HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2922.42 – Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; glutamic acid and its esters; salts thereof
HS code 2922.42 is the 6-digit subheading for amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters, glutamic acid and its esters, salts thereof. It is used for L-Glutamic Acid, monosodium Glutamate (MSG), glutamic Acid Hydrochloride, glutamic Acid Diethyl Ester and glutamic Acid Monohydrate.
What HS 2922.42 covers
This HS code specifically targets glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid, along with its esters and salts, provided they do not possess more than one type of oxygen function. Glutamic acid is a cornerstone in the food industry, primarily known for its role as a precursor to monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used flavor enhancer. It also finds applications in pharmaceuticals and as a nutritional supplement. In international trade, importers are predominantly food processing companies, flavor houses, and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking to produce MSG or incorporate glutamic acid into various products. Exporters are typically large-scale biochemical and fermentation companies, often concentrated in East Asia. Key considerations for trade include purity standards, compliance with food additive regulations, and managing the logistics of a high-volume commodity. The global demand for glutamic acid is closely tied to the processed food industry and consumer preferences for umami flavors, making it a significant ingredient in global cuisine.
- Covers
- L-Glutamic Acid
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride
- Glutamic Acid Diethyl Ester
- Glutamic Acid Monohydrate
- Magnesium Glutamate
- Calcium Diglutamate
- Examples
- Ajinomoto MSG
- Fufeng Group L-Glutamic Acid
- Kyowa Hakko L-Glutamic Acid
- Meihua Group MSG
Codes often confused with 2922.42
Common mistake. This code is specific to glutamic acid and its derivatives, differentiating it from other amino acids in 292249. Misclassification might occur if a glutamic acid derivative has multiple oxygen functions, potentially leading to classification under 292250.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 292242, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 292242 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 9.6% 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 $966M 54% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $189M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $146M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $169M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $146M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $139M 7.9% 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.
Brazil NCM codes for 2922.42 2
Brazil splits HS 2922.42 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2922.42.10 Glutamic acidÁcido glutâmico
- 2922.42.20 Glutamic acid salts (e.g. monosodium glutamate)Sais
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.22 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2922.42
What is HS code 292242?
HS code 292242 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; glutamic acid and its esters; salts thereof. This HS code specifically targets glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid, along with its esters and salts, provided they do not possess more than one type of oxygen function. Glutamic acid is a cornerstone in the food industry, primarily known for its role as a precursor to monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used flavor enhancer. It also finds applications in pharmaceuticals and as a nutritional supplement. In international trade, importers are predominantly food processing companies, flavor houses, and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking to produce MSG or incorporate glutamic acid into various products. Exporters are typically large-scale biochemical and fermentation companies, often concentrated in East Asia. Key considerations for trade include purity standards, compliance with food additive regulations, and managing the logistics of a high-volume commodity. The global demand for glutamic acid is closely tied to the processed food industry and consumer preferences for umami flavors, making it a significant ingredient in global cuisine.
What products fall under HS code 292242?
L-Glutamic Acid, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Glutamic Acid Hydrochloride, Glutamic Acid Diethyl Ester, Glutamic Acid Monohydrate, Magnesium Glutamate, Calcium Diglutamate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 292242?
This code is specific to glutamic acid and its derivatives, differentiating it from other amino acids in 292249. Misclassification might occur if a glutamic acid derivative has multiple oxygen functions, potentially leading to classification under 292250.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 292242?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 292242 in UN Comtrade data were China ($966M, 54% of world exports), Thailand ($189M) and Indonesia ($146M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 292242?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 292242 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($169M, 9.6% of world imports), Indonesia ($146M) and Nigeria ($139M). 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 292242 structured?
HS code 292242 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (22) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 292242?
Brazil splits HS code 292242 into 2 NCM codes: 2922.42.10 (Glutamic acid), 2922.42.20 (Glutamic acid salts (e.g. monosodium glutamate)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.