Product classification
HS code for Epsilon-caprolactam: 2933.71
Heterocyclic compounds, lactams, 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam).
Classification of epsilon-caprolactam under HS 2933.71
Epsilon-caprolactam is classified under HS code 2933.71, a designation that reflects its chemical structure as a heterocyclic compound. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to organic chemicals, and its structure is based on the chemical functional groups present in a molecule. Heading 2933 covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Within this heading, the system provides specific subheadings for lactams, which are cyclic amides. Epsilon-caprolactam, also known as 6-hexanelactam, is a seven-membered ring compound that serves as the essential monomer for the production of Nylon 6. Because of its massive industrial scale and specific chemical identity, it is explicitly named in subheading 2933.71. The classification under this code is strictly for the separate chemically defined compound, whether or not it contains impurities. However, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 29 notes specify that if the product has been polymerized, it can no longer be classified as a chemical in Chapter 29. Instead, it would be classified as a polymer in primary form under Chapter 39, specifically 3908.10 for polyamides. Furthermore, if the caprolactam is dissolved in a solvent other than water, or if it has been mixed with other substances to create a prepared chemical product, it might be moved to Chapter 38. The precision of 2933.71 allows for the tracking of this chemical's global supply chain, which is vital for the textile and automotive industries.
- Covers
- 6-Hexanelactam
- Pure industrial epsilon-caprolactam
- Caprolactam flakes or molten liquid
- Cyclohexanone oxime rearrangement products
- Also under 2933.71
- BASF Caprolactam
- Lanxess Caprolactam
- Sinopec Caprolactam
- Sumitomo Chemical Caprolactam
Codes often confused with 2933.71
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with Nylon 6 polymer (3908.10). While caprolactam is the precursor, once it undergoes polymerization, it leaves Chapter 29. It is also sometimes confused with other lactams classified under 2933.79, but as a specifically named compound, 2933.71 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293371 (the code used for epsilon-caprolactam), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293371 (the code used for epsilon-caprolactam) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 293371, not only epsilon-caprolactam.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $447M 41% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$213M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $191M 18% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $407M 36% of world imports
- 2 China $168M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $125M 11% of world imports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.1B 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 epsilon-caprolactam
Brazil classifies epsilon-caprolactam under NCM 2933.71.00: HS 2933.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about epsilon-caprolactam
What is the HS code for Epsilon-caprolactam?
The HS code for Epsilon-caprolactam is 293371 (Heterocyclic compounds; lactams; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam)). The HS code for Epsilon-caprolactam (6-hexanelactam) is 2933.71.
How do I classify Epsilon-caprolactam for customs?
Epsilon-caprolactam is classified under HS code 293371 — Heterocyclic compounds; lactams; 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is caprolactam classified as a plastic?
No, in its monomeric form, it is an organic chemical (2933.71). It only becomes a plastic (polyamide) after polymerization, which is classified in Chapter 39.
Which countries are the top exporters of epsilon-caprolactam (HS 293371)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293371 (the code used for epsilon-caprolactam) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($447M, 41% of world exports), Russia (about $213M) and China ($191M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 epsilon-caprolactam (HS 293371)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293371 (the code used for epsilon-caprolactam) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($407M, 36% of world imports), China ($168M) and Italy ($125M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 37% of its imports here ($89M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Epsilon-caprolactam the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293371 for Epsilon-caprolactam 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 epsilon-caprolactam in Brazil?
In Brazil, epsilon-caprolactam (HS 293371) is classified under NCM 2933.71.00.