Product classification

HS code for Butyric acid: 2915.60

Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters.

Classification of butyric acid under HS 2915.60

Butyric acid, systematically referred to as butanoic acid, is a saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. Its classification under HS code 2915.60 is highly specific and accurate, as this subheading explicitly covers "butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters" within the broader category of "Saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives" (2915). The chemical structure of butyric acid, characterized by a four-carbon chain and a single carboxylic acid functional group, directly aligns with the "butanoic acids" mentioned in the description. This classification reflects its nature as a fundamental organic acid, widely utilized in various chemical syntheses, as a flavoring agent, and in the production of pharmaceuticals. Its inclusion in Chapter 29, dedicated to organic chemicals, is based on its defined molecular structure and industrial applications.

Covers
  • Butanoic acid
  • Isobutyric acid (2-methylpropanoic acid)
  • Salts of butanoic acid (e.g., sodium butyrate, calcium butyrate)
  • Esters of butanoic acid (e.g., methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, butyl butyrate)
  • Pentanoic acid (valeric acid) and its isomers
  • Salts and esters of pentanoic acid
Also under 2915.60
  • BASF Butyric Acid
  • Eastman Isobutyric Acid
  • Sigma-Aldrich Valeric Acid
  • Symrise Ethyl Butyrate

Codes often confused with 2915.60

Common mistake. Misclassification of butyric acid can occur if the specific carbon chain length of the carboxylic acid is not precisely identified. HS 2915.29, which covers "Other acetic acid", is a common point of confusion, as acetic acid is a two-carbon carboxylic acid, distinct from the four-carbon butyric acid. Similarly, HS 2915.39, for "Other esters of acetic acid", would be incorrect for esters of butanoic acid. While both are esters of saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, the parent acid differs. Furthermore, HS 2915.90, a residual category for "Other saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids", should not be used for butyric acid because "butanoic acids" are explicitly listed and covered by 2915.60. Accurate classification relies on matching the specific chemical name and structure to the detailed descriptions provided in the HS nomenclature.

2915.29Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid and its salts n.e.c. in item no. 2915.22915.39Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.32915.90Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in heading no. 2915

Top exporters and importers of HS 291560 (the code used for butyric acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291560 (the code used for butyric acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 291560, not only butyric acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $186M
  2. 2 United States $128M
  3. 3 Netherlands $60M

World total: $688M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $79M
  2. 2 United States $53M
  3. 3 Netherlands $47M

World total: $676M 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 butyric acid

Brazil splits HS 2915.60 into 5 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.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about butyric acid

What is the HS code for Butyric acid?

The HS code for Butyric acid is 291560 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters). The HS code for Butyric acid is 2915.60.

How do I classify Butyric acid for customs?

Butyric acid is classified under HS code 291560 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the natural occurrence of Butyric acid?

Butyric acid is naturally found in butter, animal fats, and some plant oils. It is also produced in the human gut by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber.

Which countries are the top exporters of butyric acid (HS 291560)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291560 (the code used for butyric acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($186M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($128M) and the Netherlands ($60M). World exports came to about $688M, 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 butyric acid (HS 291560)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291560 (the code used for butyric acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($79M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($53M) and the Netherlands ($47M). World imports came to about $676M, 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 Butyric acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291560 for Butyric 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 butyric acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291560 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for butyric acid depends on the product's details: 2915.60.11 (Butanoic acids and their salts), 2915.60.12 (Ethyl butanoate), 2915.60.19 (Other butanoic acid esters), 2915.60.21 (Pivalic acid), 2915.60.29 (Other pentanoic acids, salts and esters).