Product classification
HS code for Acetic anhydride: 2915.24
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, acetic anhydride.
Classification of acetic anhydride under HS 2915.24
Acetic anhydride, with the chemical formula (CH3CO)2O, is an organic compound classified under HS code 291524. This code is found within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2915 is dedicated to saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. The subheading 291524 precisely identifies "acetic anhydride," recognizing its unique chemical structure as an acid anhydride formed by the dehydration of two acetic acid molecules. Its distinct reactivity, particularly as a potent acetylating agent, and its specific chemical identity are the primary factors determining this dedicated classification, separating it from the parent acid, its salts, or its esters.
- Covers
- Pure acetic anhydride
- Acetic anhydride in various industrial grades
- Laboratory-grade acetic anhydride
- Also under 2915.24
- Celanese Acetic Anhydride
- Eastman Acetic Anhydride
- BP Acetic Anhydride
- Daicel Acetic Anhydride
Codes often confused with 2915.24
Common mistake. Acetic anhydride (291524) is often confused with acetic acid or its other derivatives. HS code 291521 is for "Acetic acid," which is the parent carboxylic acid. Acetic anhydride is a distinct compound formed from acetic acid but possesses different chemical properties and reactivity, particularly its strong acetylating capability. Another common misclassification involves HS code 291539, which covers "Esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3." Esters are formed from an acid and an alcohol, whereas anhydrides are formed from two acid molecules with the loss of water. These are fundamentally different chemical classes and require distinct HS classifications. Accurate identification of the functional group is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291524 (the code used for acetic anhydride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291524 (the code used for acetic anhydride) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 291524, not only acetic anhydride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $55M 26% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $44M 21% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $39M 19% of world exports
World total: $211M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $74M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $65M 19% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $43M 13% of world imports
World total: $343M 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 acetic anhydride
Brazil classifies acetic anhydride under NCM 2915.24.00: HS 2915.24 with 00 added.
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 anhydride
What is the HS code for Acetic anhydride?
The HS code for Acetic anhydride is 291524 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic anhydride). The HS code for Acetic anhydride is 291524. This code specifically designates acetic anhydride as a distinct organic chemical within the broader category of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives, reflecting its unique chemical structure and properties.
How do I classify Acetic anhydride for customs?
Acetic anhydride is classified under HS code 291524 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic anhydride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the main industrial uses of Acetic anhydride?
Acetic anhydride is a critical industrial chemical with several significant applications. Its primary use is in the production of cellulose acetate, which is vital for manufacturing photographic films, textile fibers, and cigarette filters. It is also a key reagent in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, notably aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), and various other organic compounds. Furthermore, it serves as a dehydrating agent and a powerful acetylating agent in numerous organic synthesis processes.
Which countries are the top exporters of acetic anhydride (HS 291524)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291524 (the code used for acetic anhydride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($55M, 26% of world exports), Belgium ($44M) and the Netherlands ($39M). World exports came to about $211M, 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 anhydride (HS 291524)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291524 (the code used for acetic anhydride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($74M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($65M) and Belgium ($43M). World imports came to about $343M, 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 anhydride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291524 for Acetic anhydride 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 anhydride in Brazil?
In Brazil, acetic anhydride (HS 291524) is classified under NCM 2915.24.00.