Product classification

HS code for Industrial 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 industrial fatty acids under HS 3823.19

Industrial fatty acids under HS code 3823.19 are classified within the Miscellaneous Chemical Products section of the Harmonized System. This specific code covers industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining that are not elsewhere specified. Unlike chemically defined fatty acids found in Chapter 29, these are typically mixtures of fatty acids derived from the hydrolysis of animal or vegetable fats and oils. The classification 3823.19 excludes stearic acid (3823.11), oleic acid (3823.12), and tall oil fatty acids (3823.13). The primary reason for classification here is the industrial nature and the fact that the product is a mixture of various carbon chain lengths, which prevents it from being classified as a pure chemical compound. These acids are vital raw materials in the production of soaps, detergents, lubricants, and various chemical intermediates used in global manufacturing.

Covers
  • Distilled fatty acids from vegetable oils
  • Acid oils from chemical refining
  • Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD)
  • Fractionated fatty acid mixtures
  • Coconut fatty acids (industrial grade)
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. A common error is classifying these products under Chapter 15, specifically 1516, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils that have been chemically modified but retain their triglyceride structure. Another frequent misclassification occurs with Chapter 29 (e.g., 2915 or 2916), which is reserved for chemically defined organic acids with a purity level typically exceeding 90% or 95% depending on the specific acid. If the product is a commercial mixture of fatty acids, it must remain in 3823.

15.16Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared29.15Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives29.16Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic, cyclic monocarboxylic, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives38.23Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining; industrial fatty alcohols

Top exporters and importers of HS 382319 (the code used for industrial fatty acids), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382319 (the code used for industrial 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 industrial fatty acids.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Indonesia $4.4B
  2. 2 Malaysia $2.5B
  3. 3 Netherlands $747M

World total: $9.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.7B
  2. 2 Malaysia $1.4B
  3. 3 Netherlands $1.1B

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 industrial fatty acids

Brazil splits HS 3823.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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 industrial fatty acids

What is the HS code for Industrial fatty acids?

The HS code for Industrial 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 acids (other than stearic, oleic, or tall oil) is 3823.19.

How do I classify Industrial fatty acids for customs?

Industrial 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 palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) under this code?

Yes, PFAD is typically classified under 3823.19 as it is an acid oil obtained from the refining process.

Which countries are the top exporters of industrial fatty acids (HS 382319)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382319 (the code used for industrial 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 industrial fatty acids (HS 382319)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 382319 (the code used for industrial 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 Industrial fatty acids the same in all countries?

The base HS code 382319 for Industrial 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 industrial fatty acids in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 382319 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial fatty acids depends on the product's details: 3823.19.10 (Industrial caprylic acid), 3823.19.90 (Other industrial fatty acids and acid oils).