Product classification
HS code for Maleic anhydride: 2917.14
Acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, maleic anhydride.
Classification of maleic anhydride under HS 2917.14
Maleic anhydride is classified under HS code 2917.14. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2917 is dedicated to polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Maleic anhydride is an acyclic polycarboxylic acid derivative with the formula C4H2O3. It is a chemically defined organic compound, typically produced by the oxidation of benzene or n-butane. Because it is a specific chemical compound with its own dedicated subheading, classification is straightforward under GRI 1. The code applies to the substance in various physical forms, such as briquettes, flakes, or molten liquid, provided it meets the purity requirements for a separate chemically defined compound. It is widely used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, and agricultural chemicals, but its classification remains based on its chemical identity rather than its end use.
- Covers
- Pure maleic anhydride (crystalline)
- Maleic anhydride flakes
- Molten maleic anhydride
- Maleic anhydride briquettes
- Technical grade maleic anhydride
- Also under 2917.14
- BASF Maleic Anhydride
- Lanxess Maleic Anhydride
- Huntsman Maleic Anhydride
- Mitsubishi Chemical Maleic Anhydride
Codes often confused with 2917.14
Common mistake. Maleic anhydride is occasionally misclassified under 2917.19, which is the "other" category for acyclic polycarboxylic acids. However, because 2917.14 is a specific named subheading for maleic anhydride, the "other" category is incorrect. It should also not be confused with Maleic Acid (2917.19), which is the hydrated form. While chemically related, the anhydride has its own specific code. Furthermore, it should not be classified in Chapter 38 as a resin precursor if it is a pure, chemically defined compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291714 (the code used for maleic anhydride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291714 (the code used for maleic anhydride) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 18% 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 291714, not only maleic anhydride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $180M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $64M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $36M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $451M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $91M 18% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $54M 10% of world imports
- 3 Italy $44M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $519M 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 maleic anhydride
Brazil classifies maleic anhydride under NCM 2917.14.00: HS 2917.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about maleic anhydride
What is the HS code for Maleic anhydride?
The HS code for Maleic anhydride is 291714 (Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; maleic anhydride). The HS code for maleic anhydride is 2917.14.
How do I classify Maleic anhydride for customs?
Maleic anhydride is classified under HS code 291714 — Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; maleic anhydride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the physical form (flake vs liquid) change the HS code?
No, maleic anhydride is classified under 2917.14 regardless of whether it is in solid flake, briquette, or molten liquid form.
Which countries are the top exporters of maleic anhydride (HS 291714)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291714 (the code used for maleic anhydride) in UN Comtrade data were China ($180M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($64M) and South Korea ($36M). World exports came to about $451M, 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 maleic anhydride (HS 291714)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291714 (the code used for maleic anhydride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($91M, 18% of world imports), Türkiye ($54M) and Italy ($44M). World imports came to about $519M, 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 Maleic anhydride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291714 for Maleic anhydride 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 maleic anhydride in Brazil?
In Brazil, maleic anhydride (HS 291714) is classified under NCM 2917.14.00.