HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2926.40 – Nitrile-function compounds; alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile
HS code 2926.40 is the 6-digit subheading for nitrile-function compounds, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile. It is used for alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) technical grade and high-purity APAAN.
What HS 2926.40 covers
This HS code specifically covers alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN), a chemical precursor that has gained notoriety due to its primary use in the illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), particularly phenyl-2-propanone (P2P). Because of its significant role in illegal drug synthesis, APAAN is subject to strict international controls under the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Legitimate trade is extremely limited, typically confined to research or very specific, controlled industrial applications, requiring rigorous licensing, monitoring, and reporting by national and international authorities. Preventing diversion into illicit channels is the paramount concern for customs and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
- Covers
- Alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) technical grade
- High-purity APAAN
- Examples
- Precursor for P2P (phenyl-2-propanone)
- research chemical
Codes often confused with 2926.40
Common mistake. It could be confused with other nitrile-function compounds (292690) or other controlled precursors (e.g., 291431 for P2P itself), but its specific structure and control status are key for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 292640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 292640 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 95% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 41% 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 United States $1.4M 95% of world exports
- 2 Germany $40K 2.7% of world exports
- 3 India $13K 0.9% of world exports
World total: $1.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $355K 41% of world imports
- 2 India $231K 27% of world imports
- 3 Guatemala $59K 6.9% of world imports
World total: $858K 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 2926.40
Brazil does not split HS 2926.40: its NCM code is 2926.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.26 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2926.40
What is HS code 292640?
HS code 292640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nitrile-function compounds; alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile. This HS code specifically covers alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN), a chemical precursor that has gained notoriety due to its primary use in the illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), particularly phenyl-2-propanone (P2P). Because of its significant role in illegal drug synthesis, APAAN is subject to strict international controls under the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Legitimate trade is extremely limited, typically confined to research or very specific, controlled industrial applications, requiring rigorous licensing, monitoring, and reporting by national and international authorities. Preventing diversion into illicit channels is the paramount concern for customs and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 292640?
Alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN) technical grade, high-purity APAAN
What are common misclassifications for HS code 292640?
It could be confused with other nitrile-function compounds (292690) or other controlled precursors (e.g., 291431 for P2P itself), but its specific structure and control status are key for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 292640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 292640 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4M, 95% of world exports), Germany ($40K) and India ($13K). World exports came to about $1.5M, 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 292640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 292640 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($355K, 41% of world imports), India ($231K) and Guatemala ($59K). World imports came to about $858K, 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 292640 structured?
HS code 292640 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (26) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 292640?
In Brazil, HS code 292640 is NCM 2926.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.