HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2917.14 – Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; maleic anhydride
HS code 2917.14 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, maleic anhydride. It is used for maleic anhydride flakes, maleic anhydride briquettes, maleic anhydride powder, fumaric acid (derived) and malic acid (derived).
What HS 2917.14 covers
Maleic anhydride is a crucial intermediate chemical, specifically categorized under this HS code due to its widespread use in the production of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), which are vital for fiberglass reinforced plastics. Beyond UPR, it's also used in the manufacture of 1,4-butanediol, fumaric acid, malic acid, and various copolymers. Countries with strong construction, automotive, marine, and wind energy sectors are major importers, as these industries heavily rely on UPRs. Exporters are typically large petrochemical companies with access to butane or benzene feedstocks. Key aspects of its trade include its solid form (flakes or briquettes), its reactivity with water, and the impact of feedstock prices on its market value. The global demand for maleic anhydride is closely linked to infrastructure development and the growth of composite materials. Its versatility makes it a staple in the organic chemical industry.
- Covers
- Maleic anhydride flakes
- Maleic anhydride briquettes
- Maleic anhydride powder
- Fumaric acid (derived)
- Malic acid (derived)
- Unsaturated polyester resins (made from)
- Examples
- BASF Maleic Anhydride
- Lanxess Maleic Anhydride
- Huntsman Maleic Anhydride
- Mitsubishi Chemical Maleic Anhydride
Codes often confused with 2917.14
Common mistake. This code could be confused with other acyclic polycarboxylic acids under 291719 if its specific "anhydride" form is overlooked, or with 291711 (oxalic acid) if the specific chemical identity is not correctly established.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291714, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291714 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 18% 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 $180M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $64M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $36M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $451M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $91M 18% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $54M 10% of world imports
- 3 Italy $44M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $519M 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 2917.14
Brazil does not split HS 2917.14: its NCM code is 2917.14.00.
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 2917.14
What is HS code 291714?
HS code 291714 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; maleic anhydride. Maleic anhydride is a crucial intermediate chemical, specifically categorized under this HS code due to its widespread use in the production of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), which are vital for fiberglass reinforced plastics. Beyond UPR, it's also used in the manufacture of 1,4-butanediol, fumaric acid, malic acid, and various copolymers. Countries with strong construction, automotive, marine, and wind energy sectors are major importers, as these industries heavily rely on UPRs. Exporters are typically large petrochemical companies with access to butane or benzene feedstocks. Key aspects of its trade include its solid form (flakes or briquettes), its reactivity with water, and the impact of feedstock prices on its market value. The global demand for maleic anhydride is closely linked to infrastructure development and the growth of composite materials. Its versatility makes it a staple in the organic chemical industry.
What products fall under HS code 291714?
Maleic anhydride flakes, Maleic anhydride briquettes, Maleic anhydride powder, Fumaric acid (derived), Malic acid (derived), Unsaturated polyester resins (made from)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291714?
This code could be confused with other acyclic polycarboxylic acids under 291719 if its specific "anhydride" form is overlooked, or with 291711 (oxalic acid) if the specific chemical identity is not correctly established.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291714?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291714 in UN Comtrade data were China ($180M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($64M) and South Korea ($36M). World exports came to about $451M, 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 291714?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291714 in UN Comtrade data were India ($91M, 18% of world imports), Türkiye ($54M) and Italy ($44M). World imports came to about $519M, 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 291714 structured?
HS code 291714 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 (14) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291714?
In Brazil, HS code 291714 is NCM 2917.14.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.