Product classification
HS code for Linoleic acid: 2916.15
Acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters.
Classification of linoleic acid under HS 2916.15
Linoleic acid is classified under HS code 2916.15. This classification is found within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2916 covers unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, cyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Subheading 2916.15 is dedicated to oleic, linoleic, or linolenic acids, as well as their salts and esters. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid essential for human health and widely used in the production of paints, coatings, and dietary supplements. For classification in Chapter 29, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound. If the linoleic acid is part of a complex mixture of fatty acids derived from oils, it may be classified elsewhere depending on its purity and intended use.
- Covers
- Pure linoleic acid (98% or higher purity)
- Methyl linoleate (an ester of linoleic acid)
- Ethyl linoleate
- Sodium linoleate (a salt of linoleic acid)
- Potassium linoleate
- Also under 2916.15
- Croda (oleic acid derivatives)
- Wilmar International (fatty acids)
- KLK Oleo (linoleic acid)
- Cargill (oleic acid)
Codes often confused with 2916.15
Common mistake. Linoleic acid is frequently misclassified under 1515.90, which covers other fixed vegetable fats and oils. While vegetable oils like sunflower or safflower oil contain high levels of linoleic acid, they are not the pure chemical compound. Another common misclassification is 3823.12, which covers industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids (specifically oleic acid and mixtures). If the product is a technical-grade mixture of fatty acids resulting from the refining of oils, it belongs in Chapter 38. Only when the acid is isolated as a separate chemically defined compound does it qualify for 2916.15.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291615 (the code used for linoleic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291615 (the code used for linoleic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% 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 291615, not only linoleic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $41M 19% of world exports
- 2 Italy $28M 13% of world exports
- 3 India $22M 10% of world exports
World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $32M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $16M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 France $16M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $215M 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 linoleic acid
Brazil splits HS 2916.15 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2916.15.11Mannitol oleate
- 2916.15.19Other oleic acid, its salts and esters
- 2916.15.20Linoleic and linolenic acids, salts and esters
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about linoleic acid
What is the HS code for Linoleic acid?
The HS code for Linoleic acid is 291615 (Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters). The HS code for linoleic acid, its salts, and its esters is 2916.15.
How do I classify Linoleic acid for customs?
Linoleic acid is classified under HS code 291615 — Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) classified here?
Yes, as an isomer of linoleic acid, CLA is generally classified under 2916.15 when imported as a pure chemical compound for industrial or pharmaceutical use.
Which countries are the top exporters of linoleic acid (HS 291615)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291615 (the code used for linoleic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($41M, 19% of world exports), Italy ($28M) and India ($22M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 linoleic acid (HS 291615)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291615 (the code used for linoleic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($32M, 15% of world imports), China ($16M) and France ($16M). World imports came to about $215M, 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 Linoleic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291615 for Linoleic 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 linoleic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291615 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for linoleic acid depends on the product's details: 2916.15.11 (Mannitol oleate), 2916.15.19 (Other oleic acid, its salts and esters), 2916.15.20 (Linoleic and linolenic acids, salts and esters).