HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2918.13 – Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function); salts and esters of tartaric acid
HS code 2918.13 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of tartaric acid. It is used for potassium bitartrate (Cream of Tartar), sodium tartrate, potassium sodium tartrate (Rochelle salt), diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) and ethyl tartrate.
What HS 2918.13 covers
This category encompasses the various salts and esters derived from tartaric acid, which are crucial for a range of industrial applications. Potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, is a well-known example, widely used as a leavening agent in baking and a stabilizer in winemaking. Other salts and esters serve as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and sequestrants in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Trade is driven by the demand for functional ingredients in processed foods, beverages, and personal care products. Importers include food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic producers globally. Exporters are typically chemical companies specializing in food additives and fine chemicals. Purity, specific functional properties, and regulatory compliance for food contact are critical trade considerations, ensuring product safety and efficacy across diverse markets.
- Covers
- Potassium bitartrate (Cream of Tartar)
- Sodium tartrate
- Potassium sodium tartrate (Rochelle salt)
- Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM)
- Ethyl tartrate
- Butyl tartrate
- Calcium tartrate
- Examples
- Jungbunzlauer Cream of Tartar
- Danisco DATEM
- Corbion DATEM
- Merck Rochelle Salt
- American Tartaric Products Potassium Bitartrate
Codes often confused with 2918.13
Common mistake. Often confused with 291812 (tartaric acid itself) if the specific salt or ester form is not clearly identified, or with 382499 (chemical products n.e.c.) if it's part of a complex food additive blend.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291813, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291813 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 26% 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 India $36M 26% of world exports
- 2 Spain $31M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $14M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $139M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 12% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $11M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.5M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $109M 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 codes for 2918.13 2
Brazil splits HS 2918.13 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 2918.13
What is HS code 291813?
HS code 291813 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function); salts and esters of tartaric acid. This category encompasses the various salts and esters derived from tartaric acid, which are crucial for a range of industrial applications. Potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, is a well-known example, widely used as a leavening agent in baking and a stabilizer in winemaking. Other salts and esters serve as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and sequestrants in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Trade is driven by the demand for functional ingredients in processed foods, beverages, and personal care products. Importers include food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic producers globally. Exporters are typically chemical companies specializing in food additives and fine chemicals. Purity, specific functional properties, and regulatory compliance for food contact are critical trade considerations, ensuring product safety and efficacy across diverse markets.
What products fall under HS code 291813?
Potassium bitartrate (Cream of Tartar), Sodium tartrate, Potassium sodium tartrate (Rochelle salt), Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM), Ethyl tartrate, Butyl tartrate, Calcium tartrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291813?
Often confused with 291812 (tartaric acid itself) if the specific salt or ester form is not clearly identified, or with 382499 (chemical products n.e.c.) if it's part of a complex food additive blend.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291813?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291813 in UN Comtrade data were India ($36M, 26% of world exports), Spain ($31M) and China ($14M). World exports came to about $139M, 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 291813?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291813 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 12% of world imports), South Korea ($11M) and Germany ($9.5M). World imports came to about $109M, 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 291813 structured?
HS code 291813 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291813?
Brazil splits HS code 291813 into 2 NCM codes: 2918.13.10 (Salts of tartaric acid), 2918.13.20 (Esters of tartaric acid). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.