Product classification
HS code for 2,4,5-T herbicide: 2918.91
Acids, carboxylic acids, with additional oxygen function (not alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone) and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids, 2,4,5-T (ISO) (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), its salts and esters.
Classification of 2,4,5-T herbicide under HS 2918.91
2,4,5-T herbicide, specifically 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, is classified under HS code 2918.91. This classification is based on its chemical structure as a carboxylic acid possessing an additional oxygen function (an ether linkage), which is neither an alcohol, phenol, aldehyde, nor ketone. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2918 is dedicated to carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions and their derivatives. The subheading 2918.91 precisely identifies "2,4,5-T (ISO) (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), its salts and esters," ensuring accurate and consistent classification for international trade and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (pure chemical)
- Salts of 2,4,5-T (e.g., sodium salt, amine salts)
- Esters of 2,4,5-T (e.g., butyl ester, isooctyl ester)
- Also under 2918.91
- Dow Chemical (historical producer)
- Monsanto (historical producer)
- generic agrochemical companies (historical)
Codes often confused with 2918.91
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for 2,4,5-T herbicide often arise from confusion with other phenoxyacetic acid derivatives or with formulated products. It might be confused with 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), which is classified under HS code 2918.99 as "other" carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function. Another frequent error is classifying formulated herbicide preparations containing 2,4,5-T under 2918.91; however, such preparations are generally classified under HS code 3808, specifically 3808.93 for herbicides. The distinction is crucial: 2918.91 is for the pure chemical substance and its direct derivatives, while 3808 is for mixtures or preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291891 (the code used for 2,4,5-T herbicide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291891 (the code used for 2,4,5-T herbicide) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 61% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 291891, not only 2,4,5-T herbicide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$83K 46% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $47K 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $43K 23% of world exports
World total: $183K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $4.3M 61% of world imports
- 2 France $2.0M 29% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $369K 5.2% of world imports
World total: $7.1M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 2,4,5-T herbicide
Brazil classifies 2,4,5-T herbicide under NCM 2918.91.00: HS 2918.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about 2,4,5-T herbicide
What is the HS code for 2,4,5-T herbicide?
The HS code for 2,4,5-T herbicide is 291891 (Acids; carboxylic acids, with additional oxygen function (not alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone) and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; 2,4,5-T (ISO) (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), its salts and esters). The HS code for the pure chemical substance 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), its salts, and esters, is 2918.91. This code specifically identifies these chemical forms within the category of carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions.
How do I classify 2,4,5-T herbicide for customs?
2,4,5-T herbicide is classified under HS code 291891 — Acids; carboxylic acids, with additional oxygen function (not alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone) and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; 2,4,5-T (ISO) (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), its salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a formulated herbicide containing 2,4,5-T classified under 2918.91?
No, a formulated herbicide preparation containing 2,4,5-T is generally not classified under 2918.91. Formulated herbicide preparations, which are mixtures designed for specific applications, are typically classified under HS code 3808, specifically 3808.93 for herbicides, as they are considered preparations rather than pure chemical substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of 2,4,5-T herbicide (HS 291891)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291891 (the code used for 2,4,5-T herbicide) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $83K, 46% of world exports), India ($47K) and the United States ($43K). World exports came to about $183K, 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 2,4,5-T herbicide (HS 291891)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291891 (the code used for 2,4,5-T herbicide) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($4.3M, 61% of world imports), France ($2.0M) and Egypt ($369K). World imports came to about $7.1M, 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.
Is the HS code for 2,4,5-T herbicide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291891 for 2,4,5-T herbicide is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for 2,4,5-T herbicide in Brazil?
In Brazil, 2,4,5-T herbicide (HS 291891) is classified under NCM 2918.91.00.