Product classification

HS code for Acetic acid esters: 2915.39

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

Classification of acetic acid esters under HS 2915.39

Acetic acid esters are organic compounds formed through the esterification reaction between acetic acid and an alcohol. They are classified under HS code 291539. This code falls under Chapter 29, which pertains to organic chemicals, and specifically under heading 2915, covering saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. The subheading 291539 is designated for "Esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3." The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) clause is critical, indicating that this code encompasses a broad range of acetic acid esters that do not have their own distinct subheadings within the 2915.3 category. This classification accurately reflects their chemical nature as derivatives of acetic acid with an ester functional group.

Covers
  • Ethyl acetate
  • Butyl acetate
  • Propyl acetate
  • Methyl acetate
  • Vinyl acetate
  • Isobutyl acetate
  • Amyl 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. Acetic acid esters (291539) are frequently misclassified with the parent acid or its salts. HS code 291521 is for "Acetic acid" itself, which is the carboxylic acid, not an ester. Esters are distinct compounds formed by the reaction of acetic acid with an alcohol, possessing different chemical properties and applications. Another common point of confusion is HS code 291529, which covers "Acetic acid and its salts n.e.c. in item no. 2915.2." Salts of acetic acid, such as sodium acetate, are ionic compounds, fundamentally different from the covalent structure of esters. Accurate classification requires careful consideration of the specific functional group present in the chemical compound.

2915.21Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid2915.29Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid and its salts n.e.c. in item no. 2915.229.15Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291539 (the code used for acetic acid 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 acetic acid 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 acetic acid 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 acetic acid esters

What is the HS code for Acetic acid esters?

The HS code for Acetic acid esters is 291539 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3). The HS code for Acetic acid esters is 291539. This code is specifically for esters derived from acetic acid that are not classified under more specific subheadings within the broader category of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives.

How do I classify Acetic acid esters for customs?

Acetic acid 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.

What are the primary applications of Acetic acid esters in industry?

Acetic acid esters are widely utilized across various industries due to their excellent solvent properties and characteristic odors. They are commonly employed as solvents in paints, coatings, lacquers, and adhesives. Additionally, they are key components in the production of artificial fruit essences, fragrances, and flavorings. Some esters, like vinyl acetate, are crucial monomers for polymer production, used in adhesives and textile finishes.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291539 (the code used for acetic acid 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 acetic acid esters (HS 291539)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291539 (the code used for acetic acid 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 Acetic acid esters the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291539 for Acetic acid 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 acetic acid esters in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291539 into 21 NCM codes, so the right one for acetic acid 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.