HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2916.15 – Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters
HS code 2916.15 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters. It is used for oleic acid, sodium oleate, methyl oleate, linoleic acid and ethyl linoleate.
What HS 2916.15 covers
This HS code encompasses oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, along with their salts and esters, which are prominent unsaturated fatty acids derived primarily from natural oils and fats. These compounds are extensively traded for their diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial sectors. Importers include manufacturers of emulsifiers, lubricants, paints, and personal care products, as well as food processors. Exporters are typically countries with strong agricultural sectors producing oilseeds (e.g., palm, soybean, sunflower, rapeseed) and chemical companies specializing in oleochemicals. The trade is influenced by agricultural commodity prices, demand for bio-based products, and evolving consumer preferences for natural ingredients. Quality specifications, such as iodine value and purity, are critical in international transactions.
- Covers
- Oleic acid
- Sodium oleate
- Methyl oleate
- Linoleic acid
- Ethyl linoleate
- Alpha-linolenic acid
- Gamma-linolenic acid
- Potassium linoleate
- Examples
- Croda (oleic acid derivatives)
- Wilmar International (fatty acids)
- KLK Oleo (linoleic acid)
- Cargill (oleic acid)
Codes often confused with 2916.15
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other fatty acids under 3823 (industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids) if they are mixtures or prepared industrial products, or with 1518 (chemically modified fats and oils). The distinction here is for specific pure unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their direct salts/esters.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291615, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291615 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 $41M 19% of world exports
- 2 Italy $28M 13% of world exports
- 3 India $22M 10% of world exports
World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $32M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $16M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 France $16M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $215M 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 2916.15 3
Brazil splits HS 2916.15 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2916.15.1 Oleic acid, its salts and estersÁcido oleico, seus sais e seus ésteres Group
- 2916.15.11 Mannitol oleateOleato de manitol
- 2916.15.19 Other oleic acid, its salts and estersOutros
- 2916.15.20 Linoleic and linolenic acids, salts and estersÁcido linoleico; ácido linolênico; seus sais e seus ésteres
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 2916.15
What is HS code 291615?
HS code 291615 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters. This HS code encompasses oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, along with their salts and esters, which are prominent unsaturated fatty acids derived primarily from natural oils and fats. These compounds are extensively traded for their diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial sectors. Importers include manufacturers of emulsifiers, lubricants, paints, and personal care products, as well as food processors. Exporters are typically countries with strong agricultural sectors producing oilseeds (e.g., palm, soybean, sunflower, rapeseed) and chemical companies specializing in oleochemicals. The trade is influenced by agricultural commodity prices, demand for bio-based products, and evolving consumer preferences for natural ingredients. Quality specifications, such as iodine value and purity, are critical in international transactions.
What products fall under HS code 291615?
Oleic acid, sodium oleate, methyl oleate, linoleic acid, ethyl linoleate, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, potassium linoleate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291615?
This code can be confused with other fatty acids under 3823 (industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids) if they are mixtures or prepared industrial products, or with 1518 (chemically modified fats and oils). The distinction here is for specific pure unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their direct salts/esters.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291615?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291615 in UN Comtrade data were China ($41M, 19% of world exports), Italy ($28M) and India ($22M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 291615?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291615 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($32M, 15% of world imports), China ($16M) and France ($16M). World imports came to about $215M, 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 291615 structured?
HS code 291615 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 (15) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291615?
Brazil splits HS code 291615 into 3 NCM codes: 2916.15.11 (Mannitol oleate), 2916.15.19 (Other oleic acid, its salts and esters), 2916.15.20 (Linoleic and linolenic acids, salts and esters). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.