Product classification

HS code for Acetate esters: 2915.39

Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3.

Classification of acetate esters under HS 2915.39

Acetate esters are classified under HS code 2915.39, which serves as a residual category for esters of acetic acid within the broader group of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System governs organic chemicals, and heading 2915 specifically addresses acyclic acids and their derivatives. While common esters like ethyl acetate or vinyl acetate have their own specific subheadings, 2915.39 captures a wide variety of other acetic acid esters used in industrial applications, such as solvents, flavorings, and chemical intermediates. The classification depends on the chemical structure being an ester derived from acetic acid and the absence of a more specific heading in the 2915.3 series. These chemicals are defined by the replacement of the hydrogen atom in the acetic acid carboxyl group with an alkyl or aryl group, resulting in a distinct organic compound.

Covers
  • Isobutyl acetate
  • Pentyl (amyl) acetate
  • Benzyl acetate
  • 2-Ethylhexyl acetate
  • Isopentyl acetate
Also under 2915.39
  • Eastman Methyl Acetate
  • BASF Isobutyl Acetate
  • Symrise Benzyl Acetate
  • Givaudan Linalyl Acetate

Codes often confused with 2915.39

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs when specific esters are placed in 2915.39 instead of their dedicated codes. For example, Ethyl acetate must be classified under 2915.31, Vinyl acetate under 2915.32, and n-Butyl acetate under 2915.33. Importers often default to the "other" category (2915.39) without verifying if the specific ester has a named subheading. Furthermore, if the ester contains other functional groups like oxygen-functions, it might be moved to headings 2916 or 2918 depending on the priority rules of Chapter 29.

2915.31Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; ethyl acetate2915.32Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; vinyl acetate2915.33Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; n-butyl acetate29.16Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic, cyclic monocarboxylic, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives29.18Acids; carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

Top exporters and importers of HS 291539 (the code used for acetate esters), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291539 (the code used for acetate esters) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 17% 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 291539, not only acetate esters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $979M
  2. 2 India $126M
  3. 3 Germany $125M

World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Singapore $340M
  2. 2 South Korea $134M
  3. 3 United States $124M

World total: $2.0B 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 codes for acetate esters

Brazil splits HS 2915.39 into 21 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

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 acetate esters

What is the HS code for Acetate esters?

The HS code for Acetate esters is 291539 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3). The HS code for acetate esters not specifically named elsewhere is 2915.39.

How do I classify Acetate esters for customs?

Acetate esters is classified under HS code 291539 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why is Ethyl acetate not in 2915.39?

Ethyl acetate has its own specific subheading, 2915.31, and the HS hierarchy requires using the most specific code available before using a residual "other" category.

Which countries are the top exporters of acetate esters (HS 291539)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291539 (the code used for acetate esters) in UN Comtrade data were China ($979M, 51% of world exports), India ($126M) and Germany ($125M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 acetate esters (HS 291539)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291539 (the code used for acetate esters) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($340M, 17% of world imports), South Korea ($134M) and the United States ($124M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Acetate esters the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291539 for Acetate esters 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 acetate esters in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291539 into 21 NCM codes, so the right one for acetate esters depends on the product's details: 2915.39.10 (Linalyl acetate), 2915.39.21 (Triacetin), 2915.39.29 (Other glyceryl acetates), 2915.39.31 (n-Propyl acetate), 2915.39.32 (2-Ethoxyethyl acetate), 2915.39.39 (Other C1-C8 saturated acyclic monoalcohol acetates), and more.