Product classification

HS code for Acrylic acid: 2916.11

Acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, acrylic acid and its salts.

Classification of acrylic acid under HS 2916.11

Acrylic acid is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 291611 due to its specific chemical structure as an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. HS Chapter 29 is dedicated to organic chemicals, providing a detailed classification system based on chemical composition and functional groups. Within this chapter, Heading 2916 covers acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their derivatives. Subheading 2916.11 is precisely designated for "Unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acrylic acid and its salts." Acrylic acid (CH2=CHCOOH) is the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid, featuring a carbon-carbon double bond (making it unsaturated) and a single carboxylic acid group (making it monocarboxylic). Its acyclic nature means it does not form a ring structure. The explicit mention of "acrylic acid" within this subheading provides a clear and unambiguous classification for this crucial chemical intermediate, ensuring consistent identification in international trade.

Covers
  • Acrylic acid (propenoic acid)
  • Glacial acrylic acid
  • Sodium acrylate
  • Potassium acrylate
  • Ammonium acrylate
  • Acrylic acid solutions
Also under 2916.11
  • BASF (acrylic acid)
  • Dow Chemical (acrylic acid)
  • Arkema (acrylic acid)
  • Nippon Shokubai (acrylic acid)

Codes often confused with 2916.11

Common mistake. Acrylic acid can sometimes be confused with other carboxylic acids or related unsaturated compounds. A common misclassification might involve HS 2915.21, which covers Acetic acid. While both are carboxylic acids, acetic acid is a saturated monocarboxylic acid (CH3COOH), lacking the carbon-carbon double bond present in acrylic acid. This fundamental structural difference is key for accurate classification. Another potential point of confusion is with HS 2916.12, which covers Methacrylic acid. Methacrylic acid is also an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid, but it differs from acrylic acid by having a methyl group attached to the alpha-carbon of the double bond. Careful attention to the specific chemical structure and the presence or absence of saturation and substituents is essential for correct HS classification.

2915.21Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid2916.12Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acrylic acid

Top exporters and importers of HS 291611 (the code used for acrylic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291611 (the code used for acrylic acid) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 12% 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 291611, not only acrylic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $204M
  2. 2 Germany $86M
  3. 3 China $63M

World total: $730M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $76M
  2. 2 China $52M
  3. 3 France $46M

World total: $627M 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 acrylic acid

Brazil splits HS 2916.11 into 2 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 acrylic acid

What is the HS code for Acrylic acid?

The HS code for Acrylic acid is 291611 (Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acrylic acid and its salts). The Harmonized System (HS) code for Acrylic acid is 291611. This code specifically identifies it as an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid, explicitly naming "acrylic acid and its salts."

How do I classify Acrylic acid for customs?

Acrylic acid is classified under HS code 291611 — Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acrylic acid and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What are the main applications of Acrylic acid?

Acrylic acid is a vital chemical building block with diverse applications. Its primary use is in the production of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are extensively used in diapers and feminine hygiene products. It is also a key monomer for manufacturing acrylic esters, which are then used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and textiles. Furthermore, it is utilized in the production of various polymers and copolymers for water treatment and detergents.

Which countries are the top exporters of acrylic acid (HS 291611)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291611 (the code used for acrylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($204M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($86M) and China ($63M). World exports came to about $730M, 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 acrylic acid (HS 291611)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291611 (the code used for acrylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($76M, 12% of world imports), China ($52M) and France ($46M). World imports came to about $627M, 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 Acrylic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291611 for Acrylic 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 acrylic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291611 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for acrylic acid depends on the product's details: 2916.11.10 (Acrylic acid), 2916.11.20 (Salts of acrylic acid).