HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.27 – Diazo-, azo- or azoxy-compounds
What HS 29.27 covers
Heading 2927 covers organic compounds characterized by the presence of diazo (-N=N=N-), azo (-N=N-), or azoxy (-N=N(O)-) functional groups. This classification is strictly for separate, chemically defined organic compounds, meaning pure substances rather than prepared dyes, pigments, or pharmaceutical formulations. The scope includes a variety of these nitrogen-nitrogen bonded compounds, from simple azobenzenes to more complex diazonium salts and azo initiators. The key defining characteristic is the specific arrangement of nitrogen atoms within the organic molecule. Correct classification under 2927 is paramount for trade compliance, particularly given the historical and ongoing importance of these compounds in the dye industry, as polymerization initiators, and in certain pharmaceutical syntheses. Many azo compounds are also subject to specific environmental and health regulations due to their properties. Historically, azo dyes revolutionized the textile industry, and while prepared dyes now fall under Chapter 32, the pure chemical intermediates remain here. Within Chapter 29, this heading provides a precise classification for these distinct nitrogen-function compounds, differentiating them from other nitrogen-containing organics and ensuring regulatory clarity for their trade.
- Covers
- Azobenzene
- Azoxybenzene
- Diazomethane
- 2,2'-Azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)
- 4,4'-Azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid)
- Methyl orange (pure compound)
- Sudan I (pure compound)
- 4-Aminoazobenzene
- P-Hydroxyazobenzene
- 4-Nitroazoxybenzene
- 1,1'-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile)
- P-Methoxyazobenzene
- 2,2'-Azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile)
- Diazoaminobenzene
- 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene
- Sodium azobenzene-4-sulfonate
- 4-Nitrobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate
- Benzenediazonium chloride
- 4-Carboxybenzenediazonium chloride
- 2-Naphtholbenzenediazonium chloride
- 2,2'-Azobis(N,N'-dimethyleneisobutyramidine) dihydrochloride
- 4,4'-Diaminoazobenzene
- 2-Phenylazo-p-cresol
- 1-(Phenylazo)naphthalene
- 2-(Phenylazo)phenol
- Examples
A Chinese manufacturer exports large quantities of **2,2'-Azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)**, a common radical initiator, to polymer producers in South Korea and Taiwan for the synthesis of various plastics and coatings. This trade typically occurs via ocean freight across the East China Sea. An Indian chemical company imports **4-Aminoazobenzene** from a European supplier, such as Germany, for use as an intermediate in the production of specialty dyes and pigments for its textile and printing industries; these shipments often utilize sea container services. A US research institution imports small, high-purity quantities of specific **diazonium salts** from a Swiss fine chemical supplier for advanced organic synthesis and material science research, often shipped via air express due to their sensitivity and high value.
Subheadings under 29.27 1
Codes often confused with 29.27
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification involves distinguishing pure diazo-, azo-, or azoxy-compounds (2927) from **prepared dyes or pigments** (Chapter 32). For example, while **Methyl Orange** as a pure chemical compound falls under 2927, if it's sold as a standardized solution or preparation for a specific dyeing application, it would likely be classified under 3204. Similarly, a **medicament containing an azo compound** as its active pharmaceutical ingredient would be classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products), not 2927. Traders must also differentiate these from **other nitrogen-function compounds n.e.c.** (2929) if the primary functional group is not diazo, azo, or azoxy, ensuring the most specific heading is used.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2927, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2927 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 8.2% 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 $246M 42% of world exports
- 2 India $73M 13% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $72M 12% of world exports
World total: $583M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $47M 8.2% of world imports
- 2 United States $46M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$43M 7.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $576M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 29.27
What is HS code 2927?
HS code 2927 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Diazo-, azo- or azoxy-compounds. Heading 2927 covers organic compounds characterized by the presence of diazo (-N=N=N-), azo (-N=N-), or azoxy (-N=N(O)-) functional groups. This classification is strictly for separate, chemically defined organic compounds, meaning pure substances rather than prepared dyes, pigments, or pharmaceutical formulations. The scope includes a variety of these nitrogen-nitrogen bonded compounds, from simple azobenzenes to more complex diazonium salts and azo initiators. The key defining characteristic is the specific arrangement of nitrogen atoms within the organic molecule. Correct classification under 2927 is paramount for trade compliance, particularly given the historical and ongoing importance of these compounds in the dye industry, as polymerization initiators, and in certain pharmaceutical syntheses. Many azo compounds are also subject to specific environmental and health regulations due to their properties. Historically, azo dyes revolutionized the textile industry, and while prepared dyes now fall under Chapter 32, the pure chemical intermediates remain here. Within Chapter 29, this heading provides a precise classification for these distinct nitrogen-function compounds, differentiating them from other nitrogen-containing organics and ensuring regulatory clarity for their trade.
What products fall under HS code 2927?
Azobenzene, Azoxybenzene, Diazomethane, 2,2'-Azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), 4,4'-Azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid), Methyl orange (pure compound), Sudan I (pure compound), 4-Aminoazobenzene, p-Hydroxyazobenzene, 4-Nitroazoxybenzene, 1,1'-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), p-Methoxyazobenzene, 2,2'-Azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), Diazoaminobenzene, 4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene, Sodium azobenzene-4-sulfonate, 4-Nitrobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate, Benzenediazonium chloride, 4-Carboxybenzenediazonium chloride, 2-Naphtholbenzenediazonium chloride, 2,2'-Azobis(N,N'-dimethyleneisobutyramidine) dihydrochloride, 4,4'-Diaminoazobenzene, 2-Phenylazo-p-cresol, 1-(Phenylazo)naphthalene, 2-(Phenylazo)phenol
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2927?
A frequent misclassification involves distinguishing pure diazo-, azo-, or azoxy-compounds (2927) from **prepared dyes or pigments** (Chapter 32). For example, while **Methyl Orange** as a pure chemical compound falls under 2927, if it's sold as a standardized solution or preparation for a specific dyeing application, it would likely be classified under 3204. Similarly, a **medicament containing an azo compound** as its active pharmaceutical ingredient would be classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products), not 2927. Traders must also differentiate these from **other nitrogen-function compounds n.e.c.** (2929) if the primary functional group is not diazo, azo, or azoxy, ensuring the most specific heading is used.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2927?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2927 in UN Comtrade data were China ($246M, 42% of world exports), India ($73M) and Indonesia ($72M). World exports came to about $583M, 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 2927?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2927 in UN Comtrade data were India ($47M, 8.2% of world imports), the United States ($46M) and Taiwan (about $43M). World imports came to about $576M, 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 2927 structured?
HS code 2927 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (27) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.