/291242 if the specific compound is vanillin or ethylvanillin. It can also be mistaken for related alcohols or ethers if the aldehyde function is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291249?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291249 in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 37% of world exports), India ($43M) and Germany ($22M). World exports came to about $178M, 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 291249?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291249 in UN Comtrade data were China ($34M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($24M) and India ($14M). World imports came to about $185M, 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 291249 structured?
HS code 291249 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291249?
Brazil splits HS code 291249 into 6 NCM codes: 2912.49.10 (3-Phenoxybenzaldehyde), 2912.49.20 (3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde), 2912.49.30 (3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzaldehyde), 2912.49.41 (Hydroxymethylpentyl cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde), 2912.49.49 (Other aldehyde-alcohols), 2912.49.90 (Other aldehydes with other oxygen function). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.