HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2918.23 – Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), other esters of salicylic acid and its salts n.e.c. in item no. 2918.2
HS code 2918.23 is the 6-digit subheading for acids, carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), other esters of salicylic acid and its salts n.e.c. in item no. 2918.2. It is used for methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, amyl salicylate and benzyl salicylate.
What HS 2918.23 covers
This HS code covers various esters of salicylic acid and its salts, specifically those not classified elsewhere in subheading 2918.2, meaning it excludes o-acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin). These 'other' salicylic acid esters are traded for their diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perfumery. They often serve as mild analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, or as key fragrance components due to their distinct aromatic profiles. International trade involves specialty chemical manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, and pharmaceutical companies seeking specific therapeutic or sensory properties. Key considerations include the specific functional benefits of each ester, purity requirements for their intended use, and compliance with relevant industry standards for cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Covers
- Methyl salicylate
- Ethyl salicylate
- Phenyl salicylate
- Amyl salicylate
- Benzyl salicylate
- Glycol salicylate
- Isoamyl salicylate
- Examples
- Wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate)
- Sunscreen formulations (phenyl salicylate)
- Fragrance compounds (benzyl salicylate)
Codes often confused with 2918.23
Common mistake. Can be confused with salicylic acid (2918.21) or o-acetylsalicylic acid (2918.22) if the specific esterification is overlooked, or with general esters in Chapter 29 if the phenolic carboxylic acid origin is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291823, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291823 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 $96M 41% of world exports
- 2 India $39M 17% of world exports
- 3 Japan $15M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $235M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $56M 21% of world imports
- 2 Germany $19M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $18M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $265M 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 2918.23
Brazil does not split HS 2918.23: its NCM code is 2918.23.00.
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 2918.23
What is HS code 291823?
HS code 291823 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), other esters of salicylic acid and its salts n.e.c. in item no. 2918.2. This HS code covers various esters of salicylic acid and its salts, specifically those not classified elsewhere in subheading 2918.2, meaning it excludes o-acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin). These 'other' salicylic acid esters are traded for their diverse applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perfumery. They often serve as mild analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, or as key fragrance components due to their distinct aromatic profiles. International trade involves specialty chemical manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, and pharmaceutical companies seeking specific therapeutic or sensory properties. Key considerations include the specific functional benefits of each ester, purity requirements for their intended use, and compliance with relevant industry standards for cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients.
What products fall under HS code 291823?
Methyl salicylate, Ethyl salicylate, Phenyl salicylate, Amyl salicylate, Benzyl salicylate, Glycol salicylate, Isoamyl salicylate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291823?
Can be confused with salicylic acid (2918.21) or o-acetylsalicylic acid (2918.22) if the specific esterification is overlooked, or with general esters in Chapter 29 if the phenolic carboxylic acid origin is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291823?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291823 in UN Comtrade data were China ($96M, 41% of world exports), India ($39M) and Japan ($15M). 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 291823?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291823 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($56M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($19M) and Singapore ($18M). World imports came to about $265M, 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 291823 structured?
HS code 291823 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 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291823?
In Brazil, HS code 291823 is NCM 2918.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.