Product classification
HS code for Riboflavin: 2936.23
Vitamins, vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed.
Classification of riboflavin under HS 2936.23
Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, is classified under HS code 2936.23, a specific designation within the organic chemicals chapter of the Harmonized System. Heading 2936 is reserved for provitamins and vitamins, including their derivatives and concentrates. The classification logic for vitamins is based on their chemical structure and purity. Riboflavin-5'-phosphate and other pure derivatives are included here, provided they are not mixed with other substances for specific therapeutic or prophylactic uses. The unmixed requirement is a key factor; once riboflavin is blended with other vitamins or minerals into a final dosage form like a tablet or capsule, it typically moves to Chapter 30 (Medicaments). Similarly, if it is added to a food preparation as a fortificant, it may fall under Chapter 21. The 2936.23 code is used primarily for the bulk chemical trade of the vitamin, which is then used as a raw material in the pharmaceutical, food, and animal feed industries. Accurate classification ensures that the chemical is monitored correctly for safety standards and trade agreements related to pharmaceutical ingredients and nutritional additives.
- Covers
- Pure Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Riboflavin-5'-phosphate sodium
- Riboflavin butyrate
- Synthetic Riboflavin powder
- Riboflavin concentrates (unmixed)
- Also under 2936.23
- DSM
- BASF
- Zhejiang Medicine Co.
- Ltd.
- Brother Enterprises
- Hubei Guangji Pharmaceutical
Codes often confused with 2936.23
Common mistake. Riboflavin is often misclassified under 2106.90 as a food supplement or 3004.50 as a vitamin medicament. The distinction is that 2936.23 is for the pure chemical substance. If the product contains additives like flavoring, sugar, or other vitamins, it can no longer stay in Chapter 29 and must be classified based on its final preparation and use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293623 (the code used for riboflavin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293623 (the code used for riboflavin) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 24% 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 293623, not only riboflavin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $95M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $89M 28% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $54M 17% of world exports
World total: $318M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $80M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $41M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $27M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $333M 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 riboflavin
Brazil splits HS 2936.23 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2936.23.10Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- 2936.23.20Riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium (vitamin B2)
- 2936.23.90Other vitamin B2 (riboflavin) derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about riboflavin
What is the HS code for Riboflavin?
The HS code for Riboflavin is 293623 (Vitamins; vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for pure Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and its unmixed derivatives is 2936.23.
How do I classify Riboflavin for customs?
Riboflavin is classified under HS code 293623 — Vitamins; vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can Riboflavin in animal feed be classified here?
If it is pure riboflavin used as an additive, yes. However, if it is a prepared animal feed supplement with carriers, it may fall under 2309.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of riboflavin (HS 293623)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293623 (the code used for riboflavin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($95M, 30% of world exports), China ($89M) and the Netherlands ($54M). World exports came to about $318M, 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 riboflavin (HS 293623)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293623 (the code used for riboflavin) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($80M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($41M) and Germany ($27M). World imports came to about $333M, 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 Riboflavin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293623 for Riboflavin 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 riboflavin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293623 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for riboflavin depends on the product's details: 2936.23.10 (Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)), 2936.23.20 (Riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium (vitamin B2)), 2936.23.90 (Other vitamin B2 (riboflavin) derivatives).