Product classification
HS code for Benzoyl chloride: 2916.32
Acids, aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride.
Classification of benzoyl chloride under HS 2916.32
Benzoyl chloride is classified under HS code 2916.32 because it is an aromatic monocarboxylic acid derivative. Specifically, it is the acid chloride of benzoic acid. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2916 covers unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, cyclic monocarboxylic acids, and their derivatives such as halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Benzoyl chloride (C7H5ClO) is explicitly listed in the subheading 2916.32 alongside benzoyl peroxide. The classification is determined by its chemical structure as a halogenated derivative of an aromatic acid. As a highly reactive intermediate used in the production of dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals, its identity as a pure chemical compound necessitates classification within the organic chemistry chapter rather than as a finished chemical product.
- Covers
- Benzoyl chloride (technical or reagent grade)
- Benzenecarbonyl chloride
- Liquid benzoyl chloride for industrial synthesis
- Benzoyl peroxide (often grouped in the same subheading)
- Also under 2916.32
- Arkema (benzoyl peroxide)
- Nouryon (benzoyl peroxide)
- Spectrum Chemical (benzoyl chloride)
- Sigma-Aldrich (benzoyl chloride)
Codes often confused with 2916.32
Common mistake. Benzoyl chloride is sometimes misclassified under HS code 2916.31, which is the specific code for benzoic acid, its salts, and its esters. While chemically related, the acid chloride is a distinct functional group that requires the 2916.32 designation. Another common error is classification under 2915.90 for other acyclic monocarboxylic acids; however, because benzoyl chloride contains a benzene ring, it must be classified under the aromatic section of heading 2916. Importers must ensure the aromatic nature of the compound is recognized to avoid using the general halogenated derivative codes in 2904.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291632 (the code used for benzoyl chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291632 (the code used for benzoyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 291632, not only benzoyl chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $37M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $29M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $24M 15% of world exports
World total: $167M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $23M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $18M 10% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $11M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $182M 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 benzoyl chloride
Brazil splits HS 2916.32 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2916.32.10Benzoyl peroxide
- 2916.32.20Benzoyl chloride
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about benzoyl chloride
What is the HS code for Benzoyl chloride?
The HS code for Benzoyl chloride is 291632 (Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride). The specific HS code for benzoyl chloride is 2916.32.
How do I classify Benzoyl chloride for customs?
Benzoyl chloride is classified under HS code 291632 — Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, benzoyl peroxide and benzoyl chloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is benzoyl chloride classified differently if it is diluted?
If benzoyl chloride is dissolved in a solvent and forms a prepared chemical mixture, it may move to Chapter 38, but as a pure or chemically defined compound, it remains in 2916.32.
Which countries are the top exporters of benzoyl chloride (HS 291632)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291632 (the code used for benzoyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($37M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($29M) and China ($24M). World exports came to about $167M, 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 benzoyl chloride (HS 291632)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291632 (the code used for benzoyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($23M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($18M) and the United Kingdom ($11M). World imports came to about $182M, 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 Benzoyl chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291632 for Benzoyl chloride 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 benzoyl chloride in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291632 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for benzoyl chloride depends on the product's details: 2916.32.10 (Benzoyl peroxide), 2916.32.20 (Benzoyl chloride).