HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2918.12 – Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid
HS code 2918.12 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid. It is used for L-(+)-Tartaric acid, DL-Tartaric acid, cream of Tartar (potassium bitartrate), tartaric acid for wine and tartaric acid for baking.
What HS 2918.12 covers
Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid primarily derived from grapes, making its international trade closely linked to the global wine industry. It is extensively used in the food and beverage sector as an acidulant, antioxidant, and emulsifier, particularly in winemaking, baking powders, and soft drinks. It also finds applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial processes. Major importers include countries with significant food processing and beverage production, such as the USA, Germany, and France. Exporters are often wine-producing nations or chemical companies that process wine by-products. Key factors influencing trade include its natural origin, different forms (L-(+)-tartaric acid, DL-tartaric acid), and purity requirements for food-grade applications, ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Covers
- L-(+)-Tartaric acid
- DL-Tartaric acid
- Cream of Tartar (potassium bitartrate)
- Tartaric acid for wine
- Tartaric acid for baking
- Tartaric acid for pharmaceuticals
- Tartaric acid for electroplating
- Examples
- Merck Tartaric Acid
- Brenntag Tartaric Acid
- American Tartaric Products
- Tarac Technologies Tartaric Acid
- Vinayak Ingredients Tartaric Acid
Codes often confused with 2918.12
Common mistake. Can be confused with 291814 (citric acid) due to similar food additive uses, or with 291813 (salts and esters of tartaric acid) if the specific acid form is not distinguished from its derivatives.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291812, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291812 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 $90M 38% of world exports
- 2 Italy $88M 38% of world exports
- 3 Spain $19M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $235M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $42M 17% of world imports
- 2 India $20M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Spain $19M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $251M 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 2918.12
Brazil does not split HS 2918.12: its NCM code is 2918.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2918.12
What is HS code 291812?
HS code 291812 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid primarily derived from grapes, making its international trade closely linked to the global wine industry. It is extensively used in the food and beverage sector as an acidulant, antioxidant, and emulsifier, particularly in winemaking, baking powders, and soft drinks. It also finds applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial processes. Major importers include countries with significant food processing and beverage production, such as the USA, Germany, and France. Exporters are often wine-producing nations or chemical companies that process wine by-products. Key factors influencing trade include its natural origin, different forms (L-(+)-tartaric acid, DL-tartaric acid), and purity requirements for food-grade applications, ensuring compliance with international standards.
What products fall under HS code 291812?
L-(+)-Tartaric acid, DL-Tartaric acid, Cream of Tartar (potassium bitartrate), Tartaric acid for wine, Tartaric acid for baking, Tartaric acid for pharmaceuticals, Tartaric acid for electroplating
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291812?
Can be confused with 291814 (citric acid) due to similar food additive uses, or with 291813 (salts and esters of tartaric acid) if the specific acid form is not distinguished from its derivatives.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291812?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291812 in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 38% of world exports), Italy ($88M) and Spain ($19M). World exports came to about $235M, 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 291812?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291812 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 17% of world imports), India ($20M) and Spain ($19M). World imports came to about $251M, 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 291812 structured?
HS code 291812 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291812?
In Brazil, HS code 291812 is NCM 2918.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.