Product classification
HS code for Propionates: 2915.50
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, propionic acid, its salts and esters.
Classification of propionates under HS 2915.50
Propionates, which include the salts and esters of propionic acid, are classified under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, dedicated to organic chemicals. Specifically, they fall under Heading 2915, which covers saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, as well as their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2915.50 is the specific category for propionic acid, its salts, and its esters. This classification is based on the molecular structure of the compound, which features a three-carbon chain. Under the Harmonized System's General Rules for Interpretation, the chemical identity as a derivative of a saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid is the primary factor for its placement. Propionates are essential in the food industry as antimicrobials and in the chemical industry for the production of plastics and perfumes. The classification remains consistent for these compounds as long as they are imported as separate chemically defined organic substances, regardless of their intended end-use in food or industry.
- Covers
- Calcium propionate (commonly used as a bread preservative)
- Sodium propionate
- Ethyl propionate (an ester used in fragrances)
- Methyl propionate
- Propionic acid in its pure form
- Also under 2915.50
- BASF Propionic Acid
- Perstorp Propionic Acid
- Eastman Propionic Acid
- Danisco Calcium Propionate
Codes often confused with 2915.50
Common mistake. Propionates are often misclassified under HS code 2915.70, which covers palmitic acid, stearic acid, and their salts and esters, or under 2915.90, which is a residual category for other saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids. Confusion also arises with acetates (2915.39) due to their similar use in industrial applications. It is vital to identify the specific carbon chain length; propionates always have three carbons, whereas acetates have two, which dictates the specific subheading within 2915.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291550 (the code used for propionates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291550 (the code used for propionates) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 291550, not only propionates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $94M 20% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $63M 13% of world exports
World total: $475M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $68M 14% of world imports
- 2 India $40M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $32M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $492M 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 propionates
Brazil splits HS 2915.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2915.50.10Propionic acid
- 2915.50.20Salts of propionic acid
- 2915.50.30Esters of propionic acid
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about propionates
What is the HS code for Propionates?
The HS code for Propionates is 291550 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; propionic acid, its salts and esters). The HS code for propionates, including propionic acid and its salts or esters, is 2915.50.
How do I classify Propionates for customs?
Propionates is classified under HS code 291550 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; propionic acid, its salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for food-grade calcium propionate?
No, calcium propionate used as a food additive is still classified under 2915.50 as it is a salt of propionic acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of propionates (HS 291550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291550 (the code used for propionates) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 24% of world exports), China ($94M) and the Netherlands ($63M). World exports came to about $475M, 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 propionates (HS 291550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291550 (the code used for propionates) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($68M, 14% of world imports), India ($40M) and the United States ($32M). World imports came to about $492M, 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 Propionates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291550 for Propionates 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 propionates in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291550 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for propionates depends on the product's details: 2915.50.10 (Propionic acid), 2915.50.20 (Salts of propionic acid), 2915.50.30 (Esters of propionic acid).