Product classification
HS code for Linolenic acid: 2916.15
Acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters.
Classification of linolenic acid under HS 2916.15
Linolenic acid is classified under HS code 2916.15 because it is an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2916 specifically addresses unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their cyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Linolenic acid (C18H30O2) is an essential fatty acid found in many vegetable oils. For classification purposes, the product must be a chemically defined organic compound. If the acid is part of a crude vegetable oil mixture, it would be classified in Chapter 15. However, when isolated as a specific acid, salt, or ester, it falls under 2916.15. This sub-heading specifically groups oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids together due to their similar chemical structures as 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids. The classification includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), provided they meet the purity requirements for Chapter 29. The salts and esters of these acids, such as ethyl linolenate, are also included here. This classification is vital for chemical manufacturers and distributors who trade high-purity fatty acids for pharmaceutical, nutritional, or industrial applications. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6 are applied to determine this specific code based on the chemical composition and the hierarchical structure of the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
- Ethyl linolenate
- Methyl linolenate
- Salts of linolenic acid (e.g., sodium linolenate)
- 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. Linolenic acid is frequently confused with HS code 1515.19, which covers linseed oil and its fractions. The distinction lies in the level of processing; Chapter 15 covers oils, while Chapter 29 covers isolated, chemically defined acids. It is also sometimes misclassified under 3823.19, which covers industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids. Heading 3823 is used for mixtures of fatty acids, whereas 2916 is reserved for high-purity, single-component acids.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291615 (the code used for linolenic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291615 (the code used for linolenic 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 linolenic 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 linolenic 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 linolenic acid
What is the HS code for Linolenic acid?
The HS code for Linolenic acid is 291615 (Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids, their salts and esters). The HS code for linolenic acid, its salts, and its esters is 2916.15.
How do I classify Linolenic acid for customs?
Linolenic 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.
Does this code include linseed oil?
No, linseed oil is classified under heading 1515. HS code 2916.15 is only for the isolated fatty acid and its chemical derivatives.
Which countries are the top exporters of linolenic acid (HS 291615)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291615 (the code used for linolenic 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 linolenic acid (HS 291615)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291615 (the code used for linolenic 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 Linolenic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291615 for Linolenic 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 linolenic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291615 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for linolenic 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).