HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2915.40 – Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters
HS code 2915.40 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters. It is used for monochloroacetic acid (MCA), sodium monochloroacetate, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), dichloroacetic acid and ethyl chloroacetate.
What HS 2915.40 covers
This category covers chloroacetic acids and their derivatives, which are important chemical intermediates with various industrial applications. Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is the most significant, widely traded internationally for the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. Dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid, along with their salts and esters, also have specialized uses, particularly in pharmaceuticals and as reagents. Major chemical manufacturers are the primary exporters, supplying industries that rely on these compounds for synthesis. Key aspects of their trade include their corrosive nature, requiring careful handling and transport, and the regulatory frameworks governing their use, especially for pharmaceutical precursors or agricultural chemicals. The global market is influenced by demand from the textile, paper, and agricultural sectors, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.
- Covers
- Monochloroacetic acid (MCA)
- Sodium monochloroacetate
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Ethyl chloroacetate
- Methyl chloroacetate
- Examples
- AkzoNobel MCA
- Dow Chemical MCA
- CABB Group MCA
- Merck Trichloroacetic Acid
Codes often confused with 2915.40
Common mistake. This code could be confused with other halogenated organic acids or their derivatives (e.g., 291899 for other carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function) if the specific "chloroacetic" structure is not precisely identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291540, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291540 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 Germany $107M 39% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $67M 25% of world exports
- 3 Poland $36M 13% of world exports
World total: $272M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $71M 26% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $20M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $18M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $270M 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 2915.40 3
Brazil splits HS 2915.40 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2915.40.10 Monochloroacetic acidÁcido monocloroacético
- 2915.40.20 Sodium monochloroacetateMonocloroacetato de sódio
- 2915.40.90 Other chloroacetic acids, salts and estersOutros
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 2915.40
What is HS code 291540?
HS code 291540 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters. This category covers chloroacetic acids and their derivatives, which are important chemical intermediates with various industrial applications. Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is the most significant, widely traded internationally for the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. Dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid, along with their salts and esters, also have specialized uses, particularly in pharmaceuticals and as reagents. Major chemical manufacturers are the primary exporters, supplying industries that rely on these compounds for synthesis. Key aspects of their trade include their corrosive nature, requiring careful handling and transport, and the regulatory frameworks governing their use, especially for pharmaceutical precursors or agricultural chemicals. The global market is influenced by demand from the textile, paper, and agricultural sectors, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.
What products fall under HS code 291540?
Monochloroacetic acid (MCA), Sodium monochloroacetate, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Dichloroacetic acid, Ethyl chloroacetate, Methyl chloroacetate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291540?
This code could be confused with other halogenated organic acids or their derivatives (e.g., 291899 for other carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function) if the specific "chloroacetic" structure is not precisely identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291540?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291540 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($107M, 39% of world exports), the Netherlands ($67M) and Poland ($36M). World exports came to about $272M, 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 291540?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291540 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($71M, 26% of world imports), Switzerland ($20M) and France ($18M). World imports came to about $270M, 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 291540 structured?
HS code 291540 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291540?
Brazil splits HS code 291540 into 3 NCM codes: 2915.40.10 (Monochloroacetic acid), 2915.40.20 (Sodium monochloroacetate), 2915.40.90 (Other chloroacetic acids, salts and esters). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.