HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3823.12 – Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining; oleic acid
HS code 3823.12 is the 6-digit subheading for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining, oleic acid. It is used for pharmaceutical grade oleic acid, cosmetic grade oleic acid, technical grade oleic acid, food grade oleic acid and red oil (crude oleic acid).
What HS 3823.12 covers
This HS code is dedicated to oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, and related acid oils from refining processes. Oleic acid is highly valued for its emollient, emulsifying, and lubricating properties, making it a versatile ingredient across multiple industries. Key importers and exporters include companies in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, textile, and lubricant sectors, alongside general chemical suppliers. The trade in oleic acid is driven by its utility as an emulsifier, softener, and lubricant, playing a crucial role in soap manufacturing and as a component in various industrial oils, with different grades available for specific applications.
- Covers
- Pharmaceutical grade oleic acid
- Cosmetic grade oleic acid
- Technical grade oleic acid
- Food grade oleic acid
- Red oil (crude oleic acid)
- High-purity oleic acid
- Industrial oleic acid
- Examples
- Croda Oleic Acid
- BASF Oleic Acid
- Emery Oleochemicals Oleic Acid
- Wilmar Oleic Acid
- KLK Oleo Oleic Acid
Codes often confused with 3823.12
Common mistake. Often confused with other fatty acids in 382319, especially if not clearly specified as oleic acid, or with fatty alcohols in 382370 due to similar industrial applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 382312, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 382312 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% 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 $217M 35% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $205M 33% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $44M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $612M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $127M 20% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $56M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $39M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $631M 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 3823.12
Brazil does not split HS 3823.12: its NCM code is 3823.12.00.
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 3823.12
What is HS code 382312?
HS code 382312 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining; oleic acid. This HS code is dedicated to oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, and related acid oils from refining processes. Oleic acid is highly valued for its emollient, emulsifying, and lubricating properties, making it a versatile ingredient across multiple industries. Key importers and exporters include companies in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, textile, and lubricant sectors, alongside general chemical suppliers. The trade in oleic acid is driven by its utility as an emulsifier, softener, and lubricant, playing a crucial role in soap manufacturing and as a component in various industrial oils, with different grades available for specific applications.
What products fall under HS code 382312?
Pharmaceutical grade oleic acid, cosmetic grade oleic acid, technical grade oleic acid, food grade oleic acid, red oil (crude oleic acid), high-purity oleic acid, industrial oleic acid
What are common misclassifications for HS code 382312?
Often confused with other fatty acids in 382319, especially if not clearly specified as oleic acid, or with fatty alcohols in 382370 due to similar industrial applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 382312?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 382312 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($217M, 35% of world exports), Malaysia ($205M) and Belgium ($44M). World exports came to about $612M, 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 382312?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 382312 in UN Comtrade data were China ($127M, 20% of world imports), Malaysia ($56M) and South Korea ($39M). World imports came to about $631M, 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 382312 structured?
HS code 382312 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 382312?
In Brazil, HS code 382312 is NCM 3823.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.