Product classification
HS code for Lecithin: 2923.20
Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of lecithin under HS 2923.20
Lecithin is classified under HS code 292320, which falls within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, covering organic chemicals. Specifically, this code is designated for lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not they are chemically defined. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the substance as a quaternary ammonium salt and hydroxide. Lecithin is a complex mixture of phosphatides found in animal and vegetable tissues, most commonly sourced from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolks. Even when lecithin is not a single, pure chemical compound, the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System direct it to this specific heading because it is a phosphoaminolipid. The inclusion of "whether or not chemically defined" in the heading description is a critical factor, as it allows for the commercial-grade mixtures typically found in trade to be classified here rather than under food preparations or oils.
- Covers
- Soya lecithin (liquid, powder, or granular)
- Sunflower lecithin
- Egg yolk lecithin (ovolecithin)
- Synthetic lecithins
- Phosphatidylcholines
- Crude lecithin derived from oil refining
- Also under 2923.20
- Cargill's Lecigran
- ADM's Lecithins
- Lipoid's pharmaceutical-grade phospholipids
- Bunge's food ingredients
Codes often confused with 2923.20
Common mistake. Lecithin is frequently misclassified under HS code 1507 (Soya-bean oil) when it is in a crude, liquid state, as it often contains residual soybean oil. However, if the product functions as a phospholipid, 292320 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 210690 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified), especially when the lecithin is marketed as a dietary supplement. If the product is pure lecithin or a standard commercial mixture of lecithins, Chapter 29 is legally required over Chapter 21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 292320 (the code used for lecithin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292320 (the code used for lecithin) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.7% 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 292320, not only lecithin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $218M 18% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $176M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $156M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $102M 8.7% of world imports
- 2 United States $88M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $66M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 lecithin
Brazil classifies lecithin under NCM 2923.20.00: HS 2923.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lecithin
What is the HS code for Lecithin?
The HS code for Lecithin is 292320 (Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined). The primary HS code for lecithin, regardless of its source (soy, sunflower, or egg), is 292320.
How do I classify Lecithin for customs?
Lecithin is classified under HS code 292320 — Lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if the lecithin is for animal feed?
Generally, no. Pure or commercial-grade lecithin remains under 292320. However, if it is mixed with other ingredients to create a complete animal feed, it might move to 2309.
Which countries are the top exporters of lecithin (HS 292320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292320 (the code used for lecithin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($218M, 18% of world exports), the Netherlands ($176M) and the United States ($156M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 lecithin (HS 292320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 292320 (the code used for lecithin) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($102M, 8.7% of world imports), the United States ($88M) and Germany ($66M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Lecithin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 292320 for Lecithin 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 lecithin in Brazil?
In Brazil, lecithin (HS 292320) is classified under NCM 2923.20.00.