Product classification
HS code for Fatty acids: 3823.19
Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining, (other than stearic acid, oleic acid or tall oil fatty acids).
Classification of fatty acids under HS 3823.19
Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids are classified under HS code 3823.19. This heading covers mixtures of fatty acids derived from the hydrolysis of fats and oils. The classification is specific to industrial-grade mixtures rather than chemically pure compounds. Subheading 3823.19 is a residual category for fatty acids other than stearic acid, oleic acid, or tall oil fatty acids. These substances are essential in the production of soaps, detergents, and various chemical intermediates. The classification is governed by Chapter 38 notes, which specify that this heading includes fatty substances of an acid nature obtained from the refining of fats and oils. Because these are commercial mixtures of various carbon chain lengths, they are excluded from Chapter 29, which is reserved for separate chemically defined organic compounds. The industrial application and the mixed nature of the chemical structure are the primary reasons for its placement in Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Distilled fatty acids from vegetable oils
- Acid oils from chemical refining
- Coconut-derived fatty acid mixtures
- Palm kernel fatty acid blends
- Industrial-grade monocarboxylic acid mixtures
- Fractionated fatty acids (mixed)
- Also under 3823.19
- BASF Fatty Acids
- Croda Specialty Fatty Acids
- Emery Oleochemicals Fatty Acids
- Wilmar Specialty Fatty Acids
- KLK Oleo Specialty Fatty Acids
Codes often confused with 3823.19
Common mistake. HS codes 2915.70 for palmitic acid and 2916.15 for oleic acid are often confused with 3823.19. The distinction lies in purity; Chapter 29 is for separate chemically defined compounds, usually exceeding 90% purity, while 3823 is for industrial mixtures. Additionally, 1518.00 is sometimes used for modified oils, but if the chemical process results in free fatty acids, 3823 is the correct heading. It is also important not to confuse these with 3823.11, which is specifically for stearic acid, or 3823.12 for oleic acid mixtures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382319 (the code used for fatty acids), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382319 (the code used for fatty acids) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% 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 382319, not only fatty acids.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $4.4B 46% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $2.5B 25% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $747M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $9.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.7B 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $1.4B 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.1B 10% of world imports
World total: $10.4B 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 codes for fatty acids
Brazil splits HS 3823.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3823.19.10Industrial caprylic acid
- 3823.19.90Other industrial fatty acids and acid oils
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 fatty acids
What is the HS code for Fatty acids?
The HS code for Fatty acids is 382319 (Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining; (other than stearic acid, oleic acid or tall oil fatty acids)). The HS code for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acid mixtures (other than stearic or oleic) is 3823.19. Pure fatty acids are classified in Chapter 29.
How do I classify Fatty acids for customs?
Fatty acids is classified under HS code 382319 — Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining; (other than stearic acid, oleic acid or tall oil fatty acids). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is stearic acid classified under this code?
No, stearic acid has its own specific subheading, 3823.11. Only fatty acids not specifically named in other 3823 subheadings fall under 3823.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of fatty acids (HS 382319)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382319 (the code used for fatty acids) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($4.4B, 46% of world exports), Malaysia ($2.5B) and the Netherlands ($747M). World exports came to about $9.8B, 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 fatty acids (HS 382319)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382319 (the code used for fatty acids) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($1.4B) and the Netherlands ($1.1B). World imports came to about $10.4B, 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 Fatty acids the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382319 for Fatty acids 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 fatty acids in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 382319 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fatty acids depends on the product's details: 3823.19.10 (Industrial caprylic acid), 3823.19.90 (Other industrial fatty acids and acid oils).