HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2918.15 – Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid
HS code 2918.15 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid. It is used for sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, triethyl citrate (TEC) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC).
What HS 2918.15 covers
This category covers the diverse salts and esters derived from citric acid, which are highly valued for their functional properties in various industries. Sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and calcium citrate are common examples, used as buffering agents, emulsifiers, and sequestrants in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Citric acid esters, such as triethyl citrate or acetyl tributyl citrate, serve as plasticizers in plastics and coatings, and as solvents in cosmetics. Trade is driven by the demand for specialized additives that enhance product stability, texture, and shelf-life. Importers include food processors, pharmaceutical companies, and plastic manufacturers worldwide. Exporters are typically chemical producers specializing in food additives and specialty chemicals. Purity, specific functional attributes, and regulatory approvals for their intended use are crucial for international trade, ensuring compliance and market acceptance.
- Covers
- Sodium citrate
- Potassium citrate
- Calcium citrate
- Triethyl citrate (TEC)
- Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC)
- Tributyl citrate (TBC)
- Monosodium citrate
- Trisodium citrate
- Examples
- Jungbunzlauer Sodium Citrate
- ADM Potassium Citrate
- Danisco Citrem
- Vertellus ATBC
- Merck Calcium Citrate
Codes often confused with 2918.15
Common mistake. Often confused with 291814 (citric 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 formulated product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291815, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291815 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 $282M 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $182M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $45M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $701M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $121M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $60M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $57M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $956M 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 2918.15
Brazil does not split HS 2918.15: its NCM code is 2918.15.00.
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 2918.15
What is HS code 291815?
HS code 291815 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 citric acid. This category covers the diverse salts and esters derived from citric acid, which are highly valued for their functional properties in various industries. Sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and calcium citrate are common examples, used as buffering agents, emulsifiers, and sequestrants in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Citric acid esters, such as triethyl citrate or acetyl tributyl citrate, serve as plasticizers in plastics and coatings, and as solvents in cosmetics. Trade is driven by the demand for specialized additives that enhance product stability, texture, and shelf-life. Importers include food processors, pharmaceutical companies, and plastic manufacturers worldwide. Exporters are typically chemical producers specializing in food additives and specialty chemicals. Purity, specific functional attributes, and regulatory approvals for their intended use are crucial for international trade, ensuring compliance and market acceptance.
What products fall under HS code 291815?
Sodium citrate, Potassium citrate, Calcium citrate, Triethyl citrate (TEC), Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), Tributyl citrate (TBC), Monosodium citrate, Trisodium citrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291815?
Often confused with 291814 (citric 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 formulated product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291815?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291815 in UN Comtrade data were China ($282M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($182M) and the United States ($45M). World exports came to about $701M, 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 291815?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291815 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($121M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($60M) and the Netherlands ($57M). World imports came to about $956M, 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 291815 structured?
HS code 291815 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 (15) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291815?
In Brazil, HS code 291815 is NCM 2918.15.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.