HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2923.10 – Quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides; choline and its salts, whether or not chemically defined
HS code 2923.10 is the 6-digit subheading for quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides, choline and its salts, whether or not chemically defined. It is used for choline chloride, benzalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC).
What HS 2923.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides, including choline and its salts, regardless of whether they are chemically defined. These compounds are highly versatile and find extensive use as surfactants, disinfectants, antistatic agents, fabric softeners, and phase transfer catalysts. Choline, an essential nutrient, and its salts are crucial in animal feed, human supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, animal feed producers, and personal care product formulators. The trade is driven by demand across multiple sectors, with a focus on purity, concentration, and specific application requirements. Regulatory compliance for food/feed additives and disinfectants is a significant factor influencing market access and trade.
- Covers
- Choline chloride
- Benzalkonium chloride
- Cetrimonium bromide
- Tetramethylammonium hydroxide
- Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC)
- Choline bitartrate
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)
- Examples
- BASF's choline chloride
- Lonza's disinfectants (e.g., Bardac)
- Stepan Company's surfactants
- Evonik's specialty amines
Codes often confused with 2923.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with other nitrogen-function compounds in Chapter 29, particularly other amines (2921) if the "quaternary" nature is not clearly identified, or with prepared disinfectants in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 292310, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 292310 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 23% 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 $121M 53% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $51M 22% of world exports
- 3 United States $14M 6.0% of world exports
World total: $229M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $81M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $26M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $19M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $350M 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 2923.10
Brazil does not split HS 2923.10: its NCM code is 2923.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.23 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2923.10
What is HS code 292310?
HS code 292310 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides; choline and its salts, whether or not chemically defined. This HS code specifically covers quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides, including choline and its salts, regardless of whether they are chemically defined. These compounds are highly versatile and find extensive use as surfactants, disinfectants, antistatic agents, fabric softeners, and phase transfer catalysts. Choline, an essential nutrient, and its salts are crucial in animal feed, human supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, animal feed producers, and personal care product formulators. The trade is driven by demand across multiple sectors, with a focus on purity, concentration, and specific application requirements. Regulatory compliance for food/feed additives and disinfectants is a significant factor influencing market access and trade.
What products fall under HS code 292310?
Choline chloride, Benzalkonium chloride, Cetrimonium bromide, Tetramethylammonium hydroxide, Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), Choline bitartrate, Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 292310?
Can be confused with other nitrogen-function compounds in Chapter 29, particularly other amines (2921) if the "quaternary" nature is not clearly identified, or with prepared disinfectants in Chapter 38.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 292310?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 292310 in UN Comtrade data were China ($121M, 53% of world exports), Belgium ($51M) and the United States ($14M). World exports came to about $229M, 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 292310?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 292310 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($81M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($26M) and Germany ($19M). World imports came to about $350M, 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 292310 structured?
HS code 292310 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 292310?
In Brazil, HS code 292310 is NCM 2923.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.