Product classification
HS code for Lysine: 2922.41
Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters, lysine and its esters, salts thereof.
Classification of lysine under HS 2922.41
Lysine is classified under HS code 2922.41, which covers amino-acids containing only one kind of oxygen function and their esters and salts. As an essential amino acid, lysine is a chemically defined organic compound. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System is designed for such compounds, and heading 2922 specifically addresses oxygen-function amino-compounds. The subheading 2922.41 is a 'named' code, meaning the HS specifically identifies Lysine and its esters as the primary products for this classification. This applies to L-lysine, which is the biologically active form, as well as its commercially common salts like lysine hydrochloride. The classification remains in Chapter 29 as long as the product is a separate chemically defined compound, even if it is intended for use as an additive in animal feed.
- Covers
- L-lysine (pure chemical)
- Lysine hydrochloride
- Lysine acetate
- Esters of lysine
- Lysine salts for pharmaceutical or nutritional use
- Also under 2922.41
- Ajinomoto L-Lysine HCl
- CJ CheilJedang L-Lysine Sulfate
- Global Bio-Chem L-Lysine Base
- Evonik L-Lysine
Codes often confused with 2922.41
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2309.90, which covers preparations of a kind used in animal feeding. If lysine is sold as a pure chemical or a simple salt, it must stay in 2922.41. However, if the lysine is mixed with other nutrients, carriers, or additives to create a 'pre-mix' for livestock, it shifts to 2309.90. Another confusion arises with other amino acids; for example, Glutamic acid is 2922.42 and Methionine is 2930.40. Importers must ensure that the chemical identity is verified via a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to distinguish between these closely related amino acids.
Top exporters and importers of HS 292241 (the code used for lysine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292241 (the code used for lysine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 6.6% 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 292241, not only lysine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 59% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $163M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $120M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $152M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 Spain $141M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 India $128M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 lysine
Brazil splits HS 2922.41 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2922.41.10Lysine
- 2922.41.90Lysine esters and salts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lysine
What is the HS code for Lysine?
The HS code for Lysine is 292241 (Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; lysine and its esters; salts thereof). The HS code for pure lysine, its esters, and its salts is 2922.41.
How do I classify Lysine for customs?
Lysine is classified under HS code 292241 — Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; lysine and its esters; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is feed-grade lysine classified differently?
If the feed-grade lysine is a pure chemically defined compound (like lysine HCl), it is 2922.41. If it is a prepared mixture with other substances, it is 2309.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of lysine (HS 292241)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292241 (the code used for lysine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 59% of world exports), the Netherlands ($163M) and South Korea ($120M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 lysine (HS 292241)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 292241 (the code used for lysine) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($152M, 6.6% of world imports), Spain ($141M) and India ($128M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Lysine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 292241 for Lysine 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 lysine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 292241 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lysine depends on the product's details: 2922.41.10 (Lysine), 2922.41.90 (Lysine esters and salts).