HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2918.21 – Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts
HS code 2918.21 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts. It is used for salicylic acid powder, sodium salicylate, magnesium salicylate, choline salicylate and salicylic acid solutions.
What HS 2918.21 covers
This HS code covers salicylic acid and its various salts, which are fundamental compounds in international trade for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. Salicylic acid is highly valued for its keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it a key ingredient in acne treatments, exfoliants, and certain medications. Its salts, such as sodium salicylate, also possess therapeutic applications. Trade primarily involves pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic manufacturers, and chemical suppliers globally. Key considerations include stringent purity standards for medical and cosmetic applications, compliance with regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA), and the diverse range of end-products that rely on this versatile chemical, from skincare to pain relief.
- Covers
- Salicylic acid powder
- Sodium salicylate
- Magnesium salicylate
- Choline salicylate
- Salicylic acid solutions
- Salicylic acid crystals
- Examples
- Neutrogena (acne products)
- The Ordinary (skincare)
- Bayer (Aspirin precursor)
Codes often confused with 2918.21
Common mistake. It can be confused with o-acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) in 2918.22 if the 'acetyl' group is overlooked, or with other phenolic compounds in Chapter 29 if the carboxylic acid function is not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291821, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291821 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 26% 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 $46M 34% of world exports
- 2 France $28M 21% of world exports
- 3 India $26M 19% of world exports
World total: $136M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $33M 26% of world imports
- 2 United States $20M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $126M 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 2918.21 2
Brazil splits HS 2918.21 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 2918.21
What is HS code 291821?
HS code 291821 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts. This HS code covers salicylic acid and its various salts, which are fundamental compounds in international trade for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. Salicylic acid is highly valued for its keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it a key ingredient in acne treatments, exfoliants, and certain medications. Its salts, such as sodium salicylate, also possess therapeutic applications. Trade primarily involves pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic manufacturers, and chemical suppliers globally. Key considerations include stringent purity standards for medical and cosmetic applications, compliance with regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA), and the diverse range of end-products that rely on this versatile chemical, from skincare to pain relief.
What products fall under HS code 291821?
Salicylic acid powder, Sodium salicylate, Magnesium salicylate, Choline salicylate, Salicylic acid solutions, Salicylic acid crystals
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291821?
It can be confused with o-acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) in 2918.22 if the 'acetyl' group is overlooked, or with other phenolic compounds in Chapter 29 if the carboxylic acid function is not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291821?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291821 in UN Comtrade data were China ($46M, 34% of world exports), France ($28M) and India ($26M). World exports came to about $136M, 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 291821?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291821 in UN Comtrade data were India ($33M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($20M) and Germany ($11M). World imports came to about $126M, 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 291821 structured?
HS code 291821 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291821?
Brazil splits HS code 291821 into 2 NCM codes: 2918.21.10 (Salicylic acid), 2918.21.20 (Salts of salicylic acid). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.