HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2915.21 – Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid
HS code 2915.21 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, acetic acid. It is used for glacial acetic acid, technical grade acetic acid, food grade acetic acid, acetic acid solution and vinegar concentrate.
What HS 2915.21 covers
This HS code covers acetic acid, a fundamental organic chemical with vast industrial and commercial applications. It's the primary component of vinegar (diluted acetic acid) and is extensively used in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is a precursor for polymers used in paints and adhesives. Acetic acid is also crucial for manufacturing purified terephthalic acid (PTA), a raw material for PET plastics and polyester fibers. Other uses include pharmaceuticals, food additives, and as a solvent. Major importers are countries with large petrochemical, textile, and food processing industries, such as China, the USA, India, and various EU nations. Exporters typically include countries with significant petrochemical production capacities, like China, the USA, and Saudi Arabia. Key considerations for trade involve its corrosive nature, requiring specialized transport and storage, and its various grades (e.g., glacial, food grade, technical grade), which affect its price and application. Its global demand is a strong indicator of industrial activity.
- Covers
- Glacial acetic acid
- Technical grade acetic acid
- Food grade acetic acid
- Acetic acid solution
- Vinegar concentrate
- Pharmaceutical grade acetic acid
- Examples
- Celanese Acetic Acid
- Eastman Acetic Acid
- BP Acetic Acid
- LyondellBasell Acetic Acid
Codes often confused with 2915.21
Common mistake. This code is specific to acetic acid. Its anhydride (291524) and other salts/esters (291529) are classified separately, which can lead to misclassification if the exact chemical form is not identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291521 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 United States $401M 29% of world exports
- 2 China $347M 26% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $129M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $470M 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $138M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $137M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 2915.21
Brazil does not split HS 2915.21: its NCM code is 2915.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 2915.21
What is HS code 291521?
HS code 291521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid. This HS code covers acetic acid, a fundamental organic chemical with vast industrial and commercial applications. It's the primary component of vinegar (diluted acetic acid) and is extensively used in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is a precursor for polymers used in paints and adhesives. Acetic acid is also crucial for manufacturing purified terephthalic acid (PTA), a raw material for PET plastics and polyester fibers. Other uses include pharmaceuticals, food additives, and as a solvent. Major importers are countries with large petrochemical, textile, and food processing industries, such as China, the USA, India, and various EU nations. Exporters typically include countries with significant petrochemical production capacities, like China, the USA, and Saudi Arabia. Key considerations for trade involve its corrosive nature, requiring specialized transport and storage, and its various grades (e.g., glacial, food grade, technical grade), which affect its price and application. Its global demand is a strong indicator of industrial activity.
What products fall under HS code 291521?
Glacial acetic acid, Technical grade acetic acid, Food grade acetic acid, Acetic acid solution, Vinegar concentrate, Pharmaceutical grade acetic acid
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291521?
This code is specific to acetic acid. Its anhydride (291524) and other salts/esters (291529) are classified separately, which can lead to misclassification if the exact chemical form is not identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291521 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($401M, 29% of world exports), China ($347M) and Malaysia ($129M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 291521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291521 in UN Comtrade data were India ($470M, 29% of world imports), Germany ($138M) and Mexico ($137M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 291521 structured?
HS code 291521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) 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 291521?
In Brazil, HS code 291521 is NCM 2915.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.