HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2916.34 – Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts
HS code 2916.34 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts. It is used for phenylacetic acid, sodium phenylacetate, potassium phenylacetate, calcium phenylacetate and ethyl phenylacetate.
What HS 2916.34 covers
Phenylacetic acid and its salts are crucial organic compounds traded globally, primarily for their applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavor industries. This specific HS code captures these specialized aromatic monocarboxylic acids, distinguishing them from broader categories. Major importers include countries with robust chemical manufacturing sectors, particularly those focused on synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or high-value aroma chemicals. Exporters are typically large chemical producers in regions with advanced industrial infrastructure. Key things to know involve the purity requirements for pharmaceutical use, the regulatory landscape surrounding precursor chemicals (as phenylacetic acid can be used in illicit drug synthesis), and the impact of supply chain disruptions on industries reliant on these intermediates. The trade often involves bulk shipments between B2B entities, with strict quality control and documentation. Its distinctive honey-like odor also makes it valuable in perfumery, adding another layer to its trade dynamics.
- Covers
- Phenylacetic acid
- Sodium phenylacetate
- Potassium phenylacetate
- Calcium phenylacetate
- Ethyl phenylacetate
- Methyl phenylacetate
- Magnesium phenylacetate
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich Phenylacetic Acid
- BASF Phenylacetic Acid
- Merck KGaA Phenylacetic Acid
- TCI Phenylacetic Acid
Codes often confused with 2916.34
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 291639 (other aromatic monocarboxylic acids) if the specific "phenylacetic acid" identification is missed, or with 291829 (other carboxylic acids with alcohol function) if its aromatic nature isn't clearly recognized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291634, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291634 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 $2.0M 33% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.4M 23% of world exports
- 3 India $1.2M 20% of world exports
World total: $6.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.4M 28% of world imports
- 2 India $2.0M 23% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.9M 22% of world imports
World total: $8.6M 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 code for 2916.34
Brazil does not split HS 2916.34: its NCM code is 2916.34.00.
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 2916.34
What is HS code 291634?
HS code 291634 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts. Phenylacetic acid and its salts are crucial organic compounds traded globally, primarily for their applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and flavor industries. This specific HS code captures these specialized aromatic monocarboxylic acids, distinguishing them from broader categories. Major importers include countries with robust chemical manufacturing sectors, particularly those focused on synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or high-value aroma chemicals. Exporters are typically large chemical producers in regions with advanced industrial infrastructure. Key things to know involve the purity requirements for pharmaceutical use, the regulatory landscape surrounding precursor chemicals (as phenylacetic acid can be used in illicit drug synthesis), and the impact of supply chain disruptions on industries reliant on these intermediates. The trade often involves bulk shipments between B2B entities, with strict quality control and documentation. Its distinctive honey-like odor also makes it valuable in perfumery, adding another layer to its trade dynamics.
What products fall under HS code 291634?
Phenylacetic acid, Sodium phenylacetate, Potassium phenylacetate, Calcium phenylacetate, Ethyl phenylacetate, Methyl phenylacetate, Magnesium phenylacetate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291634?
This code might be confused with 291639 (other aromatic monocarboxylic acids) if the specific "phenylacetic acid" identification is missed, or with 291829 (other carboxylic acids with alcohol function) if its aromatic nature isn't clearly recognized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291634?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291634 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0M, 33% of world exports), Germany ($1.4M) and India ($1.2M). World exports came to about $6.2M, 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 291634?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291634 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4M, 28% of world imports), India ($2.0M) and Germany ($1.9M). World imports came to about $8.6M, 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 291634 structured?
HS code 291634 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 (34) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291634?
In Brazil, HS code 291634 is NCM 2916.34.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.