Product classification

HS code for Methacrylic acid: 2916.13

Acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, methacrylic acid and its salts.

Classification of methacrylic acid under HS 2916.13

Methacrylic acid is classified under HS code 2916.13. This code is situated within the section for unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Methacrylic acid is a carboxylic acid that serves as a vital monomer in the plastics and resin industry. The classification is determined by the presence of the carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH) and the carbon-carbon double bond, making it an unsaturated acyclic compound. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the product is classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 29 notes specify that the headings only cover separate chemically defined organic compounds. Methacrylic acid, even when containing added stabilizers (such as hydroquinone) to prevent spontaneous polymerization during transport, remains classified here.

Covers
  • Methacrylic acid (monomer)
  • Salts of methacrylic acid
  • Sodium methacrylate
  • Potassium methacrylate
  • Glacial methacrylic acid
Also under 2916.13
  • Mitsubishi Chemical (MAA)
  • Evonik (MAA)
  • Dow Chemical (MAA)
  • LG Chem (MAA)

Codes often confused with 2916.13

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2916.11, which is for Acrylic acid. While chemically similar, the presence of the methyl group in methacrylic acid necessitates its own specific subheading. Another common error is classifying the acid under 2916.14, which is reserved for the esters of methacrylic acid (like methyl methacrylate). Additionally, if the acid has already polymerized into a plastic form, it must be classified in Chapter 39 (specifically 3906) rather than Chapter 29.

2916.11Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acrylic acid and its salts2916.14Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid39.06Acrylic polymers in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS 291613 (the code used for methacrylic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291613 (the code used for methacrylic acid) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, 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 291613, not only methacrylic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $59M
  2. 2 South Korea $43M
  3. 3 China $35M

World total: $227M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $40M
  2. 2 United States $29M
  3. 3 India $28M

World total: $269M 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 methacrylic acid

Brazil splits HS 2916.13 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about methacrylic acid

What is the HS code for Methacrylic acid?

The HS code for Methacrylic acid is 291613 (Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; methacrylic acid and its salts). The HS code for methacrylic acid and its salts is 2916.13.

How do I classify Methacrylic acid for customs?

Methacrylic acid is classified under HS code 291613 — Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; methacrylic acid and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are stabilizers allowed in this classification?

Yes, according to Chapter 29 Note 1(f), the addition of an anti-dusting agent or a stabilizer (including an anti-oxidant) necessary for preservation or transport does not exclude the chemical from this heading.

Which countries are the top exporters of methacrylic acid (HS 291613)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291613 (the code used for methacrylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($59M, 26% of world exports), South Korea ($43M) and China ($35M). World exports came to about $227M, 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 methacrylic acid (HS 291613)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291613 (the code used for methacrylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were France ($40M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($29M) and India ($28M). World imports came to about $269M, 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 Methacrylic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291613 for Methacrylic 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 methacrylic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291613 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for methacrylic acid depends on the product's details: 2916.13.10 (Methacrylic acid), 2916.13.20 (Salts of methacrylic acid).