HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2916.32 – Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride
HS code 2916.32 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride. It is used for benzoyl peroxide (BPO), benzoyl chloride and dibenzoyl peroxide.
What HS 2916.32 covers
This HS code specifically covers benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride, two important derivatives of benzoic acid with distinct industrial applications. Benzoyl peroxide is widely traded as a polymerization initiator in the plastics industry (e.g., for PVC, polystyrene) and as an active ingredient in acne treatments. Benzoyl chloride is a versatile intermediate used in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals. Importers include polymer manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and specialty chemical producers. Exporters are typically chemical manufacturers with expertise in organic synthesis. The trade in these compounds requires careful handling due to their reactive and sometimes hazardous nature (benzoyl peroxide is an organic peroxide). Regulatory compliance for transport and storage is a critical aspect of international trade.
- Covers
- Benzoyl peroxide (BPO)
- Benzoyl chloride
- Dibenzoyl peroxide
- Examples
- Arkema (benzoyl peroxide)
- Nouryon (benzoyl peroxide)
- Spectrum Chemical (benzoyl chloride)
- Sigma-Aldrich (benzoyl chloride)
Codes often confused with 2916.32
Common mistake. This code is very specific. Benzoyl peroxide could be confused with other organic peroxides under 2909, but its specific chemical structure places it here. Benzoyl chloride might be confused with other acid chlorides, but its aromatic nature and specific structure fit 291632.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291632, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291632 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 Germany $37M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $29M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $24M 15% of world exports
World total: $167M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $23M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $18M 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $11M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $182M 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 2916.32 2
Brazil splits HS 2916.32 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 2916.32
What is HS code 291632?
HS code 291632 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride. This HS code specifically covers benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride, two important derivatives of benzoic acid with distinct industrial applications. Benzoyl peroxide is widely traded as a polymerization initiator in the plastics industry (e.g., for PVC, polystyrene) and as an active ingredient in acne treatments. Benzoyl chloride is a versatile intermediate used in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals. Importers include polymer manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and specialty chemical producers. Exporters are typically chemical manufacturers with expertise in organic synthesis. The trade in these compounds requires careful handling due to their reactive and sometimes hazardous nature (benzoyl peroxide is an organic peroxide). Regulatory compliance for transport and storage is a critical aspect of international trade.
What products fall under HS code 291632?
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO), benzoyl chloride, dibenzoyl peroxide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291632?
This code is very specific. Benzoyl peroxide could be confused with other organic peroxides under 2909, but its specific chemical structure places it here. Benzoyl chloride might be confused with other acid chlorides, but its aromatic nature and specific structure fit 291632.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291632?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291632 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($37M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($29M) and China ($24M). World exports came to about $167M, 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 291632?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291632 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($23M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($18M) and the United Kingdom ($11M). World imports came to about $182M, 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 291632 structured?
HS code 291632 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291632?
Brazil splits HS code 291632 into 2 NCM codes: 2916.32.10 (Benzoyl peroxide), 2916.32.20 (Benzoyl chloride). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.