Product classification
HS code for Acetaldehyde: 2912.12
Aldehydes, acyclic, without other oxygen function, ethanal (acetaldehyde).
Classification of acetaldehyde under HS 2912.12
Acetaldehyde, also known as ethanal, is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 2912.12. This classification falls within Chapter 29 of the HS, which covers Organic Chemicals. Specifically, Heading 2912 is dedicated to Aldehydes, whether or not with other oxygen function; cyclic polymers of aldehydes; paraformaldehyde. The subheading 2912.12 precisely identifies "ethanal (acetaldehyde)" within the broader category of acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function. This specific designation is critical because it directly names the compound, ensuring accurate and unambiguous classification based on its chemical structure as a two-carbon aldehyde and its common nomenclature. The absence of other oxygen functions (like hydroxyl or carboxyl groups) further refines its placement within the 2912.1x series, distinguishing it from more complex aldehydes.
- Covers
- Acetaldehyde
- Ethanal
- Acetaldehyde solutions (where acetaldehyde is the predominant organic chemical)
- Also under 2912.12
- Celanese Acetaldehyde
- Eastman Acetaldehyde
- Wacker Acetaldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.12
Common mistake. Common misclassification for acetaldehyde (2912.12) often involves other aldehydes. For instance, formaldehyde (methanal) is classified under HS code 2912.11, and other acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function are grouped under 2912.19. The key distinction for 2912.12 is the explicit mention of "ethanal (acetaldehyde)." Misclassification can occur if the specific chemical identity is not precisely recognized, leading to its placement in a more general "other acyclic aldehydes" category like 2912.19. Furthermore, compounds with aldehyde groups that also possess other oxygen functions, such as hydroxyaldehydes or carboxyaldehydes, would fall under different subheadings within 2912 (e.g., 2912.2x or 2912.3x), highlighting the importance of the "without other oxygen function" descriptor.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291212 (the code used for acetaldehyde), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291212 (the code used for acetaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% 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 291212, not only acetaldehyde.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $22M 67% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $3.0M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.7M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $33M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $12M 28% of world imports
- 2 Spain $8.5M 19% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $5.7M 13% of world imports
World total: $44M 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 acetaldehyde
Brazil classifies acetaldehyde under NCM 2912.12.00: HS 2912.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acetaldehyde
What is the HS code for Acetaldehyde?
The HS code for Acetaldehyde is 291212 (Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, ethanal (acetaldehyde)). The HS code for Acetaldehyde is 2912.12. This code specifically identifies ethanal, which is the systematic name for acetaldehyde, within the category of acyclic aldehydes without additional oxygen-containing functional groups.
How do I classify Acetaldehyde for customs?
Acetaldehyde is classified under HS code 291212 — Aldehydes; acyclic, without other oxygen function, ethanal (acetaldehyde). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial applications of Acetaldehyde?
Acetaldehyde is a crucial intermediate in organic synthesis. It is widely used in the production of acetic acid, acetic anhydride, ethyl acetate, peracetic acid, and pyridine bases. It also serves as a precursor for various resins, plastics, and rubber accelerators. Its versatility makes it valuable across chemical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.
Which countries are the top exporters of acetaldehyde (HS 291212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291212 (the code used for acetaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($22M, 67% of world exports), Switzerland ($3.0M) and the United States ($2.7M). World exports came to about $33M, 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 acetaldehyde (HS 291212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291212 (the code used for acetaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($12M, 28% of world imports), Spain ($8.5M) and Switzerland ($5.7M). World imports came to about $44M, 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 Acetaldehyde the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291212 for Acetaldehyde 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 acetaldehyde in Brazil?
In Brazil, acetaldehyde (HS 291212) is classified under NCM 2912.12.00.