Product classification

HS code for Diethyl phosphite: 2920.22

Esters, phosphite esters and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl phosphite.

Classification of diethyl phosphite under HS 2920.22

Diethyl phosphite is classified under HS code 2920.22. This chemical is an ester of an inorganic acid of a non-metal. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2920 is specifically for "Esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals (excluding esters of hydrogen halides) and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives." Within this heading, the 2920.2 series covers phosphite esters and their salts. Subheading 2920.22 is the specific international code for diethyl phosphite. This classification is based on the phosphorus-oxygen-carbon linkage characteristic of phosphite esters. Diethyl phosphite is a colorless liquid used primarily as a reagent in organic synthesis and as an intermediate for the production of various agricultural and industrial chemicals. The classification is determined by the fact that it is a phosphite ester (containing the P(OR)2(O)H or P(OR)3 structure) rather than a phosphate ester. The distinction between phosphites and phosphates is critical for correct HS classification. Under GRI 1, the specific name provided in the subheading 2920.22 takes precedence over more general categories. This compound is often used in the synthesis of flame retardants and as a catalyst in certain polymerization reactions. Because it is a clearly defined chemical compound, it must be classified in Chapter 29. If it were part of a formulated pesticide, it would move to heading 3808, but as a raw material or intermediate, 2920.22 is the correct designation.

Covers
  • Diethyl phosphite
  • Diethyl hydrogen phosphite
  • Salts of diethyl phosphite
  • Technical grade diethyl phosphite
Also under 2920.22
  • Lanxess (specialty chemicals)
  • Arkema (chemical intermediates)
  • Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Group (agrochemical intermediates)

Codes often confused with 2920.22

Common mistake. Diethyl phosphite is often confused with Dimethyl phosphite (HS code 2920.21) or other phosphite esters (HS code 2920.29). It is also frequently misclassified under HS code 2919.90, which covers phosphoric esters (phosphates). Phosphates have a different oxidation state for phosphorus compared to phosphites, and this chemical difference is reflected in the separate HS headings.

2920.21Esters; phosphite esters and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, dimethyl phosphite2920.29Esters; phosphite esters and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in heading no. 29202919.90Esters; phosphoric, and their salts, including lactophosphates, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; other than tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate

Top exporters and importers of HS 292022 (the code used for diethyl phosphite), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292022 (the code used for diethyl phosphite) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 61% 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 292022, not only diethyl phosphite.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $1.1M
  2. 2 Germany $996K
  3. 3 China $816K

World total: $3.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $2.0M
  2. 2 Kenya $508K
  3. 3 Austria $377K

World total: $3.3M 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 diethyl phosphite

Brazil classifies diethyl phosphite under NCM 2920.22.00: HS 2920.22 with 00 added.

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

Questions about diethyl phosphite

What is the HS code for Diethyl phosphite?

The HS code for Diethyl phosphite is 292022 (Esters; phosphite esters and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl phosphite). The HS code for diethyl phosphite is 2920.22.

How do I classify Diethyl phosphite for customs?

Diethyl phosphite is classified under HS code 292022 — Esters; phosphite esters and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl phosphite. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What are the primary industrial uses for diethyl phosphite?

It is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds, including flame retardants, pesticides, and lubricants.

Which countries are the top exporters of diethyl phosphite (HS 292022)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292022 (the code used for diethyl phosphite) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.1M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($996K) and China ($816K). World exports came to about $3.0M, 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 diethyl phosphite (HS 292022)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 292022 (the code used for diethyl phosphite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.0M, 61% of world imports), Kenya ($508K) and Austria ($377K). World imports came to about $3.3M, 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 Diethyl phosphite the same in all countries?

The base HS code 292022 for Diethyl phosphite 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 diethyl phosphite in Brazil?

In Brazil, diethyl phosphite (HS 292022) is classified under NCM 2920.22.00.