HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.26 – Nitrile-function compounds
What HS 29.26 covers
Heading 2926 of the Harmonized System encompasses organic compounds characterized by the presence of a nitrile (-C≡N) functional group. This classification is specifically for separate, chemically defined organic compounds, meaning pure substances rather than mixtures, formulations, or articles made from them. The scope is broad, covering both aliphatic and aromatic nitriles, as well as cyanohydrins. Key sub-categories include industrially significant chemicals like acetonitrile (a common solvent), acrylonitrile (monomer for plastics and fibers), and adiponitrile (a crucial intermediate for nylon production). This classification is vital for trade compliance due to its role in various industries. Correctly identifying these compounds ensures accurate tariff application, adherence to specific chemical regulations (e.g., safety data sheets, environmental registrations like REACH or TSCA), and proper control over dual-use chemicals. Historically, nitrile-function compounds have been foundational in the development of synthetic polymers and specialty chemicals, driving significant global trade. Within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, heading 2926 serves as a dedicated category for these fundamental nitrogen-containing building blocks, distinguishing them from other nitrogen-function compounds and ensuring precise categorization within the vast chemical trade landscape.
- Covers
- Acetonitrile
- Acrylonitrile
- Adiponitrile
- Benzonitrile
- Glycolonitrile
- Succinonitrile
- 3-Hydroxypropionitrile
- 2-Amino-2-methylpropionitrile
- 4-Bromobenzonitrile
- Phenylacetonitrile
- Cyanoacetic acid
- Malononitrile
- Fumaronitrile
- Terephthalonitrile
- 2-Chlorobenzonitrile
- 3-Cyanopyridine
- 4-Cyanophenol
- Cyclohexanecarbonitrile
- Isophthalonitrile
- Acetonitrile-d3
- 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile)
- 1,4-Dicyanobutane
- 1,6-Dicyanohexane
- 3-(Dimethylamino)propionitrile
- Examples
A German chemical manufacturer exports several metric tons of high-purity **adiponitrile** to a textile producer in China, where it is used as a critical intermediate in the synthesis of nylon 6,6 polymer for automotive and apparel applications. This large volume shipment typically travels by sea via the Suez Canal route. An Indian pharmaceutical company regularly imports **acetonitrile** from a US supplier for use as a solvent in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and in various drug synthesis steps; these high-purity consignments often move by air freight due to their value and urgency. A Japanese specialty chemical firm exports **acrylonitrile** monomer to manufacturing facilities in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia for the production of ABS plastics and acrylic fibers, supporting their growing electronics and textile industries.
Subheadings under 29.26 5
Codes often confused with 29.26
Common mistake. Traders frequently misclassify pure nitrile-function compounds by confusing them with their downstream products or mixtures. For instance, **acrylonitrile** (2926) is the monomer, but **polyacrylonitrile** (a polymer) would fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), specifically heading 3906. Similarly, a formulated **pesticide containing a nitrile** as an active ingredient would likely classify under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products) or Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products) if it's a medicament, not 2926, which is strictly for the separate chemically defined compound. Another common error is misclassifying **nitrile rubber** (NBR), a synthetic rubber, under Chapter 40 (Rubber and articles thereof), despite its name, rather than the chemical monomer.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2926, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2926 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 12% 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 $1.4B 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $422M 11% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $383M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $496M 12% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $362M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $302M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $4.0B 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 29.26
What is HS code 2926?
HS code 2926 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nitrile-function compounds. Heading 2926 of the Harmonized System encompasses organic compounds characterized by the presence of a nitrile (-C≡N) functional group. This classification is specifically for separate, chemically defined organic compounds, meaning pure substances rather than mixtures, formulations, or articles made from them. The scope is broad, covering both aliphatic and aromatic nitriles, as well as cyanohydrins. Key sub-categories include industrially significant chemicals like acetonitrile (a common solvent), acrylonitrile (monomer for plastics and fibers), and adiponitrile (a crucial intermediate for nylon production). This classification is vital for trade compliance due to its role in various industries. Correctly identifying these compounds ensures accurate tariff application, adherence to specific chemical regulations (e.g., safety data sheets, environmental registrations like REACH or TSCA), and proper control over dual-use chemicals. Historically, nitrile-function compounds have been foundational in the development of synthetic polymers and specialty chemicals, driving significant global trade. Within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, heading 2926 serves as a dedicated category for these fundamental nitrogen-containing building blocks, distinguishing them from other nitrogen-function compounds and ensuring precise categorization within the vast chemical trade landscape.
What products fall under HS code 2926?
Acetonitrile, Acrylonitrile, Adiponitrile, Benzonitrile, Glycolonitrile, Succinonitrile, 3-Hydroxypropionitrile, 2-Amino-2-methylpropionitrile, 4-Bromobenzonitrile, Phenylacetonitrile, Cyanoacetic acid, Malononitrile, Fumaronitrile, Terephthalonitrile, 2-Chlorobenzonitrile, 3-Cyanopyridine, 4-Cyanophenol, Cyclohexanecarbonitrile, Isophthalonitrile, Acetonitrile-d3, 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile), 1,4-Dicyanobutane, 1,6-Dicyanohexane, 3-(Dimethylamino)propionitrile
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2926?
Traders frequently misclassify pure nitrile-function compounds by confusing them with their downstream products or mixtures. For instance, **acrylonitrile** (2926) is the monomer, but **polyacrylonitrile** (a polymer) would fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), specifically heading 3906. Similarly, a formulated **pesticide containing a nitrile** as an active ingredient would likely classify under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products) or Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products) if it's a medicament, not 2926, which is strictly for the separate chemically defined compound. Another common error is misclassifying **nitrile rubber** (NBR), a synthetic rubber, under Chapter 40 (Rubber and articles thereof), despite its name, rather than the chemical monomer.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2926?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2926 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 35% of world exports), Germany ($422M) and the Netherlands ($383M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 2926?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2926 in UN Comtrade data were India ($496M, 12% of world imports), Brazil ($362M) and the United States ($302M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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 2926 structured?
HS code 2926 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (26) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.