HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2917.35 – Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; phthalic anhydride
HS code 2917.35 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, aromatic polycarboxylic acids, phthalic anhydride. It is used for phthalic anhydride flakes, molten phthalic anhydride, PA for plasticizers, PA for UPR and PA for alkyd resins.
What HS 2917.35 covers
Phthalic anhydride is a crucial chemical intermediate traded globally, primarily serving as a precursor for plasticizers used in PVC, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), and alkyd resins for paints and coatings. Its international trade is driven by the construction, automotive, and packaging industries. Countries with extensive manufacturing capabilities for plastics and paints, such as China, India, and various European nations, are major importers. Exporters are typically large-scale petrochemical producers. Key considerations for trade include its physical form (flakes or molten), purity specifications, and compliance with environmental and safety regulations, as it is classified as a hazardous substance. Global demand is closely tied to economic growth and industrial production cycles.
- Covers
- Phthalic anhydride flakes
- Molten phthalic anhydride
- PA for plasticizers
- PA for UPR
- PA for alkyd resins
- PA for dyes
- PA for pigments
- Examples
- BASF Phthalic Anhydride
- Koppers Phthalic Anhydride
- Polynt Phthalic Anhydride
- IG Petrochemicals PA
- UPC Technology PA
Codes often confused with 2917.35
Common mistake. Sometimes confused with 291734 (other esters of orthophthalic acids) if not clearly specified as the anhydride, or with 291739 (other aromatic polycarboxylic acids, n.e.c.) if its specific chemical identity is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291735, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291735 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 8.4% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $135M 20% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $95M 14% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$90M 13% of world exports · partner records ↗
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $683M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $62M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Italy $60M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 India $57M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $732M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2917.35
Brazil does not split HS 2917.35: its NCM code is 2917.35.00.
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 2917.35
What is HS code 291735?
HS code 291735 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; phthalic anhydride. Phthalic anhydride is a crucial chemical intermediate traded globally, primarily serving as a precursor for plasticizers used in PVC, unsaturated polyester resins (UPR), and alkyd resins for paints and coatings. Its international trade is driven by the construction, automotive, and packaging industries. Countries with extensive manufacturing capabilities for plastics and paints, such as China, India, and various European nations, are major importers. Exporters are typically large-scale petrochemical producers. Key considerations for trade include its physical form (flakes or molten), purity specifications, and compliance with environmental and safety regulations, as it is classified as a hazardous substance. Global demand is closely tied to economic growth and industrial production cycles.
What products fall under HS code 291735?
Phthalic anhydride flakes, Molten phthalic anhydride, PA for plasticizers, PA for UPR, PA for alkyd resins, PA for dyes, PA for pigments
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291735?
Sometimes confused with 291734 (other esters of orthophthalic acids) if not clearly specified as the anhydride, or with 291739 (other aromatic polycarboxylic acids, n.e.c.) if its specific chemical identity is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291735?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291735 in UN Comtrade data were China ($135M, 20% of world exports), Belgium ($95M) and Taiwan (about $90M). World exports came to about $683M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 19% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 291735?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291735 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($62M, 8.4% of world imports), Italy ($60M) and India ($57M). World imports came to about $732M, 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 291735 structured?
HS code 291735 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 (35) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291735?
In Brazil, HS code 291735 is NCM 2917.35.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.