Product classification
HS code for Phenylenediamine: 2921.51
Amine-function compounds, aromatic amines and their derivatives, o-, m-, p-phenylenediamine, diaminotoluenes and their derivatives, salts thereof.
Classification of phenylenediamine under HS 2921.51
Phenylenediamine is classified under HS code 2921.51 because it is an aromatic polyamine. This specific code covers o-, m-, p-phenylenediamine, diaminotoluenes, and their derivatives, including their salts. These compounds are essential intermediates in the production of hair dyes, engineering polymers, and rubber chemicals. The classification is determined by the chemical structure, specifically the presence of two amine groups attached to a benzene ring. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, the product is classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2921 specifically addresses amine-function compounds. Subheading 2921.51 is the most specific designation for these isomers. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product is in the form of a base or a salt, as the subheading explicitly includes salts thereof. Importers must ensure that the chemical purity meets the standards for Chapter 29, as mixtures or preparations containing these chemicals might be classified elsewhere, such as in Chapter 32 for prepared dyes.
- Covers
- O-Phenylenediamine (1,2-diaminobenzene)
- M-Phenylenediamine (1,3-diaminobenzene)
- P-Phenylenediamine (1,4-diaminobenzene)
- Diaminotoluenes (various isomers)
- Salts of phenylenediamines (e.g., p-phenylenediamine hydrochloride)
- N-substituted derivatives of these amines
- Also under 2921.51
- DuPont (Kevlar uses p-phenylenediamine)
- Covestro (TDI uses diaminotoluenes)
- L'Oréal (hair dyes use phenylenediamines)
- Lanxess (rubber chemicals)
- BASF (intermediates)
Codes often confused with 2921.51
Common mistake. Phenylenediamine is frequently misclassified under HS code 2921.59, which is a residual category for other aromatic polyamines. However, because 2921.51 specifically names phenylenediamines and diaminotoluenes, it takes precedence. Another common error is classifying these chemicals under 3212.90 if they are intended for use as dyes; however, unless they are already prepared as retail hair dyes (which fall under 3305.90), the raw chemical must remain in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 292151 (the code used for phenylenediamine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292151 (the code used for phenylenediamine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 292151, not only phenylenediamine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $366M 45% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $135M 16% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $80M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $820M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $121M 14% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $69M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $61M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $864M 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 phenylenediamine
Brazil splits HS 2921.51 into 11 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2921.51.11m-Phenylenediamine and its salts
- 2921.51.12Diaminotoluenes (toluylenediamines)
- 2921.51.19Other phenylenediamines, diaminotoluenes and salts
- 2921.51.20Sulphonated phenylenediamine derivatives; salts
- 2921.51.31N,N'-Di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine
- 2921.51.32N-Isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD)
- 2921.51.33N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine
- 2921.51.344-(1,4-Dimethylpentylamino)diphenylamine (7PPD)
- 2921.51.35N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and its salts
- 2921.51.39Other phenylenediamine derivatives and salts
- 2921.51.90Other diaminotoluene derivatives and their salts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phenylenediamine
What is the HS code for Phenylenediamine?
The HS code for Phenylenediamine is 292151 (Amine-function compounds; aromatic amines and their derivatives; o-, m-, p-phenylenediamine, diaminotoluenes and their derivatives; salts thereof). The HS code for Phenylenediamine, including its ortho, meta, and para isomers, is 2921.51.
How do I classify Phenylenediamine for customs?
Phenylenediamine is classified under HS code 292151 — Amine-function compounds; aromatic amines and their derivatives; o-, m-, p-phenylenediamine, diaminotoluenes and their derivatives; salts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are derivatives of phenylenediamine included in this code?
Yes, HS code 2921.51 includes both the primary amines and their derivatives, as well as any salts derived from these compounds.
Which countries are the top exporters of phenylenediamine (HS 292151)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292151 (the code used for phenylenediamine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($366M, 45% of world exports), Belgium ($135M) and South Korea ($80M). World exports came to about $820M, 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 phenylenediamine (HS 292151)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 292151 (the code used for phenylenediamine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($121M, 14% of world imports), Pakistan ($69M) and Germany ($61M). World imports came to about $864M, 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 Phenylenediamine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 292151 for Phenylenediamine 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 phenylenediamine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 292151 into 11 NCM codes, so the right one for phenylenediamine depends on the product's details: 2921.51.11 (m-Phenylenediamine and its salts), 2921.51.12 (Diaminotoluenes (toluylenediamines)), 2921.51.19 (Other phenylenediamines, diaminotoluenes and salts), 2921.51.20 (Sulphonated phenylenediamine derivatives; salts), 2921.51.31 (N,N'-Di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine), 2921.51.32 (N-Isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD)), and more.