HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2917.32 – Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; dioctyl orthophthalates

HS code 2917.32 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, aromatic polycarboxylic acids, dioctyl orthophthalates. It is used for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, phthalate plasticizer and PVC plasticizer.

What HS 2917.32 covers

This code is dedicated to dioctyl orthophthalates, a specific type of aromatic polycarboxylic acid ester. These compounds, commonly known as DOP or DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), are primarily used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics, especially PVC. They are crucial in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, including cables, flooring, medical devices, and automotive parts. Importers and exporters are typically large chemical companies, plastic manufacturers, and distributors serving the polymer industry. Due to health and environmental concerns, the trade and use of certain phthalates like DEHP are subject to stringent regulations in many regions, leading to a shift towards alternative plasticizers and impacting global trade flows.

Covers
  • Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
  • Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)
  • Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
  • Phthalate plasticizer
  • PVC plasticizer
  • General purpose plasticizer
Examples
  • BASF's Palatinol DOP
  • Eastman Chemical's plasticizers
  • LG Chem's phthalate products
  • Evonik's Vestinol DOP

Codes often confused with 2917.32

Common mistake. Often confused with other phthalate esters under 291734 (other orthophthalates) or 291739 (other aromatic polycarboxylic acids), especially as the industry shifts to non-phthalate alternatives.

2917.34Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; other esters of orthophthalic acids2917.39Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; n.e.c. in item no. 2917.3

Top exporters and importers of HS code 291732, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291732 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 7.8% 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 $170M
  2. 2 Malaysia $54M
  3. 3 South Korea $31M

World total: $332M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$25M
  2. 2 Nigeria $22M
  3. 3 India $19M

World total: $314M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2917.32

Brazil does not split HS 2917.32: its NCM code is 2917.32.00.

  1. 2917.32.00 Dioctyl orthophthalatesOrtoftalatos de dioctila

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 2917.32

What is HS code 291732?

HS code 291732 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; dioctyl orthophthalates. This code is dedicated to dioctyl orthophthalates, a specific type of aromatic polycarboxylic acid ester. These compounds, commonly known as DOP or DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), are primarily used as plasticizers to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics, especially PVC. They are crucial in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, including cables, flooring, medical devices, and automotive parts. Importers and exporters are typically large chemical companies, plastic manufacturers, and distributors serving the polymer industry. Due to health and environmental concerns, the trade and use of certain phthalates like DEHP are subject to stringent regulations in many regions, leading to a shift towards alternative plasticizers and impacting global trade flows.

What products fall under HS code 291732?

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Phthalate plasticizer, PVC plasticizer, General purpose plasticizer

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291732?

Often confused with other phthalate esters under 291734 (other orthophthalates) or 291739 (other aromatic polycarboxylic acids), especially as the industry shifts to non-phthalate alternatives.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291732?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291732 in UN Comtrade data were China ($170M, 51% of world exports), Malaysia ($54M) and South Korea ($31M). World exports came to about $332M, 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 291732?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291732 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $25M, 7.8% of world imports), Nigeria ($22M) and India ($19M). World imports came to about $314M, 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 291732 structured?

HS code 291732 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291732?

In Brazil, HS code 291732 is NCM 2917.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.