HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2917.12 – Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; adipic acid, its salts and esters
HS code 2917.12 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, adipic acid, its salts and esters. It is used for adipic acid, sodium adipate, potassium adipate, dimethyl adipate and diethyl adipate.
What HS 2917.12 covers
Adipic acid, along with its salts and esters, is a cornerstone chemical in the polymer industry, primarily known for its role in the production of nylon 6,6. This HS code specifically targets these compounds, which are also used in the manufacture of polyurethanes, plasticizers, lubricants, and as a food additive (acidulant). Countries with robust textile, automotive, and plastics manufacturing sectors are major importers, seeking adipic acid as a key monomer. Exporters are typically large petrochemical companies with integrated production facilities. Key aspects of its trade include the scale of production, as it's a high-volume commodity, and the impact of crude oil prices on its manufacturing costs. Environmental regulations regarding its production (e.g., nitrous oxide emissions) also play a significant role. The global demand for adipic acid is closely tied to the growth of the nylon industry and other downstream applications.
- Covers
- Adipic acid
- Sodium adipate
- Potassium adipate
- Dimethyl adipate
- Diethyl adipate
- Dioctyl adipate
- Nylon 6,6 salt
- Examples
- Invista Adipic Acid
- BASF Adipic Acid
- Ascend Performance Materials Adipic Acid
- Lanxess Adipic Acid
Codes often confused with 2917.12
Common mistake. This code could be confused with other acyclic polycarboxylic acids under 291719 if the specific "adipic acid" identification is overlooked, or with 291819 (other carboxylic acids with alcohol function) if its specific structure is not recognized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291712, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291712 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 20% 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 $523M 47% of world exports
- 2 United States $218M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $147M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $236M 20% of world imports
- 2 Canada $90M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $80M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 2917.12 2
Brazil splits HS 2917.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2917.12
What is HS code 291712?
HS code 291712 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; adipic acid, its salts and esters. Adipic acid, along with its salts and esters, is a cornerstone chemical in the polymer industry, primarily known for its role in the production of nylon 6,6. This HS code specifically targets these compounds, which are also used in the manufacture of polyurethanes, plasticizers, lubricants, and as a food additive (acidulant). Countries with robust textile, automotive, and plastics manufacturing sectors are major importers, seeking adipic acid as a key monomer. Exporters are typically large petrochemical companies with integrated production facilities. Key aspects of its trade include the scale of production, as it's a high-volume commodity, and the impact of crude oil prices on its manufacturing costs. Environmental regulations regarding its production (e.g., nitrous oxide emissions) also play a significant role. The global demand for adipic acid is closely tied to the growth of the nylon industry and other downstream applications.
What products fall under HS code 291712?
Adipic acid, Sodium adipate, Potassium adipate, Dimethyl adipate, Diethyl adipate, Dioctyl adipate, Nylon 6,6 salt
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291712?
This code could be confused with other acyclic polycarboxylic acids under 291719 if the specific "adipic acid" identification is overlooked, or with 291819 (other carboxylic acids with alcohol function) if its specific structure is not recognized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291712?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291712 in UN Comtrade data were China ($523M, 47% of world exports), the United States ($218M) and France ($147M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 291712?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291712 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($236M, 20% of world imports), Canada ($90M) and Türkiye ($80M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 291712 structured?
HS code 291712 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291712?
Brazil splits HS code 291712 into 2 NCM codes: 2917.12.10 (Adipic acid), 2917.12.20 (Salts and esters of adipic acid). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.