HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2933.71 – Heterocyclic compounds; lactams; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam)
HS code 2933.71 is the 6-digit subheading for heterocyclic compounds, lactams, 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam). It is used for epsilon-caprolactam, caprolactam monomer, 6-hexanelactam, liquid caprolactam and solid caprolactam.
What HS 2933.71 covers
This HS code is exclusively dedicated to 6-hexanelactam, commonly known as epsilon-caprolactam. This compound is a cyclic amide and a critical monomer in the production of Nylon 6, a widely used synthetic polymer. Nylon 6 is renowned for its strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance, making it indispensable in manufacturing textiles, carpets, engineering plastics, films, and automotive components. The international trade of epsilon-caprolactam is substantial, directly linked to the global demand for Nylon 6 products. Major exporters are typically large petrochemical companies located in countries with robust chemical manufacturing infrastructure and access to feedstocks like benzene or cyclohexane, such as China, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Importers are primarily manufacturers of Nylon 6 fibers, resins, and films across the globe, particularly in textile-producing nations and automotive hubs. Key trade considerations include bulk shipping logistics, purity specifications, and price volatility influenced by crude oil prices and global polymer demand. Its status as a high-volume industrial chemical means trade flows are significant and strategically important for many national economies.
- Covers
- Epsilon-caprolactam
- Caprolactam monomer
- 6-hexanelactam
- Liquid caprolactam
- Solid caprolactam
- Examples
- BASF Caprolactam
- Lanxess Caprolactam
- Sinopec Caprolactam
- Sumitomo Chemical Caprolactam
Codes often confused with 2933.71
Common mistake. This code is highly specific to epsilon-caprolactam. It should not be confused with other lactams classified under 293372 or 293379, as its industrial significance warrants its own distinct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 293371, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 293371 in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $447M 41% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$213M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $191M 18% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $407M 36% of world imports
- 2 China $168M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $125M 11% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.1B 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. 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 2933.71
Brazil does not split HS 2933.71: its NCM code is 2933.71.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.33 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2933.71
What is HS code 293371?
HS code 293371 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Heterocyclic compounds; lactams; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam). This HS code is exclusively dedicated to 6-hexanelactam, commonly known as epsilon-caprolactam. This compound is a cyclic amide and a critical monomer in the production of Nylon 6, a widely used synthetic polymer. Nylon 6 is renowned for its strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance, making it indispensable in manufacturing textiles, carpets, engineering plastics, films, and automotive components. The international trade of epsilon-caprolactam is substantial, directly linked to the global demand for Nylon 6 products. Major exporters are typically large petrochemical companies located in countries with robust chemical manufacturing infrastructure and access to feedstocks like benzene or cyclohexane, such as China, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Importers are primarily manufacturers of Nylon 6 fibers, resins, and films across the globe, particularly in textile-producing nations and automotive hubs. Key trade considerations include bulk shipping logistics, purity specifications, and price volatility influenced by crude oil prices and global polymer demand. Its status as a high-volume industrial chemical means trade flows are significant and strategically important for many national economies.
What products fall under HS code 293371?
Epsilon-caprolactam, Caprolactam monomer, 6-hexanelactam, Liquid caprolactam, Solid caprolactam
What are common misclassifications for HS code 293371?
This code is highly specific to epsilon-caprolactam. It should not be confused with other lactams classified under 293372 or 293379, as its industrial significance warrants its own distinct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 293371?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 293371 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($447M, 41% of world exports), Russia (about $213M) and China ($191M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 293371?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 293371 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($407M, 36% of world imports), China ($168M) and Italy ($125M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 293371 structured?
HS code 293371 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (33) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (71) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 293371?
In Brazil, HS code 293371 is NCM 2933.71.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.