Product classification
HS code for Propionic acid: 2915.50
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, propionic acid, its salts and esters.
Classification of propionic acid under HS 2915.50
Propionic acid is classified under HS code 2915.50, which falls within the chapter for organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 29.15 covers saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. Propionic acid (also known as propanoic acid) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C3H6O2. The classification 2915.50 is comprehensive, covering not only the pure acid but also its salts and esters. This is significant because salts like calcium propionate and sodium propionate are widely used in the food industry as preservatives to inhibit mold growth in baked goods. The classification is driven by the molecular structure of the substance; as a three-carbon chain acid, it follows acetic acid (2915.21) in the systematic arrangement of the Harmonized System. Whether the product is in a liquid state as a pure acid or a crystalline state as a salt, it remains under this subheading as long as it is a chemically defined organic compound. This ensures that industrial, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade versions of the chemical are tracked consistently across international borders.
- Covers
- Pure propionic acid (propanoic acid)
- Calcium propionate (food preservative)
- Sodium propionate
- Ethyl propionate (ester)
- Methyl propionate
- Potassium propionate
- Also under 2915.50
- BASF Propionic Acid
- Perstorp Propionic Acid
- Eastman Propionic Acid
- Danisco Calcium Propionate
Codes often confused with 2915.50
Common mistake. Propionic acid is sometimes misclassified under 29.15.21 (acetic acid) or 29.15.31 (ethyl acetate) due to similarities in chemical naming. Another common error is classifying the salts under 38.08 as prepared preservatives. However, according to Chapter 29 notes, a separate chemically defined compound remains in Chapter 29 even if it has a specific preservative function, unless it is put up in forms or packings for retail sale as a disinfectant or pesticide.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291550 (the code used for propionic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291550 (the code used for propionic acid) 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 propionic acid.
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 propionic acid
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 propionic acid
What is the HS code for Propionic acid?
The HS code for Propionic acid is 291550 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; propionic acid, its salts and esters). The HS code for propionic acid, as well as its salts and esters, is 2915.50.
How do I classify Propionic acid for customs?
Propionic acid 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.
Are food-grade mold inhibitors classified here?
If the inhibitor is a pure salt like calcium propionate, it is classified under 2915.50. If it is a complex mixture of different preservatives, it may fall under 38.24.
Which countries are the top exporters of propionic acid (HS 291550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291550 (the code used for propionic acid) 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 propionic acid (HS 291550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291550 (the code used for propionic acid) 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 Propionic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291550 for Propionic 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 propionic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291550 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for propionic acid 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).