HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.19 – Esters; phosphoric, and their salts, including lactophosphates, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
What HS 29.19 covers
Heading 2919 specifically covers phosphoric esters and their salts, including lactophosphates, as well as their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This highly specialized classification is for organic compounds where a phosphoric acid moiety is esterified with an organic alcohol or phenol. These compounds are incredibly diverse in their applications, ranging from effective plasticizers and flame retardants in polymers to crucial insecticides, herbicides, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The scope is strictly limited to organic esters of phosphoric acid, distinguishing them from inorganic phosphates (Chapter 28) or other organic phosphorus compounds like phosphonates (2931). Precise classification under 2919 is critical due to the significant regulatory scrutiny many of these compounds face, particularly those used in agriculture (e.g., organophosphate insecticides) or as flame retardants, concerning environmental impact, toxicity, and health and safety. This heading's importance within Chapter 29 underscores the complex chemistry and regulatory landscape surrounding these essential industrial chemicals.
- Covers
- Trimethyl phosphate
- Triethyl phosphate
- Tributyl phosphate
- Triphenyl phosphate
- Tricresyl phosphate
- Tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate
- Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate
- Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate
- Diethyl phosphate
- Dimethyl phosphate
- Chlorpyrifos
- Malathion
- Fenthion
- Parathion
- Diazinon
- Acephate
- Dimethoate
- Phosphamidon
- Ethyl lactophosphate
- Calcium lactophosphate
- Triisopropyl phosphate
- Trixylenyl phosphate
- Isopropylated triphenyl phosphate
- Examples
A Chinese chemical manufacturer frequently exports tributyl phosphate to the US, where it is primarily used as an extraction solvent in nuclear fuel reprocessing and as a plasticizer in various polymer applications. These shipments typically cross the Pacific Ocean via bulk tankers or container ships. Simultaneously, an EU-based plastics company imports tris(chloropropyl) phosphate from India, utilizing it as a crucial flame retardant in polyurethane foams and other plastic materials, with goods often transported through the Suez Canal. Furthermore, a Brazilian agricultural firm imports organophosphate insecticides like malathion from Germany for pest control in large-scale farming operations, with these specialized chemicals moving across the Atlantic via established shipping routes.
Subheadings under 29.19 2
Codes often confused with 29.19
Common mistake. Misclassification under HS 2919 frequently occurs when traders confuse organic phosphoric esters with other phosphorus compounds. Common errors include classifying them as inorganic phosphates (Chapter 28), which lack the organic ester linkage, or as phosphonates/phosphinates (HS 2931), which are organic phosphorus compounds but not true phosphoric esters. For example, sodium phosphate (inorganic salt) belongs to 2835, not 2919. Another mistake is confusing them with esters of other inorganic acids (HS 2920), failing to recognize the specific phosphoric acid ester structure. Careful attention to the 'ester' nature of phosphoric acid with an organic group is crucial for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2919, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2919 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% 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 $452M 47% of world exports
- 2 Germany $117M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $74M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $972M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $113M 13% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $66M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $57M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $880M 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.
Questions about HS 29.19
What is HS code 2919?
HS code 2919 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Esters; phosphoric, and their salts, including lactophosphates, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Heading 2919 specifically covers phosphoric esters and their salts, including lactophosphates, as well as their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This highly specialized classification is for organic compounds where a phosphoric acid moiety is esterified with an organic alcohol or phenol. These compounds are incredibly diverse in their applications, ranging from effective plasticizers and flame retardants in polymers to crucial insecticides, herbicides, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The scope is strictly limited to organic esters of phosphoric acid, distinguishing them from inorganic phosphates (Chapter 28) or other organic phosphorus compounds like phosphonates (2931). Precise classification under 2919 is critical due to the significant regulatory scrutiny many of these compounds face, particularly those used in agriculture (e.g., organophosphate insecticides) or as flame retardants, concerning environmental impact, toxicity, and health and safety. This heading's importance within Chapter 29 underscores the complex chemistry and regulatory landscape surrounding these essential industrial chemicals.
What products fall under HS code 2919?
Trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, tris(chloropropyl) phosphate, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, diethyl phosphate, dimethyl phosphate, chlorpyrifos, malathion, fenthion, parathion, diazinon, acephate, dimethoate, phosphamidon, ethyl lactophosphate, calcium lactophosphate, triisopropyl phosphate, trixylenyl phosphate, isopropylated triphenyl phosphate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2919?
Misclassification under HS 2919 frequently occurs when traders confuse organic phosphoric esters with other phosphorus compounds. Common errors include classifying them as inorganic phosphates (Chapter 28), which lack the organic ester linkage, or as phosphonates/phosphinates (HS 2931), which are organic phosphorus compounds but not true phosphoric esters. For example, sodium phosphate (inorganic salt) belongs to 2835, not 2919. Another mistake is confusing them with esters of other inorganic acids (HS 2920), failing to recognize the specific phosphoric acid ester structure. Careful attention to the 'ester' nature of phosphoric acid with an organic group is crucial for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2919?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2919 in UN Comtrade data were China ($452M, 47% of world exports), Germany ($117M) and Italy ($74M). World exports came to about $972M, 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 2919?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2919 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($113M, 13% of world imports), South Korea ($66M) and Germany ($57M). World imports came to about $880M, 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 2919 structured?
HS code 2919 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (19) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.