HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3823.11 – Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining; stearic acid
HS code 3823.11 is the 6-digit subheading for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining, stearic acid. It is used for triple pressed stearic acid, rubber grade stearic acid, cosmetic grade stearic acid, food grade stearic acid and stearic acid flakes.
What HS 3823.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, and acid oils derived from refining processes. Stearic acid is a fundamental chemical commodity with widespread industrial applications, making it a key component in various manufacturing sectors. Major importers and exporters include manufacturers of plastics, rubber, cosmetics, candles, soaps, lubricants, and food additives, as well as chemical distributors. The trade focuses on different grades of stearic acid, which are used as hardening agents, lubricants, emulsifiers, and mold release agents, with purity levels varying significantly depending on the end-use application.
- Covers
- Triple pressed stearic acid
- Rubber grade stearic acid
- Cosmetic grade stearic acid
- Food grade stearic acid
- Stearic acid flakes
- Industrial stearic acid
- Hydrogenated stearic acid
- Examples
- Wilmar Stearic Acid
- KLK Oleo Stearic Acid
- IOI Oleochemical Stearic Acid
- BASF Stearic Acid
- Emery Oleochemicals Stearic Acid
Codes often confused with 3823.11
Common mistake. Could be confused with other fatty acids under 382319 if not specifically stearic acid, or with fatty alcohols under 382370 due to similar chemical origins and industrial uses.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 382311, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 382311 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% 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 Indonesia $759M 47% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $496M 31% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $99M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $258M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $115M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $109M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 3823.11
Brazil does not split HS 3823.11: its NCM code is 3823.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.23 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 3823.11
What is HS code 382311?
HS code 382311 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining; stearic acid. This HS code specifically covers stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid, and acid oils derived from refining processes. Stearic acid is a fundamental chemical commodity with widespread industrial applications, making it a key component in various manufacturing sectors. Major importers and exporters include manufacturers of plastics, rubber, cosmetics, candles, soaps, lubricants, and food additives, as well as chemical distributors. The trade focuses on different grades of stearic acid, which are used as hardening agents, lubricants, emulsifiers, and mold release agents, with purity levels varying significantly depending on the end-use application.
What products fall under HS code 382311?
Triple pressed stearic acid, rubber grade stearic acid, cosmetic grade stearic acid, food grade stearic acid, stearic acid flakes, industrial stearic acid, hydrogenated stearic acid
What are common misclassifications for HS code 382311?
Could be confused with other fatty acids under 382319 if not specifically stearic acid, or with fatty alcohols under 382370 due to similar chemical origins and industrial uses.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 382311?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 382311 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($759M, 47% of world exports), Malaysia ($496M) and the Netherlands ($99M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 382311?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 382311 in UN Comtrade data were China ($258M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($115M) and the United States ($109M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 382311 structured?
HS code 382311 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (23) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 382311?
In Brazil, HS code 382311 is NCM 3823.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.