Product classification
HS code for Dimethyl terephthalate: 2917.37
Acids, aromatic polycarboxylic acids, dimethyl terephthalate.
Classification of dimethyl terephthalate under HS 2917.37
Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is classified under HS code 2917.37. This classification is situated within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), specifically under heading 2917, which covers polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, and their derivatives. Dimethyl terephthalate is an ester of terephthalic acid, which is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid. The HS nomenclature provides a specific subheading for this compound due to its high volume in global trade as a primary feedstock for polyester production. The classification is determined by GRI 1, as the subheading 2917.37 specifically names "Dimethyl terephthalate." It is a separate chemically defined compound, typically traded in molten form or as white flakes, and its classification remains consistent regardless of its physical state.
- Covers
- Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT)
- 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dimethyl ester
- DMT flakes
- Molten dimethyl terephthalate
- Also under 2917.37
- Eastman DMT
- Mitsubishi Chemical DMT
- Sinopec DMT
- Reliance Industries DMT
- Indorama Ventures DMT
Codes often confused with 2917.37
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2917.36, which is reserved for terephthalic acid (PTA) and its salts. While DMT and PTA are both used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET), they are chemically distinct (an ester versus an acid). Another common error is using 2917.39, the "other" category for aromatic polycarboxylic acids. Since DMT has its own dedicated code (2917.37), using the residual code is incorrect. It should also not be confused with dimethyl phthalate (an isomer), which falls under 2917.34.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291737 (the code used for dimethyl terephthalate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291737 (the code used for dimethyl terephthalate) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Luxembourg, 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 291737, not only dimethyl terephthalate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $78M 60% of world exports
- 2 Germany $30M 23% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$8.6M 6.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $129M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Luxembourg $32M 23% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $31M 22% of world imports
- 3 China $26M 19% of world imports
World total: $138M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 dimethyl terephthalate
Brazil classifies dimethyl terephthalate under NCM 2917.37.00: HS 2917.37 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dimethyl terephthalate
What is the HS code for Dimethyl terephthalate?
The HS code for Dimethyl terephthalate is 291737 (Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; dimethyl terephthalate). The HS code for Dimethyl terephthalate is 2917.37.
How do I classify Dimethyl terephthalate for customs?
Dimethyl terephthalate is classified under HS code 291737 — Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; dimethyl terephthalate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does DMT differ from PTA in classification?
DMT (2917.37) is the dimethyl ester of terephthalic acid, whereas PTA (2917.36) is the purified acid itself. They are classified in adjacent subheadings but must be declared accurately based on their chemical structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of dimethyl terephthalate (HS 291737)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291737 (the code used for dimethyl terephthalate) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($78M, 60% of world exports), Germany ($30M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $8.6M). World exports came to about $129M, 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 dimethyl terephthalate (HS 291737)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291737 (the code used for dimethyl terephthalate) in UN Comtrade data were Luxembourg ($32M, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($31M) and China ($26M). World imports came to about $138M, 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 Dimethyl terephthalate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291737 for Dimethyl terephthalate 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 dimethyl terephthalate in Brazil?
In Brazil, dimethyl terephthalate (HS 291737) is classified under NCM 2917.37.00.