Product classification

HS code for Benzilic acid: 2918.17

Acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid).

Classification of benzilic acid under HS 2918.17

Benzilic acid, chemically known as 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid, is classified under HS code 2918.17. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals. Within this chapter, heading 2918 is reserved for carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions (such as alcohol, phenol, aldehyde, or ketone functions) and their derivatives. Benzilic acid contains both a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl (alcohol) group on the same carbon skeleton, which necessitates its placement in 2918. Subheading 2918.17 is a specific provision for this chemical due to its significance in various chemical syntheses and its status as a monitored precursor under international conventions. The classification is determined by the molecular structure of the compound, following the rules for pure organic chemicals. Benzilic acid is an aromatic hydroxy-acid, and because it is specifically named in the 2918.17 subheading, it must be classified there rather than in a more general category like 2918.19. This level of specificity is crucial for regulatory compliance, as benzilic acid is a precursor in the manufacture of certain pharmaceuticals and is also monitored under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as a Schedule 2 substance. Accurate classification ensures that the necessary permits and declarations are filed with customs and chemical weapons authorities.

Covers
  • Pure benzilic acid (2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid)
  • Salts of benzilic acid
  • Esters of benzilic acid
  • Technical grade benzilic acid
  • Benzilic acid powder for laboratory use
Also under 2918.17
  • Sigma-Aldrich (reagent)
  • TCI Chemicals (intermediate)
  • Alfa Aesar (research chemical)

Codes often confused with 2918.17

Common mistake. Benzilic acid is sometimes misclassified under 2916, which covers unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, or 2917, which covers polycarboxylic acids. However, because benzilic acid contains a hydroxyl group (alcohol function), it must be placed in 2918. Another error is using the general code 2918.19 for other hydroxy-acids. Since 2918.17 is the specific code for benzilic acid, using the general code is a violation of the principle of specificity in the HS system.

29.16Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic, cyclic monocarboxylic, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives29.17Acids; polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxy-acids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives29.18Acids; carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives2918.19Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), other than lactic, tartaric, citric, and gluconic acids and their salts and esters

Top exporters and importers of HS 291817 (the code used for benzilic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291817 (the code used for benzilic acid) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 52% 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 291817, not only benzilic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Netherlands $1.5M
  2. 2 United States $870K
  3. 3 Malaysia $125K

World total: $2.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $631K
  2. 2 India $335K
  3. 3 Argentina $133K

World total: $1.2M 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 benzilic acid

Brazil classifies benzilic acid under NCM 2918.17.00: HS 2918.17 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about benzilic acid

What is the HS code for Benzilic acid?

The HS code for Benzilic acid is 291817 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid)). The specific international HS code for benzilic acid is 2918.17.

How do I classify Benzilic acid for customs?

Benzilic acid is classified under HS code 291817 — Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is benzilic acid a controlled substance?

Yes, it is often monitored as a precursor for chemical agents and may require special import/export licenses depending on the jurisdiction.

Which countries are the top exporters of benzilic acid (HS 291817)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291817 (the code used for benzilic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.5M, 57% of world exports), the United States ($870K) and Malaysia ($125K). World exports came to about $2.6M, 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 benzilic acid (HS 291817)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291817 (the code used for benzilic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($631K, 52% of world imports), India ($335K) and Argentina ($133K). World imports came to about $1.2M, 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 Benzilic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291817 for Benzilic 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 benzilic acid in Brazil?

In Brazil, benzilic acid (HS 291817) is classified under NCM 2918.17.00.