HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2918.17 – Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid)
HS code 2918.17 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid). It is used for benzilic acid, methyl benzilate, ethyl benzilate, benzilic acid derivatives and benzilic acid powder.
What HS 2918.17 covers
This HS code specifically identifies 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid, commonly known as benzilic acid. Benzilic acid is a specialized organic compound primarily traded as a fine chemical intermediate. Its main application lies in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly anticholinergic drugs, and certain agrochemicals. The trade of benzilic acid involves specialized chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions globally. Key aspects for trade include the high purity required for pharmaceutical synthesis, adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP) for drug precursors, and careful handling due to its chemical properties. It is not a high-volume commodity but a critical building block for specific high-value end products in the life sciences sector.
- Covers
- Benzilic acid
- Methyl benzilate
- Ethyl benzilate
- Benzilic acid derivatives
- Benzilic acid powder
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich (reagent)
- TCI Chemicals (intermediate)
- Alfa Aesar (research chemical)
Codes often confused with 2918.17
Common mistake. It might be confused with other complex organic acids in 2918.19 if its specific chemical structure is not precisely identified, or with general aromatic compounds in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291817, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291817 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 52% 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 Netherlands $1.5M 57% of world exports
- 2 United States $870K 34% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $125K 4.9% of world exports
World total: $2.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $631K 52% of world imports
- 2 India $335K 28% of world imports
- 3 Argentina $133K 11% of world imports
World total: $1.2M 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 2918.17
Brazil does not split HS 2918.17: its NCM code is 2918.17.00.
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 2918.17
What is HS code 291817?
HS code 291817 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid). This HS code specifically identifies 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid, commonly known as benzilic acid. Benzilic acid is a specialized organic compound primarily traded as a fine chemical intermediate. Its main application lies in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly anticholinergic drugs, and certain agrochemicals. The trade of benzilic acid involves specialized chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions globally. Key aspects for trade include the high purity required for pharmaceutical synthesis, adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP) for drug precursors, and careful handling due to its chemical properties. It is not a high-volume commodity but a critical building block for specific high-value end products in the life sciences sector.
What products fall under HS code 291817?
Benzilic acid, Methyl benzilate, Ethyl benzilate, Benzilic acid derivatives, Benzilic acid powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291817?
It might be confused with other complex organic acids in 2918.19 if its specific chemical structure is not precisely identified, or with general aromatic compounds in Chapter 29.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291817?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291817 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.5M, 57% of world exports), the United States ($870K) and Malaysia ($125K). World exports came to about $2.6M, 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 291817?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291817 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($631K, 52% of world imports), India ($335K) and Argentina ($133K). World imports came to about $1.2M, 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 291817 structured?
HS code 291817 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 (17) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291817?
In Brazil, HS code 291817 is NCM 2918.17.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.