Product classification

HS code for Acetylsalicylic acid: 2918.22

Acids, carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters.

Classification of acetylsalicylic acid under HS 2918.22

Acetylsalicylic acid, widely recognized by the trade name Aspirin, is classified under HS code 2918.22. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the chemical structure of the substance. Chapter 29 of the HS nomenclature is dedicated to organic chemicals. Within this chapter, heading 2918 covers carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, as well as their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Sub-heading 2918.22 is specifically reserved for o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts, and its esters. This classification applies to the chemical in its bulk, raw form, typically appearing as a white crystalline powder or granules. The classification is determined by the presence of the phenol function without other oxygen functions, as defined by the chemical's molecular structure. It is crucial for importers and exporters to distinguish between the raw chemical substance and the finished pharmaceutical product. The bulk chemical is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and is classified here, whereas the final dosage forms are classified in Chapter 30. The salts and esters of this acid, such as sodium acetylsalicylate, also fall under this specific code, provided they are not yet formulated into a final medicament.

Covers
  • Bulk acetylsalicylic acid powder
  • Acetylsalicylic acid crystals
  • Sodium acetylsalicylate (salt)
  • Calcium acetylsalicylate (salt)
  • Methyl acetylsalicylate (ester)
  • Ethyl acetylsalicylate (ester)
Also under 2918.22

Bayer Aspirin, St. Joseph Aspirin, generic Aspirin brands (e.g., Kirkland Signature)

Codes often confused with 2918.22

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3004.90, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. If the acetylsalicylic acid is pressed into tablets or packaged for consumer use as Aspirin, it must be moved from 2918.22 to 3004.90. Another common error is confusing it with 2918.21, which is the HS code for salicylic acid, the precursor chemical that lacks the acetyl group.

3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale2918.21Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts

Top exporters and importers of HS 291822 (the code used for acetylsalicylic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291822 (the code used for acetylsalicylic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 291822, not only acetylsalicylic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $20M
  2. 2 Spain $17M
  3. 3 Thailand $7.1M

World total: $54M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $13M
  2. 2 Italy $6.1M
  3. 3 Germany $5.5M

World total: $62M 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 acetylsalicylic acid

Brazil splits HS 2918.22 into 4 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.

Questions about acetylsalicylic acid

What is the HS code for Acetylsalicylic acid?

The HS code for Acetylsalicylic acid is 291822 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters). The HS code for acetylsalicylic acid in its bulk, primary chemical form is 2918.22.

How do I classify Acetylsalicylic acid for customs?

Acetylsalicylic acid is classified under HS code 291822 — Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does the classification change if the product is in tablet form?

If the acetylsalicylic acid is prepared in measured doses, such as tablets or capsules, or packaged for retail sale as a medicine, it is classified under HS code 3004.90 instead of 2918.22.

Which countries are the top exporters of acetylsalicylic acid (HS 291822)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291822 (the code used for acetylsalicylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($20M, 37% of world exports), Spain ($17M) and Thailand ($7.1M). World exports came to about $54M, 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 acetylsalicylic acid (HS 291822)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291822 (the code used for acetylsalicylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 21% of world imports), Italy ($6.1M) and Germany ($5.5M). World imports came to about $62M, 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 Acetylsalicylic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291822 for Acetylsalicylic acid 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 acetylsalicylic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291822 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for acetylsalicylic acid depends on the product's details: 2918.22.11 (o-Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)), 2918.22.12 (Aluminium o-acetylsalicylate), 2918.22.19 (Other salts of o-acetylsalicylic acid), 2918.22.20 (Esters of o-acetylsalicylic acid).