Product classification

HS code for Aspirin: 2918.22

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

Classification of aspirin under HS 2918.22

Aspirin, chemically known as o-acetylsalicylic acid, is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 291822. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2918 is designated for carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions. The description for 291822 explicitly names "o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters," directly identifying Aspirin in its bulk chemical form. This code is appropriate for the pure chemical compound, distinguishing it from finished pharmaceutical products.

Covers
  • O-acetylsalicylic acid in bulk form
  • Aspirin salts (e.g., sodium acetylsalicylate)
  • Aspirin esters
  • Raw material o-acetylsalicylic acid for pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Intermediate chemical compounds of o-acetylsalicylic acid
Also under 2918.22

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

Codes often confused with 2918.22

Common mistake. A common misclassification for Aspirin involves HS code 3004, 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. While Aspirin is a medicament, 291822 is specifically for the bulk chemical compound. Finished pharmaceutical preparations of Aspirin, such as tablets or capsules packaged for retail, are correctly classified under 3004. Another potential confusion is with HS code 291821, which covers salicylic acid and its salts. Salicylic acid is a precursor to Aspirin, but Aspirin itself is acetylsalicylic acid, a distinct chemical compound.

30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed 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 aspirin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291822 (the code used for aspirin) 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 aspirin.

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 aspirin

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 aspirin

What is the HS code for Aspirin?

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

How do I classify Aspirin for customs?

Aspirin 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.

Is prepared Aspirin (e.g., tablets) classified under 291822?

No, finished pharmaceutical preparations of Aspirin, such as tablets, capsules, or other forms put up in measured doses or for retail sale, are typically classified under HS code 3004. HS 291822 specifically covers o-acetylsalicylic acid as a bulk chemical compound, not as a finished medicinal product.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291822 (the code used for aspirin) 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 aspirin (HS 291822)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291822 (the code used for aspirin) 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 Aspirin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291822 for Aspirin 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 aspirin in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291822 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for aspirin 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).