Product classification
HS code for Ascorbic acid: 2936.27
Vitamins, vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed.
Classification of ascorbic acid under HS 2936.27
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is classified under HS code 2936.27. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2936 is dedicated to provitamins and vitamins, whether natural or reproduced by synthesis. Subheading 2936.27 specifically covers Vitamin C and its derivatives. This classification applies to the chemical in its pure form or as unmixed derivatives used as raw materials in the pharmaceutical, food, or cosmetic industries. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule (C6H8O6). Even if the product is intended for use as a food additive or an antioxidant, it remains in Chapter 29 as long as it is a separate chemically defined compound and not prepared as a medicament or a retail food supplement.
- Covers
- Pure L-ascorbic acid powder
- Sodium ascorbate (unmixed)
- Calcium ascorbate (unmixed)
- Ascorbyl palmitate
- Ascorbic acid crystals for industrial use
- Also under 2936.27
- DSM
- BASF
- Shandong Luwei Pharmaceutical
- North China Pharmaceutical Group
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group
Codes often confused with 2936.27
Common mistake. Ascorbic acid is frequently misclassified under 3004.50 if it is packaged as a medicine in measured doses for retail sale. It is also often confused with 2106.90, which covers food preparations and supplements not elsewhere specified. If the ascorbic acid is mixed with other vitamins or minerals, it moves from 2936.27 to 2936.90. Additionally, it should not be confused with other organic acids like citric acid, which is classified under 2918.14.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293627 (the code used for ascorbic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293627 (the code used for ascorbic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 293627, not only ascorbic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $636M 59% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $113M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $108M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $235M 18% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $106M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $99M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 ascorbic acid
Brazil splits HS 2936.27 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2936.27.10Vitamin C (L- or DL-ascorbic acid)
- 2936.27.20Sodium ascorbate (vitamin C)
- 2936.27.90Other vitamin C derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ascorbic acid
What is the HS code for Ascorbic acid?
The HS code for Ascorbic acid is 293627 (Vitamins; vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for pure, unmixed ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and its derivatives is 2936.27.
How do I classify Ascorbic acid for customs?
Ascorbic acid is classified under HS code 293627 — Vitamins; vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code is used if it is sold as a retail vitamin supplement?
If it is prepared as a food supplement for retail sale, it is typically classified under 2106.90, or 3004.50 if it meets the criteria for a medicament.
Which countries are the top exporters of ascorbic acid (HS 293627)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293627 (the code used for ascorbic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($636M, 59% of world exports), the Netherlands ($113M) and the United States ($108M). 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 ascorbic acid (HS 293627)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293627 (the code used for ascorbic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($235M, 18% of world imports), the Netherlands ($106M) and Germany ($99M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Ascorbic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293627 for Ascorbic 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 ascorbic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293627 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for ascorbic acid depends on the product's details: 2936.27.10 (Vitamin C (L- or DL-ascorbic acid)), 2936.27.20 (Sodium ascorbate (vitamin C)), 2936.27.90 (Other vitamin C derivatives).