Product classification
HS code for Caprolactam: 2933.71
Heterocyclic compounds, lactams, 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam).
Classification of caprolactam under HS 2933.71
Caprolactam is classified under HS code 2933.71. This classification is found within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, Heading 2933 is designated for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Caprolactam is a cyclic amide, also known as a lactam. The Harmonized System provides a specific six-digit subheading (2933.71) for 6-hexanelactam, which is the chemical name for epsilon-caprolactam. This classification is based on the molecular structure of the compound, which consists of a seven-membered ring containing six carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. Caprolactam is a vital industrial chemical, primarily used as a monomer in the ring-opening polymerization process to produce Nylon 6 (polyamide 6). Because it is a clearly defined chemical individual, it must be classified in Chapter 29 rather than with the polymers it produces.
- Covers
- Epsilon-caprolactam (pure form)
- 6-hexanelactam
- Caprolactam flakes or molten liquid
- Industrial grade caprolactam for nylon production
- Caprolactam used in the manufacture of synthetic resins
- Also under 2933.71
- BASF Caprolactam
- Lanxess Caprolactam
- Sinopec Caprolactam
- Sumitomo Chemical Caprolactam
Codes often confused with 2933.71
Common mistake. A common error is classifying caprolactam under HS code 3908.10, which is the code for Polyamide-6 in primary forms. While caprolactam is the precursor to Nylon 6, the monomer itself is a chemical compound and must remain in Chapter 29. Another potential error is using HS code 2933.79, which is the 'other' category for lactams. Since caprolactam is specifically named in subheading 2933.71, the 'other' category is incorrect. Importers must also distinguish it from other nitrogen-function compounds in Heading 2924 (acyclic amides), as the cyclic nature of caprolactam mandates its placement in Heading 2933.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293371 (the code used for caprolactam), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293371 (the code used for caprolactam) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 293371, not only caprolactam.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $447M 41% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$213M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $191M 18% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $407M 36% of world imports
- 2 China $168M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $125M 11% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 caprolactam
Brazil classifies caprolactam under NCM 2933.71.00: HS 2933.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about caprolactam
What is the HS code for Caprolactam?
The HS code for Caprolactam is 293371 (Heterocyclic compounds; lactams; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam)). The specific HS code for Caprolactam (6-hexanelactam) is 2933.71.
How do I classify Caprolactam for customs?
Caprolactam is classified under HS code 293371 — Heterocyclic compounds; lactams; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Caprolactam classified as a plastic or a chemical?
It is classified as an organic chemical in Chapter 29, not as a plastic, because it is a monomer/precursor and not a polymer.
Which countries are the top exporters of caprolactam (HS 293371)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293371 (the code used for caprolactam) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($447M, 41% of world exports), Russia (about $213M) and China ($191M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 caprolactam (HS 293371)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293371 (the code used for caprolactam) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($407M, 36% of world imports), China ($168M) and Italy ($125M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Caprolactam the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293371 for Caprolactam 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 caprolactam in Brazil?
In Brazil, caprolactam (HS 293371) is classified under NCM 2933.71.00.