Product classification
HS code for Benzaldehyde: 2912.21
Aldehydes, cyclic, without other oxygen function, benzaldehyde.
Classification of benzaldehyde under HS 2912.21
Benzaldehyde is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 291221 due to its chemical structure as a cyclic aldehyde without other oxygen functions. HS Chapter 29 is dedicated to "Organic chemicals." Within this chapter, Heading 2912 covers "Aldehydes, whether or not with other oxygen function; cyclic polymers of aldehydes; paraformaldehyde." The subheading 291221 specifically identifies "Benzaldehyde" under the broader category of "Cyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function." This precise classification accurately reflects benzaldehyde's molecular composition, featuring a benzene ring directly attached to an aldehyde group, and its lack of additional oxygen-containing functional groups beyond the aldehyde. Its explicit mention ensures consistent international trade classification.
- Covers
- Pure benzaldehyde
- Benzaldehyde for flavor and fragrance industries
- Benzaldehyde as a chemical intermediate
- Synthetic benzaldehyde
- Food-grade benzaldehyde
- Also under 2912.21
- Sigma-Aldrich Benzaldehyde
- BASF Benzaldehyde
- Merck KGaA Benzaldehyde
- TCI Chemicals Benzaldehyde
Codes often confused with 2912.21
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for benzaldehyde often involve other aldehydes or derivatives. HS code 291211, which covers "Formaldehyde," is sometimes confused. Formaldehyde is an acyclic aldehyde, structurally distinct from the cyclic nature of benzaldehyde. Another potential misclassification is HS code 291229, designated for "Other cyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function." This is a residual category for cyclic aldehydes not specifically enumerated. Since benzaldehyde is explicitly named in 291221, it should not be classified under this general "other" category. Furthermore, HS code 2913 pertains to "Halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of products of heading 2912," which are modified forms of aldehydes, not the base benzaldehyde compound itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291221 (the code used for benzaldehyde), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291221 (the code used for benzaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 291221, not only benzaldehyde.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $29M 43% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $9.8M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $7.4M 11% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $18M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $14M 16% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $10M 12% of world imports
World total: $86M 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 code for benzaldehyde
Brazil classifies benzaldehyde under NCM 2912.21.00: HS 2912.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about benzaldehyde
What is the HS code for Benzaldehyde?
The HS code for Benzaldehyde is 291221 (Aldehydes; cyclic, without other oxygen function, benzaldehyde). The HS code for benzaldehyde is 291221. This code specifically covers benzaldehyde as a cyclic aldehyde without other oxygen functions, ensuring its precise chemical classification.
How do I classify Benzaldehyde for customs?
Benzaldehyde is classified under HS code 291221 — Aldehydes; cyclic, without other oxygen function, benzaldehyde. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial applications of benzaldehyde?
Benzaldehyde is primarily used as a flavoring agent, particularly for almond flavor, in the fragrance industry, and as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including dyes and pharmaceuticals.
Which countries are the top exporters of benzaldehyde (HS 291221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291221 (the code used for benzaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data were China ($29M, 43% of world exports), the Netherlands ($9.8M) and Belgium ($7.4M). World exports came to about $68M, 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 benzaldehyde (HS 291221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291221 (the code used for benzaldehyde) in UN Comtrade data were India ($18M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($14M) and the United Kingdom ($10M). World imports came to about $86M, 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 Benzaldehyde the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291221 for Benzaldehyde 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 benzaldehyde in Brazil?
In Brazil, benzaldehyde (HS 291221) is classified under NCM 2912.21.00.