HS Code Subheading

Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters

2916.31 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 291631

Benzoic acid, its salts (like sodium benzoate), and esters are widely traded aromatic monocarboxylic acids with diverse industrial applications. Benzoic acid itself is a precursor to many organic compounds, while its derivatives are primarily used as preservatives in food and beverages, as well as in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and plasticizers. Importers include food processing companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and chemical formulators, while major chemical producers in Asia, Europe, and North America are key exporters. The trade is driven by global food consumption trends, regulatory requirements for preservatives, and demand from the plastics industry. Quality control, particularly regarding purity and compliance with food safety standards, is paramount in international transactions.

Products Under This Code

Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, butyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate

Real World Examples

Emerald Kalama Chemical (sodium benzoate), BASF (benzoic acid), Lanxess (benzoic acid), DSM (sodium benzoate)

Common Misclassification

This code is specific to benzoic acid and its direct salts/esters. It could be confused with other aromatic carboxylic acids under 2918 or with prepared food preservatives under 3824, but 291631 covers the pure chemical compound.

Products Classified Under 2916.31

Benzoic acidSodium benzoate

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 2916.14 Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid 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 2916.32 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, the Netherlands, and the USA are major exporters, with global import demand, especially from countries with large food and beverage industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 291631?

HS code 291631 covers: Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters. Benzoic acid, its salts (like sodium benzoate), and esters are widely traded aromatic monocarboxylic acids with diverse industrial applications. Benzoic acid itself is a precursor to many organic compounds, while its derivatives are primarily used as preservatives in food and beverages, as well as in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and plasticizers. Importers include food processing companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and chemical formulators, while major chemical producers in Asia, Europe, and North America are key exporters. The trade is driven by global food consumption trends, regulatory requirements for preservatives, and demand from the plastics industry. Quality control, particularly regarding purity and compliance with food safety standards, is paramount in international transactions.

What products fall under HS code 291631?

Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, butyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291631?

This code is specific to benzoic acid and its direct salts/esters. It could be confused with other aromatic carboxylic acids under 2918 or with prepared food preservatives under 3824, but 291631 covers the pure chemical compound.

How is HS code 291631 structured?

HS code 291631 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.