Product classification
HS code for Ethyl acetate: 2915.31
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, ethyl acetate.
Classification of ethyl acetate under HS 2915.31
Ethyl acetate is classified under HS code 2915.31. It is an ester of acetic acid and ethanol, categorized under saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. Heading 2915 covers these acids, including their halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Within this heading, subheading 2915.31 is specifically reserved for ethyl acetate. This classification is determined by the chemical's identity as a defined organic compound. Ethyl acetate is a colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet smell, widely used as a solvent in various industries. For customs purposes, it must be classified here regardless of its intended use (e.g., as a solvent, flavoring agent, or extraction medium), provided it is not part of a complex mixture that would move it to Chapter 38. The purity of the ethyl acetate generally does not affect this classification unless it is mixed with other active ingredients.
- Covers
- Ethyl acetate (pure or technical grade)
- Acetic acid ethyl ester
- Ethyl ethanoate
- Vinegar naphtha
- Also under 2915.31
- BASF Ethyl Acetate
- Celanese Ethyl Acetate
- Eastman Ethyl Acetate
- INEOS Ethyl Acetate
Codes often confused with 2915.31
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners. If ethyl acetate is mixed with other solvents like toluene or acetone, it must be classified in 3814.00. However, pure ethyl acetate remains in 2915.31. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 2915.39, which is the "other" category for esters of acetic acid; however, since ethyl acetate is specifically named in 2915.31, the specific code must be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291531 (the code used for ethyl acetate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291531 (the code used for ethyl acetate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 7.7% 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 291531, not only ethyl acetate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $471M 47% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $104M 10% of world exports
- 3 India $84M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $87M 7.7% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $82M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Japan $75M 6.7% of world imports
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 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 ethyl acetate
Brazil classifies ethyl acetate under NCM 2915.31.00: HS 2915.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about ethyl acetate
What is the HS code for Ethyl acetate?
The HS code for Ethyl acetate is 291531 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; ethyl acetate). The HS code for pure or commercially pure ethyl acetate is 2915.31.
How do I classify Ethyl acetate for customs?
Ethyl acetate is classified under HS code 291531 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; ethyl acetate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can ethyl acetate be classified in Chapter 33 for perfumes?
No, even if used in perfumery, the bulk chemical is classified in 2915.31. It only moves to Chapter 33 if it is part of a finished fragrance mixture.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethyl acetate (HS 291531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291531 (the code used for ethyl acetate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($471M, 47% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($104M) and India ($84M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 ethyl acetate (HS 291531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291531 (the code used for ethyl acetate) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($87M, 7.7% of world imports), Indonesia ($82M) and Japan ($75M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Ethyl acetate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291531 for Ethyl acetate 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 ethyl acetate in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethyl acetate (HS 291531) is classified under NCM 2915.31.00.