HS Code Subheading

Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid

2916.14 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 291614

Esters of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, and butyl methacrylate, are high-volume monomers critical for producing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastics, coatings, and adhesives. These chemicals are widely traded internationally, serving diverse sectors including automotive, construction, electronics, and medical devices. Manufacturers of acrylic sheets, paints, and dental materials are key importers, while large petrochemical and specialty chemical companies are the main exporters. The trade is driven by global industrial production and consumer demand for durable, transparent, and weather-resistant materials. Logistics involve careful handling due to flammability and polymerization risks, often requiring inhibitors during transport and storage.

Products Under This Code

Methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), glycidyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate

Real World Examples

Lucite International (MMA), Evonik (MMA), Mitsubishi Chemical (MMA), Sumitomo Chemical (MMA)

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 291613 (methacrylic acid itself) or 3906 (acrylic polymers), as these esters are the primary monomers for PMMA. The key differentiator is that this code specifically covers the ester form of methacrylic acid.

Products Classified Under 2916.14

Methacrylic esters

Related Codes

2916.11 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acrylic acid and its salts 2916.12 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acrylic acid 2916.13 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; methacrylic acid and its salts 2916.15 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters 2916.16 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic, cyclic monocarboxylic, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, binapacryl (ISO) 2916.19 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic, cyclic monocarboxylic, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in item no. 2916.1 2916.20 Acids; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their derivatives 2916.31 Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters 2916.32 Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride 2916.34 Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

China, Japan, and Germany are major exporters, with significant imports by countries globally for their plastics and coatings industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 291614?

HS code 291614 covers: Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid. Esters of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, and butyl methacrylate, are high-volume monomers critical for producing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastics, coatings, and adhesives. These chemicals are widely traded internationally, serving diverse sectors including automotive, construction, electronics, and medical devices. Manufacturers of acrylic sheets, paints, and dental materials are key importers, while large petrochemical and specialty chemical companies are the main exporters. The trade is driven by global industrial production and consumer demand for durable, transparent, and weather-resistant materials. Logistics involve careful handling due to flammability and polymerization risks, often requiring inhibitors during transport and storage.

What products fall under HS code 291614?

Methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), glycidyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291614?

This code is often confused with 291613 (methacrylic acid itself) or 3906 (acrylic polymers), as these esters are the primary monomers for PMMA. The key differentiator is that this code specifically covers the ester form of methacrylic acid.

How is HS code 291614 structured?

HS code 291614 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 (14) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.