Product classification

HS code for Sebacic acid: 2917.13

Acids, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters.

Classification of sebacic acid under HS 2917.13

Sebacic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with the formula (CH2)8(CO2H)2. Under the Harmonized System, organic chemicals are classified in Chapter 29. Specifically, acyclic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids are grouped under heading 29.17. Sebacic acid, along with azelaic acid, is explicitly named in subheading 2917.13. This classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule, which consists of a straight carbon chain with two carboxylic acid groups. The code also encompasses the salts and esters of sebacic acid, such as dibutyl sebacate or dimethyl sebacate, which are frequently used as plasticizers or in the production of lubricants and cosmetics. The precise chemical identity of the substance as a saturated acyclic diacid ensures its placement in this specific category, regardless of whether it is derived from castor oil or synthetic sources. This classification is vital for chemical importers and exporters to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, as sebacic acid is a key intermediate in the production of high-performance polymers like Nylon 6,10. The subheading 2917.13 is internationally harmonized, meaning it is recognized globally for this specific chemical compound and its immediate derivatives.

Covers
  • Pure sebacic acid (decanedioic acid)
  • Dimethyl sebacate (DMS)
  • Dibutyl sebacate (DBS)
  • Dioctyl sebacate (DOS)
  • Sodium sebacate salts
  • Disodium sebacate for industrial use
Also under 2917.13
  • Croda Azelaic Acid
  • Arkema Sebacic Acid
  • Emery Oleochemicals Azelaic Acid
  • Elevance Renewable Sciences Sebacic Acid

Codes often confused with 2917.13

Common mistake. Sebacic acid is sometimes misclassified under 2915.90, which covers other saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids. However, because sebacic acid has two carboxylic groups, it must be in 2917. It may also be confused with 2918.30 (carboxylic acids with aldehyde or ketone functions), but sebacic acid lacks these additional functional groups. Another error is using 3812.20 for plasticizers; while sebacic acid esters are plasticizers, the pure chemical remains in Chapter 29.

2915.90Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in heading no. 291529.17Acids; polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxy-acids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives2918.30Acids; carboxylic acids, (with aldehyde or ketone function but without other oxygen function), their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their derivatives3812.20Plasticisers, compound; for rubber or plastics

Top exporters and importers of HS 291713 (the code used for sebacic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291713 (the code used for sebacic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 291713, not only sebacic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $187M
  2. 2 India $35M
  3. 3 Germany $29M

World total: $332M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $74M
  2. 2 Italy $43M
  3. 3 United States $42M

World total: $355M 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 sebacic acid

Brazil splits HS 2917.13 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about sebacic acid

What is the HS code for Sebacic acid?

The HS code for Sebacic acid is 291713 (Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters). The specific HS code is 2917.13, covering the acid, its salts, and its esters.

How do I classify Sebacic acid for customs?

Sebacic acid is classified under HS code 291713 — Acids; acyclic polycarboxylic acids; azelaic acid, sebacic acid, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sebacic acid used in the production of plastics?

Yes, it is a primary monomer used in the synthesis of Nylon 6,10 and various biodegradable plastics.

Which countries are the top exporters of sebacic acid (HS 291713)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291713 (the code used for sebacic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($187M, 56% of world exports), India ($35M) and Germany ($29M). World exports came to about $332M, 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 sebacic acid (HS 291713)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291713 (the code used for sebacic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($74M, 21% of world imports), Italy ($43M) and the United States ($42M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 Sebacic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291713 for Sebacic 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 sebacic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291713 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for sebacic acid depends on the product's details: 2917.13.10 (Azelaic acid, its salts and esters), 2917.13.21 (Sebacic acid), 2917.13.22 (Dibutyl sebacate), 2917.13.23 (Dioctyl sebacate), 2917.13.29 (Other sebacic acid salts and esters).