HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.20 – Esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals (other than of hydrogen halides) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
What HS 29.20 covers
Heading 2920 serves as a crucial classification for organic esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals, specifically excluding those of hydrogen halides and phosphoric acid. This diverse category encompasses esters derived from inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, nitric acid, nitrous acid, boric acid, and silicic acid, among others. It also includes their salts and derivatives (halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated). The key to this heading is the 'ester' linkage between an organic group and an inorganic acid of a non-metal, provided it's not a phosphoric ester (2919) or an organic halide (covered in 2903-2904). Products under 2920 have wide-ranging applications, serving as solvents, intermediates in organic synthesis, plasticizers, propellants, and even explosives. Accurate classification is vital due to the varied properties and regulatory implications, particularly for safety and environmental concerns. Its placement in Chapter 29 highlights its identity as a specific class of organic chemicals, requiring precise chemical identification for trade and compliance.
- Covers
- Dimethyl sulfate
- Diethyl sulfate
- Ethyl nitrite
- Amyl nitrite
- Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate)
- Triethyl borate
- Tetramethyl orthosilicate
- Tetraethyl orthosilicate
- Dimethyl carbonate
- Diethyl carbonate
- Ethylene carbonate
- Propylene carbonate
- Methyl nitrate
- Ethyl nitrate
- Propyl nitrate
- Isopropyl nitrate
- Tetraethyl pyrophosphate
- Methyl chlorosulfonate
- Ethyl chlorosulfonate
- Dimethyl sulfite
- Diethyl sulfite
- Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate
- Ethyl chloroformate
- Examples
A German chemical company regularly exports dimethyl carbonate to the US for use as an environmentally friendly solvent and a versatile methylating agent in various chemical processes. These shipments typically cross the Atlantic Ocean via container vessels. Concurrently, an Indian pharmaceutical firm imports diethyl sulfate from China, where it serves as a powerful alkylating agent in the synthesis of complex organic compounds, with goods traversing established sea lanes across the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, a US specialty chemical manufacturer exports ethylene carbonate to South Korea, a critical component in electrolyte formulations for advanced lithium-ion batteries, utilizing efficient shipping routes across the Pacific.
Subheadings under 29.20 9
Codes often confused with 29.20
Common mistake. Misclassification under HS 2920 is common due to its 'other inorganic acids' nature, often leading to confusion with more specific headings. Traders frequently confuse these esters with organic halides (HS 2903, 2904), mistakenly classifying compounds like methyl chlorosulfonate as simple halogenated hydrocarbons. Another common error is misclassifying them as phosphoric esters (HS 2919), failing to distinguish the specific inorganic acid involved. Inorganic salts (Chapter 28) are also sometimes incorrectly grouped here if the 'ester' linkage with an organic component is overlooked. For example, sodium sulfate (inorganic) is in 2833, not 2920. The key is confirming the organic ester of a non-metal inorganic acid, excluding phosphoric acid and hydrogen halides.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2920, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2920 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 $580M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $260M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $168M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $293M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $111M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $95M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 29.20
What is HS code 2920?
HS code 2920 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals (other than of hydrogen halides) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Heading 2920 serves as a crucial classification for organic esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals, specifically excluding those of hydrogen halides and phosphoric acid. This diverse category encompasses esters derived from inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, nitric acid, nitrous acid, boric acid, and silicic acid, among others. It also includes their salts and derivatives (halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated). The key to this heading is the 'ester' linkage between an organic group and an inorganic acid of a non-metal, provided it's not a phosphoric ester (2919) or an organic halide (covered in 2903-2904). Products under 2920 have wide-ranging applications, serving as solvents, intermediates in organic synthesis, plasticizers, propellants, and even explosives. Accurate classification is vital due to the varied properties and regulatory implications, particularly for safety and environmental concerns. Its placement in Chapter 29 highlights its identity as a specific class of organic chemicals, requiring precise chemical identification for trade and compliance.
What products fall under HS code 2920?
Dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, ethyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate), triethyl borate, tetramethyl orthosilicate, tetraethyl orthosilicate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, methyl nitrate, ethyl nitrate, propyl nitrate, isopropyl nitrate, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, methyl chlorosulfonate, ethyl chlorosulfonate, dimethyl sulfite, diethyl sulfite, di-tert-butyl dicarbonate, ethyl chloroformate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2920?
Misclassification under HS 2920 is common due to its 'other inorganic acids' nature, often leading to confusion with more specific headings. Traders frequently confuse these esters with organic halides (HS 2903, 2904), mistakenly classifying compounds like methyl chlorosulfonate as simple halogenated hydrocarbons. Another common error is misclassifying them as phosphoric esters (HS 2919), failing to distinguish the specific inorganic acid involved. Inorganic salts (Chapter 28) are also sometimes incorrectly grouped here if the 'ester' linkage with an organic component is overlooked. For example, sodium sulfate (inorganic) is in 2833, not 2920. The key is confirming the organic ester of a non-metal inorganic acid, excluding phosphoric acid and hydrogen halides.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2920?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2920 in UN Comtrade data were China ($580M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($260M) and the United States ($168M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 2920?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2920 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($293M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($111M) and Germany ($95M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 2920 structured?
HS code 2920 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (20) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.