Product classification
HS code for Salicylic acid: 2918.21
Acids, carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts.
Classification of salicylic acid under HS 2918.21
Salicylic acid is classified under HS code 2918.21. This classification is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2918 includes carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions (such as alcohol, phenol, aldehyde, or ketone functions) and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Salicylic acid (ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid) is a carboxylic acid that also contains a phenol function, making it a phenolic acid. Subheading 2918.21 is a specific provision for salicylic acid and its salts. This classification applies to the chemical in its pure form or as a chemically defined compound. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, but for customs purposes, the chemical structure dictates its placement in Chapter 29 rather than Chapter 30 or 33, unless it is prepared as a medicament or retail cosmetic.
- Covers
- Pure salicylic acid powder
- Sodium salicylate
- Calcium salicylate
- Potassium salicylate
- Technical grade salicylic acid
- Also under 2918.21
- Neutrogena (acne products)
- The Ordinary (skincare)
- Bayer (Aspirin precursor)
Codes often confused with 2918.21
Common mistake. Salicylic acid is often confused with O-acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), which is classified under HS code 2918.22. While related, they are distinct chemical entities. Another common error is classifying salicylic acid under 3004 if it is packaged as a finished medicine, or 3304 if it is part of a prepared skin-care lotion. However, as a raw bulk chemical, 2918.21 is the correct code. Esters of salicylic acid, such as methyl salicylate, are classified under 2918.23.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291821 (the code used for salicylic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291821 (the code used for salicylic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 26% 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 291821, not only salicylic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $46M 34% of world exports
- 2 France $28M 21% of world exports
- 3 India $26M 19% of world exports
World total: $136M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $33M 26% of world imports
- 2 United States $20M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $126M 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 salicylic acid
Brazil splits HS 2918.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2918.21.10Salicylic acid
- 2918.21.20Salts of salicylic acid
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about salicylic acid
What is the HS code for Salicylic acid?
The HS code for Salicylic acid is 291821 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts). The HS code for salicylic acid and its salts is 2918.21.
How do I classify Salicylic acid for customs?
Salicylic acid is classified under HS code 291821 — Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sodium salicylate classified under the same code?
Yes, HS code 2918.21 specifically includes both salicylic acid and its salts, such as sodium salicylate.
Which countries are the top exporters of salicylic acid (HS 291821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291821 (the code used for salicylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($46M, 34% of world exports), France ($28M) and India ($26M). World exports came to about $136M, 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 salicylic acid (HS 291821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291821 (the code used for salicylic acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($33M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($20M) and Germany ($11M). World imports came to about $126M, 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 Salicylic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291821 for Salicylic 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 salicylic acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291821 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for salicylic acid depends on the product's details: 2918.21.10 (Salicylic acid), 2918.21.20 (Salts of salicylic acid).