HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2917.20 – Acids; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and derivatives

HS code 2917.20 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and derivatives. It is used for cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, norbornene dicarboxylic acid, camphoric acid and pinic acid.

What HS 2917.20 covers

This HS code encompasses a specialized group of organic chemicals: cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic polycarboxylic acids and their various derivatives. These compounds feature cyclic structures and multiple carboxylic acid groups, lending them unique properties for applications in high-performance polymers, resins, lubricants, and specialty chemicals. Unlike their acyclic counterparts, these cyclic acids often impart enhanced thermal stability, rigidity, or specific optical properties to materials. Importers are typically industries requiring advanced materials, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, or those involved in synthesizing complex organic molecules. Exporters are often specialized chemical producers with expertise in cyclic organic synthesis. Key considerations in their trade include the complexity of their synthesis, the high purity requirements for demanding applications, and their relatively higher cost compared to commodity chemicals. Their niche applications drive a focused, high-value trade.

Covers
  • Cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid
  • Cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride
  • Norbornene dicarboxylic acid
  • Camphoric acid
  • Pinic acid
  • Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride
  • Hexahydrophthalic anhydride
Examples
  • Sigma-Aldrich Cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid
  • TCI Tetrahydrophthalic Anhydride
  • Merck KGaA Camphoric Acid
  • Alfa Aesar Hexahydrophthalic Anhydride

Codes often confused with 2917.20

Common mistake. This code might be confused with aromatic polycarboxylic acids under 291739 if the distinction between cyclanic/cyclenic and aromatic rings is not clear, or with 291829 (other carboxylic acids with alcohol function) if the polycarboxylic nature is overlooked.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 291720, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 9.7% 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. 1 China $124M
  2. 2 Italy $52M
  3. 3 United States $46M

World total: $357M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $48M
  2. 2 Germany $46M
  3. 3 India $40M

World total: $489M 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 2917.20

Brazil does not split HS 2917.20: its NCM code is 2917.20.00.

  1. 2917.20.00 Alicyclic polycarboxylic acids and derivativesÁcidos policarboxílicos ciclânicos, ciclênicos ou cicloterpênicos, seus anidridos, halogenetos, peróxidos, peroxiácidos e seus derivados

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 2917.20

What is HS code 291720?

HS code 291720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and derivatives. This HS code encompasses a specialized group of organic chemicals: cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic polycarboxylic acids and their various derivatives. These compounds feature cyclic structures and multiple carboxylic acid groups, lending them unique properties for applications in high-performance polymers, resins, lubricants, and specialty chemicals. Unlike their acyclic counterparts, these cyclic acids often impart enhanced thermal stability, rigidity, or specific optical properties to materials. Importers are typically industries requiring advanced materials, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, or those involved in synthesizing complex organic molecules. Exporters are often specialized chemical producers with expertise in cyclic organic synthesis. Key considerations in their trade include the complexity of their synthesis, the high purity requirements for demanding applications, and their relatively higher cost compared to commodity chemicals. Their niche applications drive a focused, high-value trade.

What products fall under HS code 291720?

Cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, Cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride, Norbornene dicarboxylic acid, Camphoric acid, Pinic acid, Tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, Hexahydrophthalic anhydride

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291720?

This code might be confused with aromatic polycarboxylic acids under 291739 if the distinction between cyclanic/cyclenic and aromatic rings is not clear, or with 291829 (other carboxylic acids with alcohol function) if the polycarboxylic nature is overlooked.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291720?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($124M, 35% of world exports), Italy ($52M) and the United States ($46M). World exports came to about $357M, 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 291720?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($48M, 9.7% of world imports), Germany ($46M) and India ($40M). World imports came to about $489M, 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 291720 structured?

HS code 291720 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291720?

In Brazil, HS code 291720 is NCM 2917.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.