Product classification
HS code for Ethylvanillin: 2912.42
Aldehydes, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde).
Classification of ethylvanillin under HS 2912.42
Ethylvanillin is classified under HS code 2912.42. This code falls within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and Heading 2912, which covers aldehydes, aldehyde-ethers, and aldehyde-phenols. Ethylvanillin, chemically known as 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, is a synthetic compound used primarily as a flavoring agent in the food and fragrance industries. It is classified under 2912.42 because it is an aldehyde-phenol that contains an ether functional group (the ethoxy group). The HS nomenclature distinguishes between vanillin (methyl vanillin) and ethylvanillin due to their different chemical structures and flavor potencies. Accurate classification is essential for regulatory compliance, as these substances are often subject to food safety standards and specific import duties depending on the country of origin.
- Covers
- Ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde)
- Synthetic ethylvanillin crystals
- Ethylvanillin powder for industrial flavoring
- Pure ethylvanillin used in perfumery
- Also under 2912.42
- Solvay Rhovanil Ethylvanillin
- Borregaard EuroVanillin Ethylvanillin
- Givaudan Ethylvanillin
- Symrise Ethylvanillin
Codes often confused with 2912.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for ethylvanillin is HS code 2912.41, which is the specific code for vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde). Although they are chemically similar and used for similar purposes, ethylvanillin is a distinct molecule with an ethoxy group instead of a methoxy group. Another error involves HS code 2912.49, which covers other aldehyde-ethers and aldehyde-phenols. Since ethylvanillin has its own specific subheading (2912.42), it must not be placed in the residual 2912.49 category. Furthermore, if ethylvanillin is mixed with sugar or other carriers for food use, it may be classified under Chapter 21 as a food preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291242 (the code used for ethylvanillin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291242 (the code used for ethylvanillin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 291242, not only ethylvanillin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $50M 48% of world exports
- 2 United States $24M 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $104M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $11M 10% of world imports
- 2 India $11M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $10M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $108M 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 ethylvanillin
Brazil classifies ethylvanillin under NCM 2912.42.00: HS 2912.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethylvanillin
What is the HS code for Ethylvanillin?
The HS code for Ethylvanillin is 291242 (Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde)). The HS code for ethylvanillin is 2912.42.
How do I classify Ethylvanillin for customs?
Ethylvanillin is classified under HS code 291242 — Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, ethylvanillin (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the HS code for ethylvanillin differ from vanillin?
Vanillin is classified under HS code 2912.41, while ethylvanillin is classified under 2912.42 due to its ethoxy functional group.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylvanillin (HS 291242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291242 (the code used for ethylvanillin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($50M, 48% of world exports), the United States ($24M) and Germany ($10M). World exports came to about $104M, 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 ethylvanillin (HS 291242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291242 (the code used for ethylvanillin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 10% of world imports), India ($11M) and France ($10M). World imports came to about $108M, 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 Ethylvanillin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291242 for Ethylvanillin 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 ethylvanillin in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylvanillin (HS 291242) is classified under NCM 2912.42.00.