HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2916.12 – Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acrylic acid
HS code 2916.12 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, esters of acrylic acid. It is used for methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutyl acrylate.
What HS 2916.12 covers
Esters of acrylic acid, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate, are vital intermediates in the production of a wide range of polymers and copolymers. These chemicals are extensively traded globally, serving industries like coatings, adhesives, textiles, plastics, and construction. Manufacturers of paints, sealants, and specialty chemicals are primary importers, while large petrochemical companies with integrated production facilities are the main exporters. The trade volume is influenced by global economic growth, construction activity, and automotive production. Key considerations for traders include purity specifications, packaging requirements (often in bulk or drums), and adherence to environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in end products.
- Covers
- Methyl acrylate
- Ethyl acrylate
- Butyl acrylate
- 2-ethylhexyl acrylate
- Isobutyl acrylate
- Hydroxyethyl acrylate
- Tert-butyl acrylate
- Examples
- BASF (butyl acrylate)
- Dow Chemical (ethyl acrylate)
- Arkema (methyl acrylate)
- Mitsubishi Chemical (various acrylates)
Codes often confused with 2916.12
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 291611 (acrylic acid itself) or 3906 (acrylic polymers), as these esters are monomers for acrylic polymers. The key is that this code covers the ester form, not the acid or the resulting polymer.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291612, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291612 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 12% 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 $575M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $324M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $289M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $344M 12% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $219M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $196M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 2916.12 5
Brazil splits HS 2916.12 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2916.12.10 Methyl acrylateDe metila
- 2916.12.20 Ethyl acrylateDe etila
- 2916.12.30 Butyl acrylateDe butila
- 2916.12.40 2-Ethylhexyl acrylateDe 2-etilexila
- 2916.12.90 Other esters of acrylic acidOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2916.12
What is HS code 291612?
HS code 291612 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acrylic acid. Esters of acrylic acid, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate, are vital intermediates in the production of a wide range of polymers and copolymers. These chemicals are extensively traded globally, serving industries like coatings, adhesives, textiles, plastics, and construction. Manufacturers of paints, sealants, and specialty chemicals are primary importers, while large petrochemical companies with integrated production facilities are the main exporters. The trade volume is influenced by global economic growth, construction activity, and automotive production. Key considerations for traders include purity specifications, packaging requirements (often in bulk or drums), and adherence to environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in end products.
What products fall under HS code 291612?
Methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291612?
This code can be confused with 291611 (acrylic acid itself) or 3906 (acrylic polymers), as these esters are monomers for acrylic polymers. The key is that this code covers the ester form, not the acid or the resulting polymer.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291612?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291612 in UN Comtrade data were China ($575M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($324M) and the United States ($289M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 291612?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291612 in UN Comtrade data were India ($344M, 12% of world imports), Türkiye ($219M) and Germany ($196M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 291612 structured?
HS code 291612 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291612?
Brazil splits HS code 291612 into 5 NCM codes: 2916.12.10 (Methyl acrylate), 2916.12.20 (Ethyl acrylate), 2916.12.30 (Butyl acrylate), 2916.12.40 (2-Ethylhexyl acrylate), 2916.12.90 (Other esters of acrylic acid). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.