Product classification
HS code for Glutamic acid: 2922.42
Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters, glutamic acid and its esters, salts thereof.
Classification of glutamic acid under HS 2922.42
Glutamic acid is classified under HS code 2922.42. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and heading 2922, which is reserved for oxygen-function amino-compounds. Glutamic acid is an alpha-amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins. The classification 2922.42 specifically includes glutamic acid, its salts, and its esters. The most common salt associated with this code is monosodium glutamate (MSG), provided it is in its pure chemical form. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule, which contains one amino group and two carboxylic acid groups. Under the General Rules of Interpretation, pure chemicals are classified in Chapter 29 even if they have a specific use, such as a food additive. However, the presentation of the product is vital; it must be a separate chemically defined compound. If the glutamic acid or its salts are mixed with other substances to create a prepared seasoning or food enhancer, the classification shifts from the chemical chapter to the food preparation chapter.
- Covers
- Pure L-glutamic acid
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in bulk chemical form
- Monopotassium glutamate
- Glutamic acid hydrochloride
- Esters of glutamic acid used in laboratory research
- Also under 2922.42
- Ajinomoto MSG
- Fufeng Group L-Glutamic Acid
- Kyowa Hakko L-Glutamic Acid
- Meihua Group MSG
Codes often confused with 2922.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2103.90, which covers prepared seasonings and mixed condiments. If MSG is packaged for retail sale as a seasoning with other additives, it belongs in 2103. Other amino acids like lysine (2922.41) or methionine (2930.40) are also sometimes confused with glutamic acid due to their similar industrial applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 292242 (the code used for glutamic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292242 (the code used for glutamic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 9.6% 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 292242, not only glutamic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $966M 54% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $189M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $146M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $169M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $146M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $139M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 glutamic acid
Brazil splits HS 2922.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2922.42.10Glutamic acid
- 2922.42.20Glutamic acid salts (e.g. monosodium glutamate)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about glutamic acid
What is the HS code for Glutamic acid?
The HS code for Glutamic acid is 292242 (Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; glutamic acid and its esters; salts thereof).
How do I classify Glutamic acid for customs?
Glutamic acid is classified under HS code 292242 — Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; glutamic acid and its esters; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for pure Monosodium Glutamate?
Pure, chemically defined Monosodium Glutamate is classified under HS code 2922.42.
Is glutamic acid classified differently if used in pharmaceuticals?
No, as long as it is a separate chemically defined compound, it remains under 2922.42 regardless of its intended pharmaceutical or food use.
Which countries are the top exporters of glutamic acid (HS 292242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292242 (the code used for glutamic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($966M, 54% of world exports), Thailand ($189M) and Indonesia ($146M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 glutamic acid (HS 292242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 292242 (the code used for glutamic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($169M, 9.6% of world imports), Indonesia ($146M) and Nigeria ($139M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Glutamic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 292242 for Glutamic acid 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 glutamic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 292242 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for glutamic acid depends on the product's details: 2922.42.10 (Glutamic acid), 2922.42.20 (Glutamic acid salts (e.g. monosodium glutamate)).