HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.24 – Carboxyamide-function compounds; amide-function compounds of carbonic acid
What HS 29.24 covers
Heading 2924 covers 'Carboxyamide-function compounds; amide-function compounds of carbonic acid,' a significant category in Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. This heading is dedicated to organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyamide group (-CONH2), or derivatives where the hydrogen atoms on the nitrogen are replaced by organic groups. It also includes amides derived from carbonic acid, with urea being a prime example. The scope is broad, encompassing acyclic and cyclic amides (lactams), but carefully excludes amino-acids (2922) and cyclic ureides (2933) unless specifically provided for. This classification is vital for international trade as it covers a vast array of compounds used in pharmaceuticals (e.g., paracetamol, lidocaine), polymers (e.g., caprolactam for nylon 6), agrochemicals, solvents (e.g., DMF, DMAC), and fertilizers (urea). For trade compliance professionals, accurately identifying the amide function as the principal characteristic is crucial to prevent misclassification, which can result in incorrect tariff application, customs delays, and potential penalties. The historical development of synthetic amides, particularly in the polymer industry and drug discovery, underscores their ongoing economic importance. Their inclusion in Chapter 29 emphasizes their status as distinct, chemically defined organic compounds, forming essential building blocks for numerous industrial applications worldwide.
- Covers
- Acetamide
- Formamide
- N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF)
- N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC)
- Urea
- Acrylamide
- Caprolactam
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
- Lidocaine
- Benzamide
- Nicotinamide
- N-Methylformamide
- N-Ethylacetamide
- N-Methylacetamide
- N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone
- Acetanilide
- Acetylsalicylic acid (if considered an amide derivative)
- Carbamazepine
- Meprobamate
- Phthaloyl chloride (amide precursor)
- Examples
Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are major exporters of Urea to agricultural markets globally, particularly to India and the United States, where it serves as a primary nitrogen fertilizer, often transported in bulk carriers. Simultaneously, chemical companies in Europe export Caprolactam to China, a key raw material for the production of Nylon 6 polymers used in textiles and engineering plastics. Furthermore, pharmaceutical manufacturers in India and China are leading suppliers of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) API to drug formulators worldwide, facilitated by air and sea freight for global distribution.
Subheadings under 29.24 8
Codes often confused with 29.24
Common mistake. Traders frequently misclassify carboxyamide-function compounds. A common mistake is confusing them with imide-function compounds (2925) due to structural similarities, requiring careful distinction between -CONH- and -CO-N-CO- functionalities. Another error occurs with complex cyclic amides or lactams that are also heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen; while some simple lactams are here, more complex cyclic ureides or nitrogen heterocycles are classified under 2933. Lastly, preparations or mixtures containing amides, if not chemically defined single substances, might be erroneously classified here instead of under Chapter 38 (e.g., prepared binders) or Chapter 31 (e.g., prepared fertilizers containing urea).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2924, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2924 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $2.9B 32% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $1.1B 13% of world exports
- 3 India $831M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $9.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 14% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $1.2B 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $919M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $9.3B 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 29.24
What is HS code 2924?
HS code 2924 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carboxyamide-function compounds; amide-function compounds of carbonic acid. Heading 2924 covers 'Carboxyamide-function compounds; amide-function compounds of carbonic acid,' a significant category in Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. This heading is dedicated to organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyamide group (-CONH2), or derivatives where the hydrogen atoms on the nitrogen are replaced by organic groups. It also includes amides derived from carbonic acid, with urea being a prime example. The scope is broad, encompassing acyclic and cyclic amides (lactams), but carefully excludes amino-acids (2922) and cyclic ureides (2933) unless specifically provided for. This classification is vital for international trade as it covers a vast array of compounds used in pharmaceuticals (e.g., paracetamol, lidocaine), polymers (e.g., caprolactam for nylon 6), agrochemicals, solvents (e.g., DMF, DMAC), and fertilizers (urea). For trade compliance professionals, accurately identifying the amide function as the principal characteristic is crucial to prevent misclassification, which can result in incorrect tariff application, customs delays, and potential penalties. The historical development of synthetic amides, particularly in the polymer industry and drug discovery, underscores their ongoing economic importance. Their inclusion in Chapter 29 emphasizes their status as distinct, chemically defined organic compounds, forming essential building blocks for numerous industrial applications worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 2924?
Acetamide, Formamide, N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC), Urea, Acrylamide, Caprolactam, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Lidocaine, Benzamide, Nicotinamide, N-Methylformamide, N-Ethylacetamide, N-Methylacetamide, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, Acetanilide, Acetylsalicylic acid (if considered an amide derivative), Carbamazepine, Meprobamate, Phthaloyl chloride (amide precursor)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2924?
Traders frequently misclassify carboxyamide-function compounds. A common mistake is confusing them with imide-function compounds (2925) due to structural similarities, requiring careful distinction between -CONH- and -CO-N-CO- functionalities. Another error occurs with complex cyclic amides or lactams that are also heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen; while some simple lactams are here, more complex cyclic ureides or nitrogen heterocycles are classified under 2933. Lastly, preparations or mixtures containing amides, if not chemically defined single substances, might be erroneously classified here instead of under Chapter 38 (e.g., prepared binders) or Chapter 31 (e.g., prepared fertilizers containing urea).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2924?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2924 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 32% of world exports), Switzerland ($1.1B) and India ($831M). World exports came to about $9.1B, 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 2924?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2924 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 14% of world imports), Ireland ($1.2B) and Germany ($919M). World imports came to about $9.3B, 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 2924 structured?
HS code 2924 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (24) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.