Product classification

HS code for Benzoic acid: 2916.31

Acids, aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters.

Classification of benzoic acid under HS 2916.31

Benzoic acid is classified under HS code 291631 due to its chemical structure as an aromatic monocarboxylic acid. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2916 specifically addresses acyclic monocarboxylic acids, cyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their derivatives. Subheading 291631 precisely identifies "Aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters." This explicit mention ensures that benzoic acid, along with its derivatives, is accurately categorized here, reflecting its chemical identity and functional group.

Covers
  • Benzoic acid
  • Sodium benzoate
  • Potassium benzoate
  • Methyl benzoate
  • Ethyl benzoate
  • Other salts and esters of benzoic acid
Also under 2916.31
  • Emerald Kalama Chemical (sodium benzoate)
  • BASF (benzoic acid)
  • Lanxess (benzoic acid)
  • DSM (sodium benzoate)

Codes often confused with 2916.31

Common mistake. Benzoic acid is sometimes confused with other organic acids. For instance, it should not be classified under HS 2918, which covers carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their derivatives. Benzoic acid's structure lacks these additional oxygen functions beyond the carboxyl group. Similarly, it differs from products under HS 2917, which pertains to polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Benzoic acid is a monocarboxylic acid, not a polycarboxylic acid, making 2917 an incorrect classification.

29.18Acids; carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives29.17Acids; polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxy-acids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

Top exporters and importers of HS 291631 (the code used for benzoic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291631 (the code used for benzoic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 291631, not only benzoic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $170M
  2. 2 Netherlands $168M
  3. 3 India $65M

World total: $644M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $73M
  2. 2 Germany $61M
  3. 3 India $47M

World total: $680M 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 benzoic acid

Brazil splits HS 2916.31 into 7 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 benzoic acid

What is the HS code for Benzoic acid?

The HS code for Benzoic acid is 291631 (Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters). The HS code for Benzoic acid is 291631, which specifically covers aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts, and esters.

How do I classify Benzoic acid for customs?

Benzoic acid is classified under HS code 291631 — Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoic acid, its salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What are the primary industrial uses of Benzoic acid?

Benzoic acid is widely used as a food preservative (E210), an intermediate in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, and in the production of various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Which countries are the top exporters of benzoic acid (HS 291631)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291631 (the code used for benzoic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($170M, 26% of world exports), the Netherlands ($168M) and India ($65M). World exports came to about $644M, 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 benzoic acid (HS 291631)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291631 (the code used for benzoic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($73M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($61M) and India ($47M). World imports came to about $680M, 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 Benzoic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291631 for Benzoic 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 benzoic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291631 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for benzoic acid depends on the product's details: 2916.31.10 (Benzoic acid), 2916.31.21 (Sodium benzoate), 2916.31.22 (Ammonium benzoate), 2916.31.29 (Other salts of benzoic acid), 2916.31.31 (Methyl benzoate), 2916.31.32 (Benzyl benzoate), and more.