Product classification

HS code for Adipic acid: 2917.12

Acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, adipic acid, its salts and esters.

Classification of adipic acid under HS 2917.12

Adipic acid is classified under HS code 291712, which specifically covers "Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; adipic acid, its salts and esters." This classification is found within Chapter 29, dedicated to organic chemicals. Adipic acid, also known as hexanedioic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid, meaning it contains two carboxyl functional groups. Its acyclic (open-chain) structure and the presence of multiple carboxylic acid groups place it firmly within the "acyclic polycarboxylic acids" category. The heading explicitly names adipic acid, along with its corresponding salts and esters, ensuring a precise classification for this important industrial chemical. Its classification as a pure organic chemical distinguishes it from mixtures or preparations where it might be an ingredient.

Covers
  • Adipic acid (hexanedioic acid)
  • Disodium adipate
  • Diethyl adipate
  • Dimethyl adipate
  • Adipoyl chloride (as an ester derivative)
Also under 2917.12
  • Invista Adipic Acid
  • BASF Adipic Acid
  • Ascend Performance Materials Adipic Acid
  • Lanxess Adipic Acid

Codes often confused with 2917.12

Common mistake. Adipic acid can be subject to misclassification if its specific chemical structure or purity is not accurately identified. A common point of confusion is with other acyclic polycarboxylic acids that are not specifically adipic acid; these would fall under HS code 291719 ("Other acyclic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives"). For example, succinic acid or glutaric acid, while also acyclic dicarboxylic acids, would be classified under 291719. Another potential misclassification arises if adipic acid is part of a mixture or preparation, rather than being in its pure form. In such cases, the mixture might be classified under headings like HS code 382499 ("Other chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries") if it's a general chemical preparation, or under a more specific heading if it's a defined mixture for a particular use. The key is the purity and specific chemical identity of adipic acid.

2917.19Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; n.e.c. in item no. 2917.13824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 3824

Top exporters and importers of HS 291712 (the code used for adipic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291712 (the code used for adipic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 20% 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 291712, not only adipic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $523M
  2. 2 United States $218M
  3. 3 France $147M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $236M
  2. 2 Canada $90M
  3. 3 Türkiye $80M

World total: $1.2B 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 adipic acid

Brazil splits HS 2917.12 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 adipic acid

What is the HS code for Adipic acid?

The HS code for Adipic acid is 291712 (Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; adipic acid, its salts and esters). The HS code for adipic acid, including its salts and esters, is 291712.

How do I classify Adipic acid for customs?

Adipic acid is classified under HS code 291712 — Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; adipic acid, its salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What are the primary industrial uses of adipic acid?

Adipic acid is a crucial intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the production of nylon 6,6, which is a widely used synthetic polymer. It is also utilized in the manufacturing of polyurethanes, plasticizers, and as an acidulant in some food products.

Which countries are the top exporters of adipic acid (HS 291712)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291712 (the code used for adipic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($523M, 47% of world exports), the United States ($218M) and France ($147M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 adipic acid (HS 291712)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291712 (the code used for adipic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($236M, 20% of world imports), Canada ($90M) and Türkiye ($80M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Adipic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291712 for Adipic 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 adipic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291712 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for adipic acid depends on the product's details: 2917.12.10 (Adipic acid), 2917.12.20 (Salts and esters of adipic acid).