Product classification
HS code for Chloroacetic acid: 2915.40
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters.
Classification of chloroacetic acid under HS 2915.40
Chloroacetic acid and its various chlorinated derivatives are classified under HS code 2915.40. This classification is found within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and heading 2915, which is dedicated to saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Subheading 2915.40 specifically identifies mono-, di-, or trichloroacetic acids, along with their salts and esters. These chemicals are produced by substituting one or more hydrogen atoms in the methyl group of acetic acid with chlorine atoms. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the acid and the presence of the halogen (chlorine) substituent. These acids are essential intermediates in the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), herbicides, and various pharmaceutical products.
- Covers
- Monochloroacetic acid (MCA)
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Sodium chloroacetate
- Ethyl chloroacetate
- Methyl trichloroacetate
- Also under 2915.40
- AkzoNobel MCA
- Dow Chemical MCA
- CABB Group MCA
- Merck Trichloroacetic Acid
Codes often confused with 2915.40
Common mistake. Chloroacetic acid is sometimes misclassified under 2915.21, which is the code for pure acetic acid. However, the addition of chlorine atoms necessitates a move to the halogenated derivative subheading 2915.40. It may also be confused with 3808 if it is formulated as a finished herbicide; however, as a pure chemical intermediate, it remains in Chapter 29. Additionally, it should not be confused with chloroacetyl chloride, which is an acid halide classified under 2915.90 or other specific subheadings depending on the regional tariff schedule.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291540 (the code used for chloroacetic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291540 (the code used for chloroacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 291540, not only chloroacetic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $107M 39% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $67M 25% of world exports
- 3 Poland $36M 13% of world exports
World total: $272M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $71M 26% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $20M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 France $18M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $270M 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 chloroacetic acid
Brazil splits HS 2915.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2915.40.10Monochloroacetic acid
- 2915.40.20Sodium monochloroacetate
- 2915.40.90Other chloroacetic acids, salts and esters
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 chloroacetic acid
What is the HS code for Chloroacetic acid?
The HS code for Chloroacetic acid is 291540 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters). The HS code for mono-, di-, or trichloroacetic acids, including their salts and esters, is 2915.40.
How do I classify Chloroacetic acid for customs?
Chloroacetic acid is classified under HS code 291540 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the salts of chloroacetic acid included in this code?
Yes, HS code 2915.40 explicitly includes the salts and esters of these chlorinated acetic acids, such as sodium chloroacetate.
Which countries are the top exporters of chloroacetic acid (HS 291540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291540 (the code used for chloroacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($107M, 39% of world exports), the Netherlands ($67M) and Poland ($36M). World exports came to about $272M, 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 chloroacetic acid (HS 291540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291540 (the code used for chloroacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($71M, 26% of world imports), Switzerland ($20M) and France ($18M). World imports came to about $270M, 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 Chloroacetic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291540 for Chloroacetic 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 chloroacetic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291540 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for chloroacetic acid depends on the product's details: 2915.40.10 (Monochloroacetic acid), 2915.40.20 (Sodium monochloroacetate), 2915.40.90 (Other chloroacetic acids, salts and esters).