Product classification

HS code for Citric acid salts: 2918.15

Acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid.

Classification of citric acid salts under HS 2918.15

HS code 2918.15 is designated for the salts and esters of citric acid. This classification is found within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), under heading 2918, which deals with carboxylic acids containing additional oxygen functions. While citric acid itself is 2918.14, its derivatives—formed when the acidic hydrogen is replaced by a metal or an organic group—are grouped in 2918.15. This includes a wide range of compounds used as acidity regulators, emulsifiers, and stabilizers. The classification is strictly based on the chemical identity of the substance as a salt or ester of the parent citric acid. These compounds must be separate chemically defined substances to remain in Chapter 29. If they are part of a complex mixture or prepared for a specific end-use like a medicine, the classification may shift to other chapters. The distinction between the acid and its salts is critical for regulatory compliance, as the physical properties and industrial applications of citrates differ significantly from the base acid.

Covers
  • Sodium citrate, including monosodium, disodium, and trisodium forms
  • Potassium citrate used as a food additive or buffering agent
  • Calcium citrate used in dietary supplements and food fortification
  • Magnesium citrate used in industrial and pharmaceutical applications
  • Triethyl citrate and tributyl citrate, which are esters of citric acid
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. The most common error is classifying these salts under 2918.14, which is reserved exclusively for the pure citric acid. Another frequent mistake is using HS code 3004 for citrate supplements. While magnesium or calcium citrates are sold as dietary supplements, they are only classified in Chapter 30 if they meet the specific criteria for medicaments. Otherwise, they may fall under 2106.90 as food preparations. Additionally, esters like triethyl citrate are sometimes confused with plasticizers in Chapter 38, but if they are chemically pure and separate compounds, 2918.15 is the correct heading. Importers must verify the chemical purity to avoid misclassification into prepared chemical mixtures.

2918.14Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

Top exporters and importers of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid salts), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid salts) 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 salts.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $282M
  2. 2 Germany $182M
  3. 3 United States $45M

World total: $701M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $121M
  2. 2 Germany $60M
  3. 3 Netherlands $57M

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 salts

Brazil classifies citric acid salts 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 salts

What is the HS code for Citric acid salts?

The HS code for Citric acid salts is 291815 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid). The HS code for salts and esters of citric acid, such as sodium or potassium citrate, is 2918.15.

How do I classify Citric acid salts for customs?

Citric acid salts 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.

Is sodium citrate classified the same as citric acid?

No, sodium citrate is a salt and is classified under 2918.15, whereas pure citric acid is classified under 2918.14.

Which countries are the top exporters of citric acid salts (HS 291815)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid salts) 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 salts (HS 291815)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291815 (the code used for citric acid salts) 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 salts the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291815 for Citric acid salts 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 salts in Brazil?

In Brazil, citric acid salts (HS 291815) is classified under NCM 2918.15.00.