HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2917.34 – Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; other esters of orthophthalic acids
HS code 2917.34 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, aromatic polycarboxylic acids, other esters of orthophthalic acids. It is used for dioctyl phthalate (DOP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP).
What HS 2917.34 covers
This category encompasses various esters of orthophthalic acids, which are critical chemical intermediates in global trade. These compounds are predominantly used as plasticizers to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics, especially PVC, and as components in resins, paints, and coatings. Major importers are countries with robust manufacturing sectors for plastics, automotive parts, construction materials, and consumer goods, such as China, Germany, and the USA. Exporters are typically large chemical manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe. Key aspects influencing trade include the specific type of ester (e.g., DOP, DINP), purity requirements for end-use applications, and evolving environmental regulations concerning phthalates, which can impact market demand and production methods. Their demand is directly linked to industrial output and infrastructure development.
- Covers
- Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)
- Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
- Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
- Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)
- Examples
- BASF Palatinol
- ExxonMobil Jayflex
- Eastman Eastar
- LG Chem DOP
- Evonik Vestinol
Codes often confused with 2917.34
Common mistake. Can be confused with 291739 (other aromatic polycarboxylic acids, n.e.c.) if the specific ester isn't clearly identified, or with 381220 (plasticizers, mixed) if they are part of a formulated blend.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291734, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291734 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 $52M 17% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $46M 15% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $40M 13% of world exports
World total: $307M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $34M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $24M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $16M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $285M 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 2917.34
Brazil does not split HS 2917.34: its NCM code is 2917.34.00.
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 2917.34
What is HS code 291734?
HS code 291734 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; other esters of orthophthalic acids. This category encompasses various esters of orthophthalic acids, which are critical chemical intermediates in global trade. These compounds are predominantly used as plasticizers to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics, especially PVC, and as components in resins, paints, and coatings. Major importers are countries with robust manufacturing sectors for plastics, automotive parts, construction materials, and consumer goods, such as China, Germany, and the USA. Exporters are typically large chemical manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe. Key aspects influencing trade include the specific type of ester (e.g., DOP, DINP), purity requirements for end-use applications, and evolving environmental regulations concerning phthalates, which can impact market demand and production methods. Their demand is directly linked to industrial output and infrastructure development.
What products fall under HS code 291734?
Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291734?
Can be confused with 291739 (other aromatic polycarboxylic acids, n.e.c.) if the specific ester isn't clearly identified, or with 381220 (plasticizers, mixed) if they are part of a formulated blend.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291734?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291734 in UN Comtrade data were China ($52M, 17% of world exports), Sweden ($46M) and South Korea ($40M). World exports came to about $307M, 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 291734?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291734 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($34M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($24M) and Canada ($16M). World imports came to about $285M, 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 291734 structured?
HS code 291734 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 (34) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291734?
In Brazil, HS code 291734 is NCM 2917.34.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.