Product classification

HS code for Methacrylic esters: 2916.14

Acids, unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, esters of methacrylic acid.

Classification of methacrylic esters under HS 2916.14

Methacrylic esters are classified under HS code 2916.14. These compounds are the esters of methacrylic acid, formed by the reaction of the acid with various alcohols. The most commercially significant member of this group is methyl methacrylate (MMA). The classification falls under Heading 2916, which covers unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. The esters are specifically grouped in 2916.14 to distinguish them from the parent acid (2916.13) and other unsaturated acids like acrylic acid. These esters are typically liquid monomers used extensively in the production of acrylic plastics (PMMA), surface coatings, and adhesives. Because they are highly reactive and prone to polymerization, they are often shipped with inhibitors. As long as these inhibitors are present only in the amounts necessary for stabilization, the product remains classified as a separate chemically defined compound in Chapter 29.

Covers
  • Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
  • Ethyl methacrylate
  • Butyl methacrylate
  • Lauryl methacrylate
  • 2-Ethylhexyl methacrylate
Also under 2916.14
  • Lucite International (MMA)
  • Evonik (MMA)
  • Mitsubishi Chemical (MMA)
  • Sumitomo Chemical (MMA)

Codes often confused with 2916.14

Common mistake. The most common misclassification for methacrylic esters is HS code 3906.10, which is for Poly(methyl methacrylate) or PMMA. The distinction lies in the state of polymerization; 2916.14 is for the monomer (the single molecule), while 3906 is for the polymer (the plastic resin). Another error is misclassifying them under 2916.12, which is for esters of acrylic acid (acrylates), such as methyl acrylate or butyl acrylate, which lack the methyl group on the alpha-carbon.

3906.10Acrylic polymers; poly(methyl methacrylate), in primary forms39.06Acrylic polymers in primary forms2916.12Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acrylic acid

Top exporters and importers of HS 291614 (the code used for methacrylic esters), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291614 (the code used for methacrylic esters) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 9.8% 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 291614, not only methacrylic esters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $425M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $278M
  3. 3 United States $243M

World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $234M
  2. 2 United States $217M
  3. 3 Germany $187M

World total: $2.4B 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 esters

Brazil splits HS 2916.14 into 4 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 esters

What is the HS code for Methacrylic esters?

The HS code for Methacrylic esters is 291614 (Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid).

How do I classify Methacrylic esters for customs?

Methacrylic esters is classified under HS code 291614 — Acids; unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of methacrylic acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for Methyl methacrylate?

Methyl methacrylate, the most common methacrylic ester, is classified under HS code 2916.14.

How do I distinguish between an ester and the acid?

The acid (methacrylic acid) is 2916.13, while the esters (where the hydrogen of the carboxyl group is replaced by an alkyl group) are 2916.14.

Which countries are the top exporters of methacrylic esters (HS 291614)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291614 (the code used for methacrylic esters) in UN Comtrade data were China ($425M, 21% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($278M) and the United States ($243M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 esters (HS 291614)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291614 (the code used for methacrylic esters) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($234M, 9.8% of world imports), the United States ($217M) and Germany ($187M). World imports came to about $2.4B, 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 esters the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291614 for Methacrylic esters 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 esters in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291614 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for methacrylic esters depends on the product's details: 2916.14.10 (Methyl methacrylate), 2916.14.20 (Ethyl methacrylate), 2916.14.30 (n-Butyl methacrylate), 2916.14.90 (Other esters of methacrylic acid).