Product classification

HS code for Choline: 2923.10

Quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides, choline and its salts, whether or not chemically defined.

Classification of choline under HS 2923.10

Choline and its salts are classified under HS code 2923.10. This classification is situated within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Heading 2923 specifically covers quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides, as well as lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids. Choline (2-hydroxyethyltrimethylammonium hydroxide) is a quaternary ammonium base, and its various salts are essential organic compounds used in pharmaceutical, nutritional, and industrial applications. According to GRI 1, the classification is determined by the chemical identity of the substance. As long as the choline or its salts are separate chemically defined compounds, they must be classified in Chapter 29. This remains true even if they contain impurities or are dissolved in water, as per Note 1 to Chapter 29. Choline is a vital nutrient, often grouped with B-vitamins, but for customs purposes, its chemical structure as a quaternary ammonium salt is the primary factor for classification. The subheading 2923.10 is specific to 'Choline and its salts,' providing a clear and unambiguous path for importers. This includes common forms such as choline chloride and choline bitartrate, provided they are not mixed with other ingredients that would transform them into a food supplement or animal feed preparation.

Covers
  • Choline chloride
  • Choline bitartrate
  • Choline dihydrogen citrate
  • Choline gluconate
Also under 2923.10
  • BASF's choline chloride
  • Lonza's disinfectants (e.g., Bardac)
  • Stepan Company's surfactants
  • Evonik's specialty amines

Codes often confused with 2923.10

Common mistake. Choline is frequently misclassified under 2309.90 if it is intended for use as an animal feed additive. However, if it is a pure chemical, 2923.10 is correct. It is also sometimes placed in 2106.90 as a food supplement, but Chapter 29 takes precedence for pure, chemically defined substances regardless of their intended nutritional use.

2309.90Dog or cat food; (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feeding2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

Top exporters and importers of HS 292310 (the code used for choline), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292310 (the code used for choline) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 23% 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 292310, not only choline.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $121M
  2. 2 Belgium $51M
  3. 3 United States $14M

World total: $229M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $81M
  2. 2 United States $26M
  3. 3 Germany $19M

World total: $350M 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 code for choline

Brazil classifies choline under NCM 2923.10.00: HS 2923.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about choline

What is the HS code for Choline?

The HS code for Choline is 292310 (Quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides; choline and its salts, whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for choline and its salts is 2923.10.

How do I classify Choline for customs?

Choline is classified under HS code 292310 — Quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides; choline and its salts, whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is choline chloride classified under the same code?

Yes, choline chloride is a salt of choline and is specifically included under HS code 2923.10.

Which countries are the top exporters of choline (HS 292310)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292310 (the code used for choline) in UN Comtrade data were China ($121M, 53% of world exports), Belgium ($51M) and the United States ($14M). World exports came to about $229M, 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 choline (HS 292310)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 292310 (the code used for choline) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($81M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($26M) and Germany ($19M). World imports came to about $350M, 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 Choline the same in all countries?

The base HS code 292310 for Choline 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 choline in Brazil?

In Brazil, choline (HS 292310) is classified under NCM 2923.10.00.