Product classification
HS code for Citric acid esters: 2918.15
Acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid.
Classification of citric acid esters under HS 2918.15
Citric acid esters are classified under HS code 2918.15. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and more specifically within the group of carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions. Citric acid (2918.14) is a tri-carboxylic acid, and its derivatives—salts and esters—are grouped together in 2918.15. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule, where the hydrogen atom in the carboxyl group is replaced by an alkyl or aryl group (forming an ester) or a metal ion (forming a salt). These substances are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and plastic industries as plasticizers, stabilizers, or flavoring agents. Because they are chemically defined compounds, they must be classified in Chapter 29 rather than as prepared chemical products in Chapter 38, provided they meet the purity requirements of the chapter notes. The HS system prioritizes chemical identity over industrial application for these types of organic compounds.
- Covers
- Triethyl citrate
- Tributyl citrate
- Acetyl triethyl citrate
- Sodium citrate (salt of citric acid)
- Potassium citrate
- Also under 2918.15
- Jungbunzlauer Sodium Citrate
- ADM Potassium Citrate
- Danisco Citrem
- Vertellus ATBC
- Merck Calcium Citrate
Codes often confused with 2918.15
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2918.14, which is reserved strictly for citric acid in its acid form. Additionally, importers sometimes mistakenly use 3824.99 for ester blends; however, if the product is a chemically defined ester, 2918.15 remains the correct heading regardless of its use as a plasticizer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid esters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid esters) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 291815, not only citric acid esters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $282M 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $182M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $45M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $701M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $121M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $60M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $57M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $956M 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 citric acid esters
Brazil classifies citric acid esters under NCM 2918.15.00: HS 2918.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about citric acid esters
What is the HS code for Citric acid esters?
The HS code for Citric acid esters is 291815 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid). The HS code for citric acid esters, as well as the salts of citric acid, is 2918.15.
How do I classify Citric acid esters for customs?
Citric acid esters is classified under HS code 291815 — Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sodium citrates classified under this same code?
Yes, HS code 2918.15 specifically includes both the salts (like sodium or potassium citrate) and the esters of citric acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of citric acid esters (HS 291815)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid esters) in UN Comtrade data were China ($282M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($182M) and the United States ($45M). World exports came to about $701M, 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 citric acid esters (HS 291815)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid esters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($121M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($60M) and the Netherlands ($57M). World imports came to about $956M, 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 Citric acid esters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291815 for Citric acid esters 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 citric acid esters in Brazil?
In Brazil, citric acid esters (HS 291815) is classified under NCM 2918.15.00.