Product classification
HS code for Phenylacetic acid: 2916.34
Acids, aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts.
Classification of phenylacetic acid under HS 2916.34
Phenylacetic acid is classified under HS code 2916.34. This chemical is an aromatic monocarboxylic acid. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2916 is reserved for unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, cyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Phenylacetic acid (C8H8O2) contains a phenyl group and a carboxylic acid group. It is a vital intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and pesticides. Due to its potential use as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of controlled substances (specifically amphetamine-type stimulants), this specific HS code is closely monitored by international trade authorities and regulatory bodies. The classification includes the acid itself and its various salts, such as sodium phenylacetate or potassium phenylacetate, which are used in medical and industrial applications. Proper documentation is required to ensure that the substance is not misidentified as a different aromatic acid.
- Covers
- Phenylacetic acid (pure or technical grade)
- Sodium phenylacetate
- Potassium phenylacetate
- Ethyl phenylacetate (though esters may sometimes shift subheadings)
- Also under 2916.34
- Sigma-Aldrich Phenylacetic Acid
- BASF Phenylacetic Acid
- Merck KGaA Phenylacetic Acid
- TCI Phenylacetic Acid
Codes often confused with 2916.34
Common mistake. Phenylacetic acid is often confused with benzoic acid (2916.31) or phenylacetone (2914.31). While they share the phenyl ring, their functional groups (carboxylic acid vs. ketone) place them in different headings. Another common error is misclassifying its esters; while the acid and salts are in 2916.34, certain esters might be classified in 2916.39 depending on the specific chemical structure and the presence of other functional groups.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291634 (the code used for phenylacetic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291634 (the code used for phenylacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 291634, not only phenylacetic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0M 33% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.4M 23% of world exports
- 3 India $1.2M 20% of world exports
World total: $6.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.4M 28% of world imports
- 2 India $2.0M 23% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.9M 22% of world imports
World total: $8.6M 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 phenylacetic acid
Brazil classifies phenylacetic acid under NCM 2916.34.00: HS 2916.34 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phenylacetic acid
What is the HS code for Phenylacetic acid?
The HS code for Phenylacetic acid is 291634 (Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts). The HS code for phenylacetic acid and its salts is 2916.34.
How do I classify Phenylacetic acid for customs?
Phenylacetic acid is classified under HS code 291634 — Acids; aromatic monocarboxylic acids, phenylacetic acid and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is phenylacetic acid a controlled substance for shipping?
Yes, it is listed as a Category 1 or 2 precursor in many countries, meaning that while its HS code is 2916.34, it requires specific import/export permits.
Which countries are the top exporters of phenylacetic acid (HS 291634)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291634 (the code used for phenylacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0M, 33% of world exports), Germany ($1.4M) and India ($1.2M). World exports came to about $6.2M, 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 phenylacetic acid (HS 291634)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291634 (the code used for phenylacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.4M, 28% of world imports), India ($2.0M) and Germany ($1.9M). World imports came to about $8.6M, 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 Phenylacetic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291634 for Phenylacetic 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 phenylacetic acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, phenylacetic acid (HS 291634) is classified under NCM 2916.34.00.