Product classification

HS code for Oxalic acid: 2917.11

Acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, oxalic acid, its salts and esters.

Classification of oxalic acid under HS 2917.11

Oxalic acid is classified under HS code 2917.11. This code is found in Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2917 covers acyclic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Oxalic acid (ethanedioic acid) is the simplest dicarboxylic acid, with the chemical formula C2H2O4. The classification is based strictly on the chemical structure of the molecule. Under the Harmonized System, organic chemicals are categorized by their functional groups and the saturation of their carbon chains. As a saturated acyclic polycarboxylic acid, oxalic acid is explicitly named in the first subheading of 2917. This code also includes the salts and esters of oxalic acid, such as sodium oxalate or diethyl oxalate, provided they are not more specifically described elsewhere in the nomenclature.

Covers
  • Oxalic acid dihydrate
  • Anhydrous oxalic acid
  • Ammonium oxalate
  • Sodium oxalate
  • Potassium oxalate
  • Diethyl oxalate and other esters
Also under 2917.11
  • BASF Oxalic Acid
  • Merck KGaA Oxalic Acid
  • Sigma-Aldrich Oxalic Acid
  • Shandong Fengyuan Chemical Oxalic Acid

Codes often confused with 2917.11

Common mistake. Oxalic acid is sometimes misclassified under 2811.19, which covers other inorganic acids. However, since oxalic acid contains carbon and is an organic acid, it must stay within Chapter 29. Another common error occurs when oxalic acid is part of a prepared cleaning or bleaching product. If the substance is a mixture used for rust removal or wood bleaching, it may be classified under 3824.99 (chemical products not elsewhere specified) or 3402.90 (cleaning preparations), depending on the concentration and other ingredients.

2811.19Inorganic acids; other than hydrogen fluoride3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 38243402.90Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 291711 (the code used for oxalic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291711 (the code used for oxalic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 76% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 9.4% 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 291711, not only oxalic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $151M
  2. 2 India $13M
  3. 3 South Korea $7.3M

World total: $198M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Peru* ~$17M
  2. 2 Laos* ~$14M
  3. 3 Switzerland $12M

World total: $177M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 oxalic acid

Brazil splits HS 2917.11 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 oxalic acid

What is the HS code for Oxalic acid?

The HS code for Oxalic acid is 291711 (Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; oxalic acid, its salts and esters). The specific HS code for oxalic acid, its salts, and its esters is 2917.11.

How do I classify Oxalic acid for customs?

Oxalic acid is classified under HS code 291711 — Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; oxalic acid, its salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include wood bleaches containing oxalic acid?

No, if the product is a prepared mixture sold as a wood bleach, it is usually classified in Chapter 34 or 38. Code 2917.11 is reserved for the pure chemical or its defined salts/esters.

Which countries are the top exporters of oxalic acid (HS 291711)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291711 (the code used for oxalic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($151M, 76% of world exports), India ($13M) and South Korea ($7.3M). World exports came to about $198M, 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 oxalic acid (HS 291711)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291711 (the code used for oxalic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $17M, 9.4% of world imports), Laos (about $14M) and Switzerland ($12M). World imports came to about $177M, 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 Oxalic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291711 for Oxalic 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 oxalic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291711 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for oxalic acid depends on the product's details: 2917.11.10 (Oxalic acid and its salts), 2917.11.20 (Esters of oxalic acid).