HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2923.20 – Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined

HS code 2923.20 is the 6-digit subheading for lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined. It is used for soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, egg lecithin, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine.

What HS 2923.20 covers

This HS code covers lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not they are chemically defined. Lecithins are a group of phospholipids found in various biological sources, most commonly soybeans, sunflower, and egg yolks. They are widely used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and dispersants in the food industry (e.g., chocolate, baked goods, margarine), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed. Phosphoaminolipids, more broadly, are crucial components of cell membranes. Importers and exporters include food ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic manufacturers, and specialized chemical distributors. The trade is driven by the functional properties of these compounds, with a strong emphasis on source, purity, and non-GMO status for food applications, alongside specific functional specifications for industrial uses.

Covers
  • Soy lecithin
  • Sunflower lecithin
  • Egg lecithin
  • Phosphatidylcholine
  • Phosphatidylethanolamine
  • Lysolecithin
  • De-oiled lecithin
Examples
  • Cargill's Lecigran
  • ADM's Lecithins
  • Lipoid's pharmaceutical-grade phospholipids
  • Bunge's food ingredients

Codes often confused with 2923.20

Common mistake. Sometimes confused with other emulsifiers in Chapter 38 or with other lipid compounds in Chapter 15 (animal or vegetable fats and oils) if their specific phospholipid nature is overlooked.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 292320, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 292320 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.7% 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. 1 Germany $218M
  2. 2 Netherlands $176M
  3. 3 United States $156M

World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $102M
  2. 2 United States $88M
  3. 3 Germany $66M

World total: $1.2B 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 2923.20

Brazil does not split HS 2923.20: its NCM code is 2923.20.00.

  1. 2923.20.00 Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipidsLecitinas e outros fosfoaminolipídios

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 2923.20

What is HS code 292320?

HS code 292320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined. This HS code covers lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not they are chemically defined. Lecithins are a group of phospholipids found in various biological sources, most commonly soybeans, sunflower, and egg yolks. They are widely used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and dispersants in the food industry (e.g., chocolate, baked goods, margarine), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed. Phosphoaminolipids, more broadly, are crucial components of cell membranes. Importers and exporters include food ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic manufacturers, and specialized chemical distributors. The trade is driven by the functional properties of these compounds, with a strong emphasis on source, purity, and non-GMO status for food applications, alongside specific functional specifications for industrial uses.

What products fall under HS code 292320?

Soy lecithin, Sunflower lecithin, Egg lecithin, Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Lysolecithin, De-oiled lecithin

What are common misclassifications for HS code 292320?

Sometimes confused with other emulsifiers in Chapter 38 or with other lipid compounds in Chapter 15 (animal or vegetable fats and oils) if their specific phospholipid nature is overlooked.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 292320?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 292320 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($218M, 18% of world exports), the Netherlands ($176M) and the United States ($156M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 292320?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 292320 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($102M, 8.7% of world imports), the United States ($88M) and Germany ($66M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 292320 structured?

HS code 292320 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 292320?

In Brazil, HS code 292320 is NCM 2923.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.